TWO goals each from Declan Rogers and Stuart Eason secured Huntingdon Town a place in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday when they beat Fakenham Town 4-1.
Ricky Marheineke’s side got over a first half slumber to finish off their visitors from Norfolk with an excellent second half display to set up an away trip to Swaffham Town on Saturday, August 31.
Swaffham were the surprise 2-1 home winners in their extra preliminary round game against Wisbech Town, the team that Huntingdon will visit in the Premier Division of the United Counties League on Saturday.
“Fakenham were a hard working side,” said the Huntingdon manager. “But at half time we had a chat with the lads and told them to roll their sleeves up and work harder.
“We were getting dragged down to their level but after we spoke to the players they showed a better work ethic. They were much better and credit where credit is due they did enough to win.
“I’m really pleased to be in the next round because the money is massive at our level.”
Indeed, Huntingdon picked up £1,500 for winning on Saturday and a cheque for £1,925 is on offer for the winners of the game against Swaffham. Also, Swaffham are the club Robbie Savage is following on his Road to Wembley on Radio 5 Live’s 606 show – so there is more than just cash at stake in the next round.
Huntingdon went 1-0 down in their tie but got back on level terms when Rogers cut inside in the area and found the inside post. Eason made it 2-1 in the 35th minute heading home a Dan Moyes cross.
In the second half, after that half time chat, Huntingdon scored two goals inside 10 minutes with Ben Seymour-Shove playing a part in both of them.
Rogers’ second came from a Jamie Graham pass and a touch from Seymour-Shove and Eason completed the scoring with a tap after he had been set up by the winger.
“The team stuck together,” said Marheineke. “The group is becoming close – friendships wise and in spirit – and we will grow as the season goes on.
“We have four hard games on the trot now – Wisbech away followed by AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Swaffham in the Cup, and then Wisbech at home.
“That’s as hard as it could be but we are confident we have a squad to cope with those kind of games.”
Niks Savalneiks was away for Saturday’s game but will be back in the squad for Wisbech and Jack Werndly is also set to sign for the club in time for the game.
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