Sheffield FC came from behind to beat South Liverpool 3-1, booking their place in the FA Vase third round for the first time since the 2003/04 season.
The world’s oldest club overturned a first half deficit with two goals in two minutes from Nathan Whitehead and Leon Howarth, before Alex Hardwick wrapped up a 3-1 win in stoppage time.
The victory followed an eventful week for Craig Denton’s side, who had last week’s league game against Blackstones abandoned due to weather conditions while leading 4-1.
The hosts came into this game in good form, fresh off a 4-2 away win at Handsworth in the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup on Wednesday, having beaten Ramsbottom United 2-1 in the first round of the FA Vase to set up this fixture.
South Liverpool arrived having reached the FA Vase fourth round last season, earning an exception from the earlier rounds and entering this season’s competition in the third round. Their league form has been mixed, with three wins and three losses in their last six games, and 14 goals conceded in that period.
Sheffield started the game positively and almost took the lead from a free kick early in the game, which narrowly evaded Connor Cutts’ boot.
They continued to threaten, with Pablo Aguas cutting inside from the wing before firing wide, while Leon Howarth saw an effort well blocked by South Liverpool centre back Jack Bentley after the ball fell to him from a headed clearance.
Despite Sheffield starting brightly, it was the visitors who took the lead after 16 minutes. Neil Weaver slipped Robbie Morrow in behind the defence, and the midfielder calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Sheffield struggled to find a response before the break, relying on balls over the top and using Alex Hardwick as an outlet.
South Liverpool looked to double their lead on the edge of half-time, as Weaver was played through by captain Alex Griffiths and forced an acrobatic save out of Sheffield FC’s goalkeeper Sam Green.
Sheffield came out of the break with more energy and were rewarded just four minutes after the restart. Nathan Whitehead miskicked his initial volley, sending the ball into the air, but reacted quickly to strike it again and loop the ball over the goalkeeper to equalise.
Two minutes after Whitehead levelled the scores, Sheffield FC completed the turnaround. Hardwick was played through on goal, and after seeing his initial effort saved at the near post, he unselfishly squared it to Leon Howarth to slot home and put the hosts 2-1 ahead after 51 minutes.
After Sheffield FC took the lead, they came under pressure as South Liverpool had a lot of the ball and attacked down their left wing, but George Clarkson’s crosses were met with nothing but headers.
The game became increasingly physical, with Mason Duff being booked for a lunging challenge on Kiyani Clayton, much to the frustration of the Sheffield bench who felt the tackle warranted a red card.
Clayton then had an opportunity to extend Sheffield’s lead after breaking through on goal, but his finish was straight at the goalkeeper.
South Liverpool continued to push for an equaliser, with James Flight’s low effort after 70 minutes testing the goalkeeper, but it was well saved.
With the visitors searching for a way back into the tie, Sheffield put the result beyond doubt as Hardwick scored in the 93rd minute to extend their lead. Clayton’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but Hardwick was the first to react and put the ball into the net to make it 3-1.
Denton’s side will be looking to carry their momentum into next Saturday’s home game against Ashby Ivanhoe, while South Liverpool will aim to bounce back as they host Euxton Villa.
Sheffield FC will also discover their opponents in the FA Vase third round with the draw scheduled for Monday 2nd November. The ties are due to take place on Saturday 28th November, as the world’s oldest club looks to extend their cup run.
Image Credits: Charlie Talbot
