HAMBLE Club will be the lone flag-bearers for the Sydenhams Wessex League in the FA Vase last 16.
Following Blackfield & Langley’s replay defeat at Bracknell last Tuesday, the league’s only other survivors were Newport IW.
But they too bowed out at St George’s Park on Saturday as Bradford Town – 4-0 conquerors of Team Solent – claimed another Wessex scalp.
The pendulum looked to have swung Newport’s way when Bradford goalkeeper Charlie Phillips was sent off.
After a delay of five minutes, Bobcats’ 39-year-old manager Danny Greaves – handily, a former 'keeper with Bristol Rovers and Forest Green – took over between the sticks.
Newport, though, were unable to take advantage of having an extra man and sorely missed suspended centre-forward Charlie Urry, who had scored eight times in his previous eight outings.
That lack of firepower cost the Islanders dear and on 80 minutes Mark Wall tapped in a soft goal from five yards to send Bradford through 1-0.
All hopes now rest on Hamble Club’s fifth-round trip to Windsor on February 3.
For now, the Monks are in the midst of a busy January which saw them battle out a 2-2 home draw with league leaders Andover Town on Saturday.
Jack McCarthy scored both goals as Hamble went in at half-time holding a 2-0 lead.
It remained that way until the 75th minute when Mike Gosney sparked an Andover comeback.
The ex-Totton winger played a quick one-two with Jason Silver before firing home.
Then, less than ten minutes later, Silver produced a delightful finish for 2-2.
Andover boss Glenn Burnett summed up: “A poor opening 45 minutes from us, but can’t fault the lads’ response at half-time.
“We needed another five minutes and I think we could have nicked the three points but, on reflection, it was probably a fair result.”
Hamble Club had been due to make the short trip to Sholing tomorrow (Tuesday) in the Southampton Senior Cup quarter-finals, but the tie has been postponed today following heavy rain.
Andover defender Connor Cocklin landed awkwardly at Hamble and underwent neck and back x-rays over the weekend. He has whiplash, but thankfully no serious damage.
*Lymington Town eased above Alresford into fifth place with a 3-1 win at Arlebury Park.
Owen Fee (2) and Sam House struck for Lymo, with Ben White netting the Magpies' reply.
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