A dreadful first half performance from Whitstable Town ensured that AFC Sudbury will continue into the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.
Although both sides came in to the game in eighth position within their respective leagues The Oystermen had not won since their first game of October, in comparison Sudbury were returning to form after a disappointing start to the season, they came to the Belmont Stadium with a run of six league games without a defeat.
Despite this, Whitstable had a lot of recent success in non-league’s premier knockout competition, last season they reached the last 32 before being narrowly beaten by Ebbsfleet United.
The host’s two managers, Jim and Danny Ward, made one change from the starting eleven who drew against Folkestone Invicta during the week, this came in defence with Ollie Gray taking the place of Luke Doherty.
Within minutes of the game beginning ‘The Suds’ showed a glimpse of what they were capable of, after some quick passing on the left wing Oliver Berquez was allowed time to push into the penalty area, after playing a well worked one- two with Scott Kemp the midfielder fired his first shot of the game over.
The visitors continued to put pressure on Whitstable’s defence and after Jack Wilkinson’s long throw was nodded goal bound by Sam Clarke whose looping header was well saved by Luke Watkins, however moments later Watkins was unable to stop another header from Clarke, a cross- field pass fell to Kris Newby who clipped a delicate cross towards Clarke who, unmarked, was able to put a low header across Watkins to give his side the lead.
Just two minutes later Clarke had the chance to double his team’s lead, after a cross from the right his header was cleared off the line by Ollie Gray, after a goal line scramble he was able to hit an acrobatic effort towards goal but Nick Treadwell was able to deny his second chance.
Clarke’s persistence paid off moments later when he was able to get onto the end of a long through ball from Berquez before unleashing a powerful shot into the near post to score his sixth goal of the season.
Whitstable nearly got back into the game as half time approached; Tom Loynes received the ball on the right of midfield before running at Jack Wilkinson and hitting a powerful shot towards goal, unfortunately for the winger, his shot didn’t trouble Alex Archer as it flew over the crossbar.
This continued as the first half went on, Whitstable were struggling to keep possession which lead to a number of needless fouled which only frustrated the team who allowed AFC Sudbury’s midfielders too much time on the ball meaning they were struggling to keep up with the visitor’s quick passing.
Sudbury continued to look to extend their lead and they nearly did when Sam Clarke continued a weaving run into the box to look for his hat trick before his shot was well saved at the midfielder’s feet by Watkins.
However, Whitstable were unable to control the game as half time drew nearer and in added time Sudbury were able to score again to put the game beyond doubt, Ryan Hervel’s free kick from the right fell towards the far post, into the path of unmarked Oliver Berquez and The Suds newest midfielder scored his first goal for Sudbury to ensure the game was over before half time.
At half time Whitstable made two changes before being forced to make a third soon after as Ashley Ulph was taken off after becoming injured, this seemed to help the Oystermen as they had been ground down by Sudbury’s passing in the first half.
These substitutions clearly helped the Whitstable side as Jake Mackenzie played a perfect pass through the defence into the path of Ian Pulman but the striker sliced his shot wide of the goal.
Despite this pressure, Sudbury continued to create chances; from a quick free kick on the left wing some outstanding passing between the visitors attacking players concluded in Ayrton Coley chipping the ball into the path of Berquez but the midfielder’s powerful half- volley was brilliantly saved by Luke Williams.
Williams needed to be aware of the threats from Sudbury again minutes later when Scott Clarke’s free kick was headed towards goal but it took another incredible save from the goalkeeper to deny another point- blank shot.
The game slowed down soon after, Sudbury’s substitutions meant that no momentum was able to be gained by either team until Whitstable pushed forward with around fifteen minutes left when Scott Heard’s long pass found Pulman on the left wing before the striker cut inside and hit a left footed shot which was ultimately blocked.
Whitstable were finally able to get a goal in the 87th minute when Loynes’ corner was met by Joe Kennett who directed a powerful header past the goalkeeper. Despite their best efforts, it was too little too late as the Oystermen’s FA Trophy journey ends after just 90 minutes.
Whitstable will look to put this disappointing game behind them now as they look to retain the form which put them into the top half of the Ryman League Division One South, they will welcome Hythe Town to the Belmont Stadium next weekend before Faversham make the short journey to the coast.
Whitstable Town: Watkins, Ulph (Crimmen), Wedgeworth, Gray (Girt), James, Treadwell, Heard, Kennett, Pulman, Rowland (Mackenzie), Loynes
Subs not used: Guila, Healy
AFC Sudbury: Archer, Robinson, Wilkinson, Hervel, Henshaw, Pope, Newby (Rymer), Clarke, Kemp (Davidson), Coley (Blackwell), Berquez
Attendance: 192