Late Holness header secures FA Cup win

A later header from substitute Omar Holness was just enough to see City past a resolute Shaftesbury FC side in the FA Cup this afternoon at a sunny Coppice Street. Although City controlled the game for long periods, the Wessex League side had restricted them to few sights of goal until Eddie Jones’ 82nd minute cross picked out Holness to finally break their dogged resistance. The first period saw City patiently probe for an opening, with Mo Touray and Elliott Frear looking the most likely source, but Shaftesbury stood firm despite having Benjamin stretchered off midway through the half. Only an early half chance for Cody Cooke and a tame header toward the end of the half from the same player really threatened a goal, although at the other end of the pitch debutant goalkeeper Archie Matthews was little more than a spectator. The hosts showed a little attacking intent during the opening exchanges of the second half but the previous pattern of the game was soon resumed. Shaftesbury keeper Cull was beginning to be called into more action as City finally began to exert more pressure, as he grabbed a low cross just ahead of Alex Fletcher then tipped a Holness overhead kick over the bar. As the game entered it final ten minutes the home side had their first real sight of Matthew’s goal as Wilson found space but his shot was comfortably gathered by the Birmingham City loanee. And a minute later Holness struck to ensure it would be City name in Monday’s 3rd Qualifying Round draw.