Supermarine washed away in second half City deluge

Four second half goals saw City overcome Swindon Supermarine at Twerton Park this afternoon to progress to the FA Trophy 4th Round. The floodgates opened for City just as torrential rain swept over the ground and, up to that point, their had been little sign of either downpour. In fact, it was the visitors who started the game much brighter, pressing City back for the opening quarter. However, their tactic of slowing the game down whenever possible allowed City to gain a foothold in the game and they were soon enjoying the majority of possession. Tom Smith and Jack Batten both had good chances blocked before the former also saw a shot saved by Horsell. Tommy Conway was then tripped right on the edge of the area but the free-kick came to nothing. Just before the interval Supermarine fashioned the best chance of the half when Spalding got clear only for Batten to produce a perfectly timed tackle just as he looked set to score. Will Henry blocked a McDonagh shot early into the second period before the deadlock was broken on the hour mark. Will Dean saw his initial shot blocked by Edge’s hand and Smith’s well-struck low free-kick was too much for Horsell to handle. The lower division side could consider themselves somewhat unfortunate to be behind but they were then swept away but a ruthless attacking display from the Romans. On 67 minutes the ball dropped to Smith 12 yards out and he blasted it home. Four minutes later Conway was tripped in the box and he got up to confidently dispatch the penalty kick. Further chances fell to Smith and Conway before Tom Richards completed the scoring six minutes from time with a neat finish after a great run and pass by Conway.