Tola Showunmi’s late strike earns Crawley victory over Maidenhead

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Tola Showunmi’s first Crawley goal saw the League One side avoid an FA Cup upset at National League Maidenhead after a 2-1 victory.

The Magpies were on course to reach the second round for the first time since 1886 through Shawn McCoulsky, but Toby Mullarkey’s strike in stoppage time forced extra-time.

And Showumni’s drive with four minutes to go saw Crawley progress to round two for the first time in four seasons.

Sam Barratt went close inside the opening two minutes, but could only find the side netting in a cagey first half at York Road.

Panutche Camara had Reds’ best chance inside the first half, but could not get a clean connection after good work from Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

Maidenhead, however, broke the deadlock after 63 minutes when McCoulsky capitalised on a mistake at the back to break through on goal and finish emphatically.

Reds were then dealt a further blow when goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott was forced off injured, with Jasper Sheik coming on – and the debutant had to be alert to deny Nathan Ferguson from doubling the hosts’ advantage.

And just when it looked like there would be an upset, Mullarkey rifled home from close range after a goalmouth scramble in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Crawley got on top in extra-time and duly won the tie with four minutes to go of the 120. Will Swan did well to flick a long ball into the path of Showunmi, who on his full debut saw his low drive find the bottom corner.