Graeme Smith made several changes from Saturday’s win over Basildon United with Danny Sambridge, Tyler Brampton, Lewis Soraf and Nnamdi Nwachuku all being introduced to the starting line-up for some well needed game time against the Essex Senior League leaders, Hullbridge Sports.

As was to be expected, the SeedGrowers took control of the match against an opposition in a lower division. Nnamdi Nwachuku had the first goal scoring chance of the evening, however Hullbridge had their Keeper to thanks as he pulled off a smart save to keep the scoreline level. Ross Wall was the next Coggeshall player to have a good opportunity, after an impressive dribbling run from Correy Davidson, Wall was denied by the Hullbridge Goalkeeper. Davidson then had a chance of his own, however his effort went over the bar.

At the other end, Sambridge was called in to action for the first time as he was required to make a smart save to deny an impressive Hullbridge Sports the games opening goal. Coggeshall continued to manage the affairs, and it appeared Nwachuku was going to open his sides account for the evening, however a last ditch tackle from a Sports defender resulted in the ball looping over the cross bar for a corner. Moments before half-time and Hullbridge’s Keeper was again the hero as he made an impressive save to deny Conor Hubble who’s spectacular effort looked destined for the top corner.

Half Time: Hullbridge Sports 0-0 Coggeshall Town

Hullbridge started the second half on the front foot and looked in the mood to cause annother upset. Their hopes of an upset then grew even stronger as they look the lead at the start of the half. A free kick from just inside the Coggeshall half was delivered in to the box, as the SeedGrowers failed to clear their lines, Hullbridge defender Perry Dunn latched on to a loose ball and smashed the ball home with his left foot past Sambridge who stood absolutely no chance.

The home sides goal seemed to spring Coggeshall in to life, as they created a host of chances. Davidson had three chances in quick succession, however was unable to equalise. One effort sailed over the cross bar, the Goalkeeper made a smart save before his third effort was cleared by a defender. Nwachuku then created another chance for his side, as his cross found Tyler Brampton but sadly, Brampton’s header went over the cross bar. Nwachuku had another chance to equalise as he found himself one-on-one with his the Hullbridge shot-stopper, however Nwachuku was unable to keep his effort on target as it went wide of the far post.

Desperate to get back in to the game, manager Smith introduced Sam Bantick and George Cocklin who replaced Daniel Cunningham & Conor Hubble which then resulted in a change of formation. The changes made an immediate impact as moments later, the SeedGrowers equalised. Bantick delivered a corner from the right, the ball bounced around in the side the Hullbridge box before Nwachuku eventually bundled the ball in to the back of the net from a number of yards. Minutes later and Coggeshall had their second goal, an acrobatic pass from Cocklin found Bantick in a wide position, all alone. Bantick delivered a fierce ball in to the box, on to the foot of Davidson who volley the ball, smartly in to the back of the net for his third goal in as many games. Coggeshall had turned the game on its head in just over two minutes.

As Hullbridge desperately tried to get back in the game, they were unable to capitalise on a number of set pieces whilst Coggeshall failed to make the most of a number of counter attacks with both Bantick and Wall having good chances to extend Coggeshall’s lead. However, it wasn’t to be for Hullbridge who failed to find an equaliser as the SeedGrowers progressed to the quarter finals of the competition.

Full Time: Hullbridge Sports 1-2 Coggeshall Town

Attendance: 81

Hullbridge Sports:
George Marsh, Sam Taylor, Matt Rose, Jamal Allen, Perry Dunn, Shawn Coe, Matt Tapley, Jimmy Cox, Michael Salako, Nathan Scarborough, Emmanuel Okunja.

Substitutes:
Lewis, Risk, Harry Skinner, Adebola Sotoyinbo, Joe Pattison, Matt Dicks

Coggeshall Town:
Danny Sambridge, Tyler Brampton, Lewis Soraf, Daniel Cunningham, Dexter Peter, Jamie Shaw, Correy Davidson, Conor Hunnle, Nnamdi Nwachuku, Ross Wall, Tevan Allen.

Substitutes:
Emmanuel Foralin, George Cocklin, Sam Bantick, Syrus Gordon, James Bransgrove