Willand managed to progress to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup after winning a tight encounter 2-1 at Millbrook on Tuesday evening.

I dont think anyone expected the replay to be as open as the original tie at Willand last Saturday; and so was the case. A cagey first half saw little in the way of goal scoring opportunities for either side, the sides going in at the break level at 0-0.

The second half saw Willand come out with more purpose and threat in their play, and after 60 minutes they took the lead, Josh Searle curling a shot around a defender into the bottom corner.

Willand continued to apply the pressure and just 5 minutes later, on 65 minutes, were 2-0 up. Will Richards driving a cross into the Millbrook box which was deflected into his own net by a stretching defender.

This setback spurred the home side into attacking action as the pendulum started to swing in their direction. The Willand defence had other ideas and held firm, repelling the home strikers until the 89th minute: a free kick from just outside the Willand penalty area was brilliantly saved by George Burton, but the ball bounced straight to a Millbrook forward who headed the ball into the goal past a now stranded Burton. 1-2.

This made for a tense final few minutes, but Willand managed to hold out to the final whistle. Full-time 1-2 and Willand progress to the next round and an away trip to Aylesbury Utd of the Southern League Division One Central on Saturday 4 September.