Smith hat-trick sends Town into Supplementary semi finals

Town welcomed back Danny Bent back after suspension and he was joined on the bench by Dave Marshall and Olly Johnson who were both coming back from injuries. Keith Jones was in goal with regular keeper Will Wood unavailable.

The first 20 minute of the game were cagey without any chances being created. Slightly against the run of play the visitors took the lead. As captain Chris Johnson cleared a cross it rebounded off Michael Harness straight into the back of the net. Town responded well and were unlucky not be level when Gareth Melia unleashed a volley from 25 yards out but the ball cannoned off the bar with the keeper well beaten. Five minutes later the equaliser did come as Steve Brown met a Carl Smith corner with a bullet header that flew past the keeper into the roof of the net. After 35 minutes Town edged in front when Smith reacted quickest to a loose ball to slot in the bottom corner with his left foot. Just before the break Town were once more denied by the woodwork. A cross from Nathan Rawdon was headed goalwards by Tony Edwards and as it looked like dropping in the Nettleham keeper tipped the ball onto the bar. Half time 2-1.

Danny Bent came on to replace Andy Shinn after the break. Town started the second half very brightly and were enjoying lots of possession but they had to wait until the 70th minute before moving further in front. Smith was played through by a great ball from Scott Lowman and he chipped the ball over the keeper and before the two chasing defenders could get there the ball had crossed the line. Smith completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Edwards had been bought down in the area. Marshall and Olly Johnson came on for Steve Brown and Michael Harness with ten minutes remaining. Town did manage to hit the bar for a third time when a rasping drive from Steve Lovett beat the keeper but not the frame of the goal. All that was left was for the referee to end the game.

Town will be pleased with their performance especially after going a goal behind. They progress to the semi finals of the knockout where they will play away to Sleaford Town Reserves.

Team: Jones, Rawdon, C.Johnson, Lowman, Shinn (Bent), Smith, Brown (Marshall), Lovett, Harness (O.Johnson), Edwards, Melia.