Newbury win on Cup debut

FA CUP: Dorset success clinches chance of a 'giant-killing' trip in the next round

NEWBURY'S first venture into the FA Cup produced a 2-1 win at Gillingham Town, a £750 bonus and a trip to Sholing in the next round.

The Hampshire club were beaten in last season's Southern League Division One South and West play-off final, and Newbury will go into September 3's tie as massive underdogs.

But they were well worth their win in Dorset on Saturday, despite losing key men Marc Piper and Luke Mason to injury in the opening 25 minutes.

Jeff Kalejaiye replaced Piper and was denied a strong penalty claim before earning a spot kick reward when he was hauled down by Seb Firman. But Darren Jones' first attempt was ruled out for an encroachment, and his second wad blocked by goalkeeper Johnny Hill with Jones rattling the bar from the rebound.

Kalejaiye broke the deadlock with a 30-yard screamer and Newbury were well in charge before Craig Hill went through to beat his namesake at the second attempt, early in the second half.

Gillingham got back into it when Lee Gale got onto the end of Ash Clarke's pass to beat Jamie Thomas in goal, but Darren Jones hit the woodwork again as Newbury secured their passage.

Newbury are back in league action on Tuesday night when Highmoor-Ibis are the visitors to Faraday Road.