Sholing go one over the eight

Newbury and Thatcham crash out to leave Hungerford going it alone in the FA Cup

NEWBURY crashed out of the FA Cup 9-1 at Sholing as the Evo Sick League Southern promotion-chasers destroyed them with a first half six-hit in Southampton.

Only goalkeeper Jamie Thomas saved Newbury from a double figures thrashing with a string of fine saves, although he could do nothing as Sholing launched their ferocious first half assault.

Newbury had wiped out Lee Wort's opener when Jeff Kalejaiye levelled the scores, but Sholing stormed away with it as Wort struck again and Kevin Gibbens and Nick Watts each netted twice to make it 6-1 at the interval. Lee Bright notched his own double after the re-start with Adam Stride completing the scoring.

THATCHAM'S unbeaten start to the season went the way of their Cup hopes as they were made to pay for a poor first half performance at Evo Stik League Southern Midlands League Marlow, going down to a single goal.

The decisive goal came 10 minutes before the break when Nathan Jack beat Kieron Drake at the second attempt. Jemel Johnson had Thatcham's best opening and the visitors had late penalty attempted turned down when a Marc Green cross appeared to strike a hand.

That leaves HUNGERFORD as again the area's sole FA Cup survivors after a second minute goal from Luke Hopper at Shrewton United was enough to seal a First Qualifying Round home tie with Wessex League Horndean.

Hopper bundled home a Dean Stow cross, but the anticipated avalanche never appeared as Shrewton got into the game. Dean Foot failed to test Michael Watkins when he was given a chance while Stow had an effort cleared off the line and Mark Draycott missed a good chance after the break. Damien Cheese and Seb Dawes had late openings for Shrewton as Hungerford got through without hitting top form.