Dragons second best at Broxbourne

Wivenhoe Town went into this Vase tie in good form having won seven of their last eight games and hopeful of progressing to the First Round of the FA Vase for the first time since 2014. The Dragons had only one centre back in the squad and David Lopez lined up in an unfamiliar position beside Tim Dennis in the middle of the Wivenhoe defence. Tom Lakin was also missing from the squad with Lewis Hagland and Matt Tapley returning to the team.

The Dragons started sluggishly although Tapley had the first real effort, shootings over the bar. The slow start meant Wivenhoe were soon behind. A Wivenhoe freekick saw a break down in communication, giving the ball away and allowing a shooting chance which saw an effort curled round Gallifant. It was soon 2 - 0 when Wivenhoe failed to clear their lines presenting Broxbourne with an easy finish in the area.

Dean Merrett got Wivenhoe back in the game when he headed home a David Lopez freekick, it had been Wivenhoe's first effort on goal. Broxbourne should then have extended their lead again when a break off a Wivenhoe corner saw Gallifant called upon to make a brilliant save, pushing the ball round the post.

Broxbourne started the second half with another couple of opportunities to restore their lead. A shot was sent wide when well placed to score and then David Lopez did enough with a little nudge to put off a Broxbourne attacker who was bearing down on goal. At the other end there was a shout for a Wivenhoe penalty which was turned down.

Broxbourne did get their own penalty, Chapman challenged for the ball, it was deemed to be a foul and the home side took the opportunity to score from the spot.

The closing moments of the game saw Ben Gallifant made another good save to keep the score down but Wivenhoe made it too easy for Broxbourne to create another opportunity which was slotted past the keeper, leaving him with no chance.

The final whistle saw Wivenhoe well beaten and perhaps thankful to Ben Gallifant for a string of good saves to keep the score down. A disappointing day for the Dragons who'd come into the game on the back of a good run of form and hopeful of progressing.