City suffer last-gasp FA Cup heartbreak

City exited this season’s FA Cup in the most heart-breaking fashion against 10-man Aldershot this afternoon. Just as it looked like Alex Fisher’s goal would earn the Romans a replay on Tuesday at Twerton Park the National League side fashioned a winner deep in stoppage time to secure a place in the 1st Round.

After an early headed chance for Kieran Parselle, City had spent most of the first half on the back foot. Their cause was not helped by losing Scott Wilson to injury after 20 minutes. However, the Shots only went into the interval one goal ahead, Akpan netting from close-range on 24 minutes, as City defended resolutely.

A tactical switch at the break – Luke Russe replacing Jordan Alves – saw the game become more even, although it took a great block by Nick Grimes shortly after the restart to deny the hosts. And City’s cause was further boosted in the 57th minute when a dreadful high tackle by Maghoma saw him receive a straight red  card. Two minutes later Fisher fired over from close range as they looked to make their man advantage count. And with 14 minutes left Elliott Frear’s low cross was converted by Fisher to send City’s 300+ followers into delirium. The game was increasingly open, with chances coming and going at both ends, but it looked as if the tie was heading back to West Country. Aldershot had other ideas though and with 98 minutes on the clock Mullins struck from a couple of yards out to end City’s FA Cup hopes in the cruellest fashion.