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Day of drama sees Selsey's run go on
Four goalkeepers, 13 minutes of stoppage time, two paramedics and an ambulance: Selsey's FA Vase clash with Whitehawk had it all.
But most importantly, Selsey secured a third-round tie at home to Chalfont St Peter thanks to a 2-0 win over ten-man Whitehawk.
The Blues' delight at progressing was almost overshadowed when midfielder Ross Woolf was stretchered off after being knocked unconscious when the ball struck him full in the face.
An ambulance arrived shortly after the full-time whistle and, after being checked over by paramedics, Woolf was declared unhurt and joined in the celebrations with his team-mates.
Selsey coach Tony Clark was relieved to see Woolf back on his feet and he shared the players' joy at the continued cup run.
"It was a massive game for the club, it's exciting for the players and special for the town," he said.
"Over the past five or six years, the winners of the Vase haven't been big names, so we're starting to believe we could go all the way."
Just two league points separate these two sides and it showed in a cagey first half.
Whitehawk's new signing, former Brighton striker Joe Gatting, was well-shackled by the Selsey defence while Woolf went close at the other end, poking his effort straight at Hawks keeper Ross Standen after a fine through-ball from captain Alun Morey.
The 39th minute brought the decisive moment of the match.
Tom Ridley's pace took him clear of the Whitehawk defence and as Standen rushed out of his area to block, he handled the ball.
Newhaven referee Darren Eaton had little option but to brandish the red card and replacement stopper Craig Salvage was brought on in a reshuffle.
From the resulting free kick Ridley clipped the top of the crossbar, but Selsey did score right on half-time. Woolf's right-wing cross was touched on by Ridley to Callum Britton, who drilled low into the bottom corner for his fifth goal in four games.
The Blues' numerical advantage showed early in the second half as they enjoyed the lion's share of possession but failed to double their lead.
They were almost made to pay when a misplaced pass let in Gatting, who rounded Steve Phillips but blazed his shot over with the goal gaping.
Just as the Hawks began to grow in confidence, Selsey applied the killer blow in the 57th minute.
Mat Nicholas' long throw was nodded on by Rob Brown and Morey headed beyond the despairing dive of Salvage and into the far corner.
The game was up for Whitehawk and their luck got no better as Salvage was forced off, having injured himself trying to keep out Morey's effort.
Midfielder Kevin Townsend became the third player to don the gloves and he made a fine save from Ridley's fierce effort soon afterwards.
The Hawks had a penalty shout waved away, much to the disgust of manager George Parris.
Gaps began to appear everywhere as White-hawk piled forward and had Selsey been more clinical, the margin of victory may have been higher.
As it was, Clark was left to reflect on the latest successful chapter in Selsey's FA Vase story. "I've been in football for 15 years and to see three goalkeepers used is unheard of," he said.
"The referee got the sending-off absolutely right in my eyes.
"As for Callum, he's made that position his own and he can't stop scoring at the moment.
"We need to kill games off and keep the ball better but it's fantastic to be through to the third round."
SELSEY: Phillips, S Hinshelwood, A Brown, Raynor (Pitham 78), Lee, Nicholas, Britton, Morey, R Brown, Ridley, Woolf (Davis 90).
- STEVE TERVET
* Selsey's 14th home game and 25th game of the season saw them beat Wick 2-1 in division one on Tuesday night.
A Callum Britton free-kick was canclled out before half-time but Ross Woolf hit the winner in the second half.
* Selsey reserves won 2-0 at Arundelthanks to second-half goals from man-of-the-match Danny Pitham and Paul Cooper. They visit Eastbourne Town this weekend.
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
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