REPORT: Quorn 2-1 Kettering Town

By Dan Sheward

Quorn head into the third qualifying round of the FA Cup after defeating Kettering Town 2-1 at the Stotto Stadium.

Goals from Simeon Cobourne and Marvellous Onabirekhanlen helped the Reds progress to the third qualifying round for the first time in 19 years, despite a Eddie Oppong’s stunning response for the Poppies.

There were a number of changes to Quorn’s starting eleven that faced Harborough Town in midweek. Recent signing Marvellous Onabirekhanlen came on for his first start, replacing Zak Goodson. Dennis Digie, Jasper Tetlow and Joe Lyne all came into the starting eleven to replace the injured trio of Ryan Beswick, Reece Fyfe and Mason Frizelle. With Fyfe only able to take a place on the bench, Lyne led the team out in the Captain’s armband. It was also a special day for Silvio Bello, Quorn’s number two. The fullback made his 100th appearance for the club, having helped the Reds to two promotions over the past three seasons.

From the very start of the game, it was cagey, the opening half was one of few clear-cut opportunities. The first real attack came from the visitors. A neat pass from Levi Andoh down the touchline, saw Oppong on the end of it in Quorn’s box. An attempted cross was cleared out for a corner which was eventually cleared; however, the move definitely got the travelling fans excited.

The Methodists did well to keep the game under control early on. Going forward It was Cobourne who was at the heart of all things positive. Quorn’s first proper chance came through winning the ball in midfield and breaking quickly. Cobourne was able to reach the byline and put a dangerous cross in. Unfortunately, the ball was claimed by Jason Alexander in goal for Kettering, but it was a positive move from the hosts.

The Reds continued to mount the pressure as Quorn’s midfield pair were superb, Lyne and Cain Noble, playing a little further back than usual, didn’t give the opposition a moment to think.

They were at the heart of a number Quorn chances, winning the ball in the midfield before Kettering could play out. Another chance fell to Cobourne, requiring an excellent save from  Alexander after weaving through a number of Town bodies.

It was only a matter of time until Quorn broke the deadlock with the home team looking more and more threatening. The moment finally came just on the stroke of half time, and it was always going to be Cobourne to do it. An excellent corner was swung in, meeting the head of Tetlow, who put the ball back across goal for striker to turn in. It was a deserved lead for Quorn who had no doubt been the better team heading into the break.

Quorn started the second half how they finished the first, on the front foot. Onabirekhanlen utilised his physicality, holding the ball up excellently. The new number nine did well to win a free kick in the attacking third pretty much straight away in the second half. A very positive start as The Reds were aiming to kill the game.

Onabirekhanlen was unfortunate to have a goal ruled out shortly after. A lovely ball from Deen Master found the aptly named Marvellous, who managed to get in front of his man, the run was just a second to soon. The forward was another player who really caused problems throughout, with Kettering defenders struggling to compete with his physicality.

There were few chances for the away team as Quorn continued to nullify the opposition, winning second balls and keeping the energy high in the middle of the park. Cobourne continued to cause problems as Kettering’s Wes York was booked for bringing him down on the edge of the box when he looked to be bearing down on goal for a one-on-one with the ‘keeper. It was another cagey half in a game where Quorn ought to have had one or two more goals.

An overhit corner from Quorn granted a chance to Kettering on the break. Substitute Callum Powell was the one leading the charge but looked to be the only blue and white shirt in Quorn’s box. He attempted an effort on goal, but Tom Allsopp was alert, despite having a quiet afternoon.

Finally, Quorn looked to have killed the game and secured their place in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. Onabirekhanlen was the one to double the Reds lead and make it 2-0. A short pass into Noble saw the midfielder open up for a shot, but fake and pass the ball along to Marvellous, who was open on the right-hand side of the box. Standing up his defender, going in, then out, he finally pulled the trigger and found the bottom left corner.

As it looked to be game over heading in to the final five or so minutes of regular time, Kettering finally sprang to life and made it a nervy ending for Quorn. Oppong wrapped a ball into the top left-hand corner making it 2-1 just minutes after the Reds seemed to have killed the game.

There were seven minutes of stoppage time added, which made it a fairly scrappy ending with the away team chasing an equaliser in hopes of earning themselves a replay. However, Quorn remained resolute and saw the game out despite the momentum being against them.

It was a fairly comfortable afternoon for the Reds in the end, which earned the a spot in the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup. A new club record at the Stotto Stadium saw 757 people in attendance as the club also managed a significant milestone. Cobourne’s opening goal saw Quorn reach 100 goals scored in the competition.

The Reds will travel to Enfield Town in the third qualifying round. The National League South side defeated their local rivals Enfield in the previous round to set-up a first ever match with Quorn. The tie is likely to be played on Saturday the 27th of September (15:00 KO).