CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
SPEC FC 1 AC WHETSTONE 0

Dan Pike scored a late goal to end AC Whetstone's hopes of extra-time and a possible giantkilling in a close contest.

In the end, an excellent finish from Pike in the 88th minute was enough to see the home side through to the next round.

SPEC FC's Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "It was a very close game with neither side really doing enough to win the game. Without meaning to sound patronising, I thought Whetstone were excellent. They showed great fight and spirit and didn't deserve to lose like that.

"The game was played in great spirit with excellent sportsmanship shown by both teams. A credit to the league."

Whetstone joint-manager Clive Nathan told JC Sport: “To lose a cup game in the last five minutes is always hard to take, but this was an outstanding performance from our young team.

“We really could and should have won this game against a strong team that are two divisions above us. I am so proud of every one of the boys that played today and the spirit, determination and talent they showed.

"We left out our two leading scorers, yet still come away from our first ever senior cup game feeling we should be in the next round. I was particularly pleased with the way our substitutes came on and made a big difference. Their attitude exemplifies what this club is all about.”