Sport. Let's face it, it's all about taking the rough with the smooth. This is never more true than when it comes to competing in the FA Cup.

The three sides we regularly cover for our local newspaper clients - namely Romford FC, AFC Hornchurch and Bethnal Green United FC - have all been playing in the Qualifying rounds of the world's oldest club football tournament.

Here at TGS, we LOVE the early rounds of the FA Cup. We get to savour the ups... and to experience the downs. Sadly, all of our teams are now out of the competition and, yep, TGS was present at all the exits to capture the pain of defeat.

Bethnal Green United took Harlow Town to a replay in the 1st Qualifying Round. A late, late equaliser at Barrow's Farm by BGU defender Ajibola Olatunbosun ensured that the teams met again at the Mile End Stadium two days later.

Despite a brave performance from the homesters, Harlow ran out winners by four goals to nil. BGU's goal hero from the first game reacts to defeat as the referee blows the final whistle in the background...



Romford FC made it through to the 2nd Qualifying Round and were rewarded with a home tie against Alan Devonshire's Hampton & Richmond Borough. The ex-West Ham man must have expected a tough game for his charges at Mill Field and would have been very pleased to secure a 4-0 win.

Romford matched their Conference South opponents for long periods but Hampton's clinical finishing was the difference. Here we see Ian Hodges slotting home the visitors' second goal from close range...



AFC Hornchurch and Brentwood Town failed to trouble the scorers on Saturday in a 0-0 draw at The Stadium. The teams met again last night at the Brentwood Centre to contest the 2nd Qualifying Round Replay.

In what can only be described as a drab affair, Brentwood snatched a last gasp winner to secure a home tie with Woking in the next round. Many of the large crowd were undoubtedly relieved to have been spared extra-time.

AFC Hornchurch's despair is summed up in this image as Tommy Black lies on the turf having had his shout for a penalty turned down...



Hopefully this trio of local outfits will enjoy better luck next season. As the cliché goes, they can all concentrate on the League now!

Labels: AFC Hornchurch, Bethnal Green United, FA Cup, Football, Romford, Sport