Crawley Cup blow for Met hero

By Peter Butcher

THERE was a cruel blow for young Met Police goalscoring star Jonte Smith when the draw for the first round of the FA Cup was made yesterday.

The Met were drawn at home to League One high-flyers Crawley - and that must a have been a bitter disappointment to Smith, 19, who has scored ten goals in the competition so far.

He is on loan to the Ryman Premier side from Crawley - and loan players are not allowed to turn out against their parent clubs in the FA Cup.

Crawley visited Met Police in the same round 19 years ago, winning 2-0. At that time they were in the Southern League's Premier Division and the Met were in the old Isthmian Division Two.

Hendon and Hastings were both drawn away to former Ryman clubs, though Hendon, who visit League Two Aldershot Town, were luckier than Hastings, who travel to Conference North club Bishop's Stortford.

East Thurrock have the prize of an all-Essex home tie against Colchester United if they can win their home against Chelmsford tomorrow. But it is a huge incentive for Chelmsford as well.

Where next?

Substitutes sink Sudbury AVELEY moved up to third in the Ryman North table with a 4-1 home victory over Sudbury tonight (Monday).
Cade keeps Anvils out in front THE top two in Ryman South met at Crawley Down yesterday (Saturday) and produced a thriller worthy of the occasion which the table-topping Anvils won by the odd goal in seven.

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe