Bristol Athletic survive thrilling comeback from Nicholas Wanderers

Bristol Athletic survived a thrilling second-half comeback from Wanderers to reach the third round of the GFA Senior Amateur Cup.

Athletic dominated the first half and led 4-1 at the break thanks to a Courtney Bean strike, Rob Collins, from the penalty spot, and two goals from Paul Lea. But Wanderers, who had taken an early lead through Jon Scrace, hit back in the second period through Steve Goodyear and Ian Jay to set up a tense finish.

Athletic played some sensational football in the first half and scored some terrific goals. Ironically, however, it was Wanderers who scored first. The impressive Jack Little whipped in a free-kick from deep to find Scrace, who controlled the ball well before flashing a powerful left-footed shot from a tight angle in off the far post.

The home side equalised with the goal of the game, following a lovely move. Kanwarpreet Singh back- heeled the ball to Dan Dorrington 35 yards from goal. He passed the ball wide to Lea, who put in a wonderful cross to the back post which was headed back across goal and into the top corner of the net by Bean.

Soon afterwards, Athletic were awarded a penalty when the referee judged Lea had been brought down by Sholto Blackwell. It was a definite foul but the offence looked to have been committed outside the area. Nevertheless, Collins took the spot-kick well, burying his shot into the bottom right corner.

As the half progressed, Athletic continued to run the show and their pressure told with a third goal. Singh did brilliantly, receiving the ball just outside the area, moving into the box and beating his marker before sliding the ball across goal to give Lea an easy tap-in.

Moments later, Lea and Athletic had another – and this one was all his own work. Picking up the ball on the left, he moved across the pitch, beating two players, before hitting a thunderous shot into the top left corner.

The second half was a different story. Wanderers came out fighting and played with real passion. They dominated the half and created enough chances to win the game. Athletic, in contrast, looked as though they had sent out a different team as they totally lost their earlier fluency.

Goodyear pulled it back to 4-2, controlling the ball on his chest and driving home after a Matt Williamson cross to the back post had been knocked down to him.

This gave Wanderers real inspiration and they launched attack after attack to pin the home side back – and it was no surprise when they pulled another goal back.

Goodyear did well on the left before cutting the ball back to Jay. His first-time effort hit a post but he knocked home the rebound.

Wanderers went for the equaliser but just couldn't find it. They had the chances but failed to convert them.

It was a brilliant football match with both teams playing well and producing some magnificent football. A draw would have been a fair result, but both sides should be proud of how they played.

Bristol Athletic: Mark Garbaz, Rob Collins, Andy Jones, Ricky Newton (Tom Kelly 25), Sean Stefano, Dan Sandison, Dan Dorrington (Moby Bhackered 75), Simon Smart, Courtney Bean (Andre Williams 60), Paul Lea, Steve Goodyear.

Nicholas Wanderers: Richard Guest, Sam Nichols, Jack Little, Sholto Blackwell, Dale Framiloe, Ian Jay, Matt Williamson, Jon Scrace, Steve Goodyear, Jason Adams, Kieran Adams.