Kidsgrove Athletic pulled off a sensational comeback as they came from 2-0 down to beat Cambridge City 3-2 in the Buildbase FA Trophy.
Goals from Jarid Robson and Jordan Gent had put the hosts in control at halftime. However, a brace from Jake Lovatt and a penalty from Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi in the second 45 minutes ensured the Grove booked their place in the next round.
After a pretty even opening half an hour the game changed on 32 minutes when Lovatt was bundled over in the area as the Grove were awarded a penalty. Captain Anthony Malbon looked set to break the deadlock. But his penalty was expertly saved by Dan George.
From that save, Cambridge broke forward and, Robson was able to beat the Kidsgrove defence before slamming the ball past Kieran Harrison into the far corner of the goal. Frustrating for the Grove who had gone from possibly being 1-0 up to 1-0 down in a matter of a few seconds.
Cambridge doubled their lead on 40 minutes when a free-kick was whipped in and, Gent was able to beat Harrison with a free header. At that point, it looked like Kidsgrove would have a mountain to climb to get back into the game.
That comeback started just seconds into the second half when Harrison made an unbelievable save to keep it 2-0 and allow the Grove to break. The ball was played over the top to Lovatt and, he raced away to beat George and give the Grove a lifeline.
Just five minutes later and Kidsgrove were level. Adu-Gyamfi, who had a majestic game for the Grove, was hacked down in the area as he tried to wriggle free. He dusted himself up and sent George the wrong way to make it 2-2.
From there it looked like only one team would win this game and, it duly came on 72 minutes when Adu-Gyamfi flicked the ball over the defenders head and into Lovatt’s path. He expertly volleyed the ball past George to give the Grove the lead for the first time in the match.
Despite having 18 minutes to try and force a penalty shootout, Cambridge never really threatened as Josh Thorpe superbly marshalled the defence to keep the Isthmian League side out.
Kidsgrove will face Daventry in the next round of the competition on the 17th October.
Kidsgrove Athletic: Harrison, Bromfield (Thorpe 45), Byers, Whieldon, Gunnell, Bergin, Diskin (France 73), Blake, Lovatt, Malbon (Chesters 83), Adu-Gyamfi
Unused subs: Hickman, Cock
Cambridge City: George, Ofosu (66), Simpson, Knight, Gent, Gardiner, Robson, Wood, Ingrey, Gibbs (Sharman 62), Davis (Olukanmi 62)
Unused subs: Maynard, Rigby
Attendance: 212
