Four goals from Sam McCarthy fired Stansted to FA Cup glory on Friday. An impressive performance from the Airportmen saw them defeat St Margaretsbury and set up a first qualifying round tie at United Counties League side Stotfold. Stansted manager Terry S

Four goals from Sam McCarthy fired Stansted to FA Cup glory on Friday.

An impressive performance from the Airportmen saw them defeat St Margaretsbury and set up a first qualifying round tie at United Counties League side Stotfold.

Stansted manager Terry Spillane was delighted with his side's performance in front of 145 supporters at Hargrave Park.

"It was a really fantastic, cracking night," he said. "I went into the changing room beforehand and looked at the players and knew there was only going to be one winner.

"It was a good performance against a good side and we had a big crowd here who made themselves heard and really spurred us on."

Stansted had an early scare when the visitors had a goal chalked off for offside after five minutes, but this served as a wake-up call to the hosts who took the lead a minute later when McCarthy latched onto a loose ball and beat the keeper from 10 yards.

The South Midland League side drew level on 31 minutes when Andy Birnie finished off a good move firing in the equaliser.

Stansted didn't let their heads drop and poured forward scoring twice in three minutes.

Dave Dobson fed McCarthy and he beat Saints' keeper Kris Smithers to give Stansted the lead after 33 minutes and then Walsh found McCarthy and the in-form striker finished well.

McCarthy wrapped up the scoring with 10 minutes to go in the tie when he ran 30 yards before dispatching the ball into the net.

Stansted 1 Romford 1

A young Stansted side stopped Romford's 100 per cent start to the season on Tuesday, with a 1-1 draw at Hargrave Park in the Essex Senior League.

"We had a few players missing and had six 18-year-olds and one 19-year-old playing and they all equipped themselves really well," said Spillane.

"The youngsters grew up last night and they will be more pleased with the draw than us, which tells a story."

The Airportmen took the lead in the first half when new signing from Potters Bar, striker Casey Clarke, knocked the ball across the box to Danny Dow who hooked in the opening goal.

However, despite a confident display from the hosts, Romford levelled on 75 minutes through a great Des Gallen strike.

l McCarthy was on target as Stansted were held to a 1-1 draw at Barkingside last Wednesday in the League Cup Group D.

l Stansted host Eton Manor on Saturday in the league and Hullbridge Sports on Tuesday in the Senior Cup.

"Eton are champions elect so it will be another good test to see what we can do," said the manager. "I'm confident with our squad of players and we will be looking for the three points.

"Everyone is bubbling and it's a great place to be at the moment.