STANSTED 2 (D Dobson, D Dow) HULLBRIDGE SPORTS 0 Stansted set up an FA Cup clash with St Margaretsbury after an impressive victory over Hullbridge Sports on Friday night. The Airportmen dominated their extra preliminary round clash with their Essex Seni

STANSTED 2

(D Dobson, D Dow)

HULLBRIDGE SPORTS 0

Stansted set up an FA Cup clash with St Margaretsbury after an impressive victory over Hullbridge Sports on Friday night.

The Airportmen dominated their extra preliminary round clash with their Essex Senior League counterparts and deserved the victory in front of over 100 enthusiastic supporters at Hargrave Park.

Stansted boss Terry Spillane was delighted with the victory and the crowd - the largest at the club for years.

"It was a brilliant night from start to finish," he said. "We had 120 people over there which was really good. The atmosphere was electric and it was a great game so I'm sure those that were there on Friday will come back.

"We thoroughly deserved the victory and it was a belter of a game for 90 minutes.

"Our concentration and work rate was brilliant and I couldn't ask for more from the team. We were solid throughout and it all seemed to come together."

The boss picked out his defence for special praise.

"The back four were brilliant and Hullbridge came up against a brick wall," said Spillane.

"I don't like to single out individuals as the whole team was great, but Steve Brown and Michael Palmieri were a different class on the night, top drawer."

Both sides were reduced to 10 men after just 20 minutes of the contest following a scuffle between Bradley Walsh and Steve Reeves.

"I didn't really see it, but from what I've heard both went in for a tackle and squared up putting their heads together," said the Stansted boss. "I'm disappointed, but we can have no complaints."

Stansted had the first chance of the game, but Danny Dow's whipped cross into the box, just evaded Danny Dobson and Sam McCarthy.

However, the Airportmen made the breakthrough on the half hour mark following a corner. The ball was half cleared, but Dobson was on hand to fire the ball into the net at the second attempt.

The hosts continued to enjoy the best of the game in the second half and came close to doubling their lead on 70 minutes when McCarthy fired the ball over the bar following Dobson's cross.

Five minutes later, Matt Cope was called into action at the other end tipping over a looping effort from the visitors.

Stansted made the game safe on 85 minutes when Danny Dow side footed home on 85 minutes following Dobson's cross.

The next round will be played on Friday August 31 or Sunday September 1 as Hargrave Park is still being used for cricket on Saturdays.

Stansted kept up their fine form on Tuesday night with a 2-0 victory at Barking in the League Cup Group D, their first ever victory over the hosts.

The Airportmen went ahead after 30 minutes through Danny Dow. Good play down the left saw a shot from Danny Dobson pushed out by the home keeper, but Dow was on hand to tap home the rebound.

Both sides had further chances in an even first half, but neither could find the net and Stansted went in at the break with a slender advantage.

Stansted came flying out of the blocks in the second half and doubled their lead on 55 minutes. Dobson received the ball 30 yards out, went past a defender and curled the ball into the top corner, giving the keeper no chance.

It was end to end for the rest of the half, but the Airportmen held firm to take the victory.

"It was a brilliant result and we played really well," said Spillane.

"To go there and keep a clean sheet and score two against a side that haven't been beaten in 11 games was very pleasing."

Stansted visit Hullbridge Sports on Saturday.

"The three points are vital for us," said the boss. "Everyone is buzzing and full of confidence.