FOOTBALL FA Cup Preliminary Round Soham Town Rangers 0 Needham Market 2 SOHAM are still looking for their first home goal of the season after crashing out of the FA Cup against their lower-ranked opponents. There were few clear-cut chances in the tie unti

FOOTBALL

FA Cup Preliminary Round

Soham Town Rangers 0 Needham Market 2

SOHAM are still looking for their first home goal of the season after crashing out of the FA Cup against their lower-ranked opponents.

There were few clear-cut chances in the tie until the 30th minute when Martin Bromwich was booked, and from the resulting free-kick Barber's glancing header failed to find the net.

Needham almost took the lead again five minutes later, but Thrower's shot was cleared off the line. Jones then fired over for Soham with the goal at his mercy.

In the second period Martin Bromwich was dismissed for handball - his second bookable offence - and the visitors started to get on top.

With 20 minutes left they finally broke the deadlock through Thrower, and in the 85th minute they made the tie safe when Sparkes fired home a second from 18 yards.

Bailey - like Bromwich - was red-carded for a second yellow after kicking the ball away, but his side held on to reach the First Qualifying Round.

In midweek Soham had lost by the same margin at home to Bury Town in the British Gas Southern League Division One Midlands.

Scott Johnson and Nick Reeson both hit the woodwork for Soham in the opening 20 minutes, but Bury went ahead from the penalty spot after Johnson's reckless foul.

Andy Furnell was making his 200th appearance for the club and Martin McNeil reached his half-century, but there was little else to celebrate as the visitors added a second goal in the 70th minute to clinch all three points.

Rangers are away to Atherstone Town on Saturday.