Great comeback sees March Town through to last 64 of FA Vase for first time

March Town are through to the Third Round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history after coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2 for the second Saturday on the trot.

After the 3-2 United Counties League Premier South victory at ON Chenecks last Saturday, The Hares again found themselves 2-0 down today, this time at Biggleswade United.

Goals from Jaiden Irish and Mekhi Angol saw the South Midlands Premier side lead 2-0 at the break, with March not creating many chances.

However, cheered on by a large away contingent, Ash Taylor’s men were a different proposition after the break and pulled level through two Dan Cotton efforts, the second from the penalty spot.

Danny Emmington then sparked joyous scenes as he sealed the victory in the fourth minute of added-on time, this time Cotton the provider.

New signings Toby Allen and Harvey Henderson missed the game as they were cup-tied having played for their former clubs in a previous round.

The draw for the final 64 will be made around lunchtime on Monday.

After the match, Taylor said: “That kind of moment at the end when we score the winner is the kind of thing we’ll all remember in years to come. We’ve obviously got to stop giving teams 2-0 starts but we spoke at half-time, changed a few things and still believed we could win it.

“The lads have shown some great character to come down from 2-0 down and win again - what a day.”

On double goal scorer Cotton, Taylor added: “That’s why we brought him to the football club because we know he can score big goals. He’s worked so hard too. He’s been in the trenches, pushed himself to the end and he was dead on his feet at the final whistle.”

But Taylor picked Josh Burrows as his man of the match, saying: “He was up and down the pitch all afternoon and caused them a lot of problems. He is so athletic and so fit.”

On Monday’s draw, Taylor added: “The away following today was amazing but we’d love a home draw and a big crowd in the next round. Having said that, we do enjoy the bus on the way home!

“It’s the togetherness that makes this club special. We all celebrate together at the end as the players and the fans are as one and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.”

Assistant manager Simon Roberts added: “The lads showed outstanding character in the second half and did exactly what Ash asked of them. Full credit to the boys. They were outstanding.”

He also praised Cotton, saying: “It’s not just his goals - his set-piece deliveries are always on the money. He is a great all-round football player.”

On the away support, Roberts added: “I’ve never seen anything like it. The game at Coggeshall in the last round was great but today was unbelievable. They drove us on for the last 25 minutes with constant noise and the din at the end was unbelievable.

“But the lads encourage that with the energy and the effort and the crowd reacts and are great. We cannot thank them enough.”

Biggleswade head coach Kane Dougherty thought his side played some of their best football of the season in the first half and said: “But we knew it wasn’t done at half time and the second half was a different game so credit to March. They had a good away following, they kept putting balls in the box and in the end, it paid off.”

March: Gill, Burrows, Saunders, Brumby, Emmington, Green, Cotton, Tait, Gillies (Rider), Foy, Williams (Escorcio). Subs (not used): Withers, Biggs, Cowie. Star man: Josh Burrows.