Saturday football: Waders and Arlesey through in FA Cup, Stotfold out

Ahead after just five minutes when a defender Peter Gatti’s long ball to the far post saw teammate Alex O’Brien rise to flick a header over Abbey keeper Harry Ricketts, the Waders made it 2-0 in the 38th minute when Craig Daniel let fly with an acute angled effort after an attack by the visitors broke down.

But it was eight minutes into the new half when Waltham Abbey pulled one back when Luke Webster’s run was ended by a trip from Biggleswade’s Darryl Coakley and it was Abbey skipper Stephen Crawley who made it 2-1 from the resulting penalty kick.

However two minutes later the Town’s two-goal cushion was restored as Liam Folds met an Ashley Fuller corner kick and he headed into the top corner and well beyond the reach of keeper Ricketts for 3-1 to help his side pick up the £3,000 prize money on offer.

Also through to Monday’s FA Cup draw are Arlesey Town who won 2-1 at Tilbury, the Dockers having put out Biggleswade United in the previous round.

But bowing out were Stotfold who lost 4-0 away to Billericay Town while also in FA Cup action, Bedford Town went down 1-0 at East Thurrock United with Hitchin Town also losing 2-0 away to Waltham Forest.

However Leighton Town were 4-1 home winners against Abingdon United while Barton Rovers were held in a 1-1 home draw by SSML Premier side Hatfield Town and will have to replay on Tuesday.

Having knocked SSML front runners Leverstock Green out of the FA Cup last month, Biggleswade United were beaten 2-1 in the Premier Division at Pancake Lane this afternoon while at Forde Park in Division One, Langford thumped Lions Lions 5-2.

Elsewhere in SSML Division One, Ampthill Town were held in a 1-1 draw at Harpenden while Cranfield United lost 3-1 at London Colney, Bedford FC going down 3-0 away to Wodson Park.