Crows progressed at the expense of Epsom Athletic from the Combined Counties league but were made to fight all the way by a side that has lost just one league game this season.
Crows were quickly into their stride and an early effort from Sam Saunders was deflected wide for a corner , Epsom responded with an effort from the number seven Cathcart but this was well fielded by Nick Collick, Callum Ridley went on a great run down the right but his cross was well defended, the game was fairly even at this stage with the referees whistle taking centre stage as both sides were pulled up for minor infringements, clearly any physical contact was not going to be tolerated.
The visitors had a free kick that was plucked off the towering number nine Cathcart’s head by Collick who was giving a solid performance in spite of some rather robust challenges.
Sam Carrington is causing the visitors defence all sorts of problems and almost gets away on the right but stumbles and looses the ball, the same player is then unceremoniously brought down by the left back , the offence adjudged to be outside the area, Alex Riches powerful free kick is deflected for a corner.
The half ends with the Epsom number six heading over from a corner, Paul Butler volleys wide, Nick Collick again dives to cut out a dangerous cross in the six yard box, Sam Saunders bravely challenges but his shot flashes wide of the post.
The game is developing into a midfield battle with Jason Barton and Paul Butler and the unselfish Sam Saunders breaking up attacks, the defence also has a solid look about it with Jack Turner having a real battle with the visitor’s centre forward who is proving to be a handful.
Just eight minutes after the restart Crows make the breakthrough, the excellent Sam Carrington in spite of the close attention of a number of defenders, gets into the box and places the ball wide of keeper Jack Witts under pressure, any worries that the ball will not cross the line are dispelled as Luke Carpenter races in at the far post and gleefully finishes with style.
This spurs the visitors into action and Nick Collick brilliantly saves one handed from a downwards headed chance.
Crows are sending needing a second and following some great interplay between Ridley, Carrington and Saunders which opens the Epsom defence, Saunders powerful shot is somehow headed over his own bar by the number six saving a certain goal.
Sam Carrington is running riot and his shot is spilled but Ridley cannot force the ball home and the keeper gathers.
With time running out, Man of the Match, Nick Collick again bravely saves the day and is injured in the process but Crows run out worthy winners by the single goal and should be well satisfied with this great team performance against tough opposition .