Crows face AFC Croydon Athletic in 3rd Round.
A much changed Crows team had to come from 1-0 down after Di Bernardo brought down Rob Lawrence in the penalty area and Pilcher for City tucked away the penalty after 7 minutes. Attwood and Pearson by that time had threatened the City goal, keeping their goalkeeper, Delo, busy however, 1-0 to City it was.
It wasn't until the 24th minute that parity was restored, a great tackle by Unwin half way inside the City half, saw the ball fall kindly at Pearson's feet and quick as a flash, the forward hit the ball first time over the 'keeper from nearly 40 yards out.
City felt that Unwin's tackle should have been a free kick to them but the referee would have none of it therefore, the goal stood. The City left-back, Sawyer, objected to the decision and subsequently received a yellow card for protesting too much.
After the goal the Crows picked up the pace, Crabb having a good effort saved by Delo, Pearson went one-on-one with their goalie who made a great save however, in the 36th minute the Crows got their second goal their play deserved. Crabb found himself just outside the City penalty area, on the City left and drove a cross in to the City box, fortunately Pearson was at the far post to head the ball home with Delo stranded, 2-1 to Crows. Pearson had to be treated after colliding with the post after heading the ball in.
City then went down to 10 men, Harvey, their captain, getting a straight red for hauling down Attwood on the edge of their area after he broke free from the defenders shackles. The referee deeming Harvey was the last man and judged his challenge as a "professional foul".
After 2 minutes of added on time, the half time whistle blew with the Crows leading 2-1.
The second period started with the Crows going forward, Pearson firing a shot over the bar after a great through ball by Walder in the 47th minute. The next 10 minutes became a bit of a midfield battle before Pearson scored his third goal in the 57th minute, Pring driving the ball low across the City area and Pearson skilfully volleyed the ball home at the far post, 3-1 to Crows and a hat trick for Pearson.
During the rest of the half the Crows were happy to keep the ball and with both sides making all their substitutions the match became a bit staccato as the flow and tempo was constantly interrupted. It also became a bit more physical so free kicks and yellow cards were flashed, Walters-Wright got one for a tackle on Bishop and Nzuzi got a yellow for bringing down Goldsmith who was breaking clear.
In the end it was a good win for the Crows and Pearson, quite rightly, was awarded the Man of the Match award.