Foulsham 2, Harleston 3FOULSHAM welcomed Harleston in the quarter-finals of the Cyril Ballyn Trophy. Foulsham started quickly and could have had the game wrapped up in the first 15 minutes when Justin Howe and Simon Prior's headers should have found the back of the net.

Foulsham 2, Harleston 3

FOULSHAM welcomed Harleston in the quarter-finals of the Cyril Ballyn Trophy. Foulsham started quickly and could have had the game wrapped up in the first 15 minutes when Justin Howe and Simon Prior's headers should have found the back of the net.

However, despite all the pressure and chances that fell Foulsham's way it was Harleston who took the lead with a goal that began from a Foulsham corner. Harleston's No 8 collected from the goal line and started his run. He evaded the few Foulsham challenges that came his way before passing the ball to his striker who had the simple task of chipping the oncoming keeper into an empty net. Foulsham continued to push forward again with chances missed until Simon Prior popped up to get on the score sheet for 1-1.

In the second half Ben Darby and Paul Sizer battled for every ball and when a Harleston defender was sent off - bringing down Simon Prior - Foulsham's chances looked good. However, although the challenge looked to be in the penalty area the referee awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. Stu Longhorn's effort sailed over the bar. However despite all Foulsham's pressure they found themselves behind again when Mark Bidewell in the Foulsham goal made the decision to come and dive at a player's feet for the ball. The player went down, the ref pointed to the spot and it was 2-1 Harleston. Things then got even worse when Harleston made one of their rare attacks. The Foulsham defence failed to clear and the score was 3-1.

Foulsham never gave up. Aaeron Moss came on for Mark Willimott, Dayne Mayes replaced Aaron Dougall and Foulsham penned Harleston back in their own half.

When Ben Darby got on the score sheet after beating at least two players before slotting past the keeper, it was no more than he and Foulsham deserved.

Foulsham still looked capable of winning the game and for the final 15 minutes Harleston were pegged back into their own half.

But as chance after chance came Foulsham's way they just couldn't hit the back of the net.