EP progress as Boswell nets extra-time winner

Despite the win, however, EP boss Dominic Di Paola was less than happy that his side had to play the extra 30 minutes.

EP were 2-1 ahead against ten men when Crowborough snatched an equaliser, which came from a free kick and Di Paola said: “Both of their goals came from set-pieces, which really disappointed me – it drives me mad as a manager.

“We should have just cleared the ball for their second but tried to play too much pretty football.

“Kev Keehan and Niall O’Hagan were both struggling with injuries, so the last thing we wanted was extra-time – when Liam O’Brien then got injured and Mark Pullan is struggling with a back injury as well now.

“It was very frustrating but it’s good to be in the next round and it’s good for the club.”

Jason Barton struck to give Crows the lead from a corner but Tom Levitt levelled from Boswell’s cross on 25 minutes.

After Crows were reduced to ten men, Joe Shelley slotted EP into the lead on 72 minutes but Sam Carrington equalised to force extra-time seven minutes later.

O’Brien set up Boswell for EP’s winner on 110 minutes, before O’Brien was forced off with an ankle injury, but EP, having used all their subs, held on to progress.

EP have re-signed attacking midfielder Charlie Oatway, who was part of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Development squad last season. He is currently out with an Achilles injury but Di Paola hopes he will be back in action soon.