FA Cup Rocks Review: Maidenhead 4 Rocks 2

Maidenhead went 1-0 up in the tenth minute when a wicked cross from Alex Ball was met by the head of David Pratt.

Bognor - who had young defender Louis John making his debut after signing on Thursday night - nearly equalised four minutes later after slack defending from the visitors saw Terry Dodd’s effort kept out by only the woodwork.

Maidenhead’s fast, attacking game soon served them well again on 26 minutes when Pratt got his second of the day with a neat shot from the left.

However, the Rocks came roaring back and had several chances to give themselves a lifeline.

On 34 minutes, shots from Dan Kempson and Steve Harper were both blocked by home stopper Billy Lumley.

Shortly after, a volley-shot from Harper was put wide by the Maidenhead keeper, with Stuart Axten heading just over from a resultant corner.

However, Maidenhead should have increased the score right on half-time when a shot from Alex Wall was saved by the feet of Bognor keeper Craig Stoner.

The Rocks got a goal back they needed on 54 minutes with a volley from Dodd, following Kane Wills’ corner.

The hosts cranked the pressure up and in the 59th minute, increased their lead when a clever chip from Maidenhead’s Leon Solomon beat Stoner in the Bognor goal.

In the 61st minute, Bognor brought on Lewis Stockford for Daryl Wollers and immediately began to exert pressure of their own, which was rewarded in the 66th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Omar Folkes, Mu MaAn beating the keeper from the spot.

But Maidenhead made sure of their progress late on with a penalty, which was converted by Bobby Behzaei.

The Rocks will be disappointed to bow out but now turn their attentions to another knockout competition - Ilford visit Nyewood Lane in the FA Trophy next Saturday.

Rocks: Stoner, Marzetti, Wollers, Crane, Axten, John, Harper, Wills, Dodd, Maan, Kempson. Subs: Walshe, Stockford, Folkes, Tuck, Boyle.

ROGER NASH