Bostik North: Haringey Borough turn attention to promotion after Heybridge Swifts prove too strong in FA Cup
Action from the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie between Haringey Borough and Heybridge Swifts (pic: George Phillipou/TGS Photo) - Credit: George Phillipou/TGS Photo
The Coles Park club host Norwich United before travelling to Grays Athletic aiming to remain unbeaten in the division
Lewis Godbold of Heybridge Swifts rounds the Haringey Borough goalkeeper Valery Pajetet before helping open the scoring at Coles Park (pic: George Phillipou/TGS Photo). - Credit: George Phillipou/TGS Photo
Haringey Borough are aiming to use their FA Cup disappointment as extra motivation to succeed in their efforts to earn promotion from the Bostik North this term.
The Coles Park club fell short in their attempt to reach the first round proper of the famous, old competition last weekend.
Divisional rivals Heybridge Swifts proved too strong and ran out 4-2 away winners in front of a bumper crowd of 401 specators.
It left Borough manager Tom Loizou disappointed and meant goals from Ralston Gabriel and Ruaridh Kay proved mere consolations for the hosts.
Heybridge’s reward is a draw away to high-flying League Two outfit Exeter City, while Haringey’s focus now turns firmly back to the title.
Loizou provided an honest account of the tie straight after the two-goal loss, he said: “I’m absolutely devastated.
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“We were very well beaten and they were better than us all over the pitch, so I have no complaints about the result.
“We have played so well this season and done amazingly well to get this far, but we did not do ourselves justice.”
Heybridge were on top from the start at Coles Park and therefore it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 14th minute.
Lewis Godbold managed to get past Valery Pajetat and drilled a shot across the face of goal, which went in off Lawrence Yiga.
It took Borough a while to regain their composure, but they eventually did and equalised in the 57th minute when Gabriel finished off Jamie O’Donoghue’s impressive centre.
But Swifts counter-attacking ploy paid off when Sam Bantick fired home midway through the second half after good play by Godbold.
Luke Callander then took over and struck twice, one from the penalty spot, to make it 4-1 going into the final exchanges.
Kay pulled one back for the hosts, but it was Heybridge who deservedly made it through.
Haringey managed to bounce back on Monday night at home to Maldon & Tiptree in the Bostik North by claiming a 2-2 draw.
Gabriel netted a brace to ensure Borough remain unbeaten in the division ahead of hosting Norwich United this weekend.
Loizou’s side also travel to Grays Athletic next Wednesday (October 25) looking to keep up their good form in the league.
Additional reporting by David Ballheimer at Coles Park
