FA Vase Fourth Round

Hallen 2 Alresford Town 0

TWO second half goals from Ben Bament kept Hallen’s Wembley dream alive as they knocked out Wessex League Premier Division side Alresford to reach the last 16 for the first time in 13 years.

With the recent downpours, work was needed on the Moorhouse Lane pitch to make sure that this tie went ahead after an early morning inspection.

Hallen and visitors Alresford Town matched each other in all departments for most of the match, producing end to end football to entertain the 147 spectators.

The first half had little goalmouth action, the best chance falling to the visitors when Zach Glasspool’s shot came off the underside of the bar after a well worked move.

Mark Fear then fired wide for the hosts, before Ciaran Greening was unable to connect with a Tom Collett corner.

Collett went close himself before Bament had an effort cleared off the line courageously by Stuart Mott after getting on the end of a beautiful through ball by Geraint Williams.

The home side started the second half applying more pressure and Collett appeared to be bearing down on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat until a bad touch allowed the defence to recover.

Hallen were rewarded with the opening goal when the ball found its way into the bottom corner directly from a hopeful cross by Bament.

Alresford responded and mounted several attacks which had the home supporters’ hearts fluttering, hitting the woodwork three times in the second half, but the defence was equal to everything that came their way.

Hallen created their share of chances which came to nothing until Bament doubled his tally when he tucked home a close range effort after being set up by Ash Bennett.

Hallen have been drawn away to EBAC Northern League Division One high-flyers West Auckland Town in the fifth round on Saturday, February 15.