REPORT | Quorn 2-0 AFC Telford United

The Reds made history at Farley Way on Saturday afternoon, defeating higher league opposition to qualify for the first round of the FA Trophy for the first time in Quorn’s 99 year history.

First half goals from Courey Grantham and Charlie Marzano were enough to see Rich Lavery’s side triumph 2-0 over AFC Telford United in the third qualifying round.

Grantham had the first shot of the match, but Brandon Hall made a comfortable save for the Bucks. Despite winning a couple of early corners, the visitors never seemed to get to grips with the game and Grantham scored the opening goal in the 9th minute, driving a shot from just inside the box.

Telford responded to the setback well, with Montel Gibson and Jordan Piggott having efforts on goal, but Charlie Woods wasn’t troubled by either effort, as Quorn reasserted their early dominance. Reece Fyfe and Marzano teamed up to work their way in behind the visitor’s defence, with a clumsy challenge handed the Reds a penalty.

Hall saved Cain Noble’s spot kick, but Marzano was quickest to react to the loose ball, slotting the ball in for a second, just inside the half hour mark. The remainder of the first half saw both sides play out a midfield battle, with several fouls each way. The best chance before the break fell to Orrin Pendley, with the defender headed wide.

The visitors had their best spell, coming out after half time, but the edge in possession didn’t translate in to chances as Quorn’s defence held steady, to frustrate step three Telford. Jack Samples, who came on early in the second half, worked a chance but fired wide of the post. Noble and Silvio Bello saw runs ended with free kicks in good positions, but the chances came to nothing.

Despite being down by two, Telford were struggling to get hold of the ball as Quorn maintained possession and looked the more likely side to score. Tyrell Shannon-Lewis had an effort blocked as the hard-working striker made space for himself on the edge of the box. There was precious little for the travelling supporters to cheer as the hungrier looking Quorn side played with tempo, flair and relentless energy, seeing out a memorable victory.

The win means sees the Reds in the hat for the first round draw, which is expected to be announced at 1pm on Monday afternoon. The tie will be played on the 28th of October, meaning that the trip to Corby Town will be postponed to a later date. Keep an eye on our social media for details of when that tie will be played, as well as news of the Trophy draw. Next up is a massive local derby as welcome Loughborough Dynamo to Farley Way.

Dynamo impressed with a 3-1 win at home to, the previously unbeaten, Spalding United, rising up the table to third, and ushing Quorn down to fourth, though the Reds do have a game in hand. That fixture will be played at 3pm on Saturday the 14th of October.