Brentwood Town bowed out of the FA Cup, following a 3-1 Second Qualifying Round Replay defeat to Step 3 outfit Leiston. 

The Blues were looking to make it into the Third Qualifying Round for the first time in nine seasons, but it wasn’t to be for Keith Rowland’s side. 

Leiston had the better of the chances in the first half, and headed in at half time a goal up, thanks to a volley from Ismael Fatadjo in the fifteenth minute. 

Keith Rowland made a double substitution at half time, with Kai Brown and Toby Stevenson withdrawn and replaced by Jessie Olukolu and Benas Vaivada. The changes had the desired impact, with Keith Rowland’s side asking lots more questions of the Leiston defence. Olukolu and Harvey had good efforts from outside the box, whilst the lively Vaivada had chances of his own. He also provided a number of high quality free kicks into the Leiston box, causing issues for their defence. 

Eventually Blues’ winger Vaivada found the breakthrough. The ball fell to him following some fantastic build up play from Brentwood. Vaivada was on hand to slot the ball home from 6 yards to get his side back on level terms. 

Brentwood continued to push for a winner, however Leiston took the lead when Lee Noble headed into his own net from a corner. 

The Blues continued fighting, but the hosts were able to consolidate their lead deep into extra time. With Brentwood pushing forward for another equaliser, Leiston counter attacked quickly. Minter saved the initial shot, but was unable to save the header from the follow up cross. 

The game finished 3-1 to Leiston, who will host Hornchurch in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. 

By Adam Farmer