The first round of the FA Sunday Cup presents a rare opportunity to take in a football match at Bower Park, the home of Aspatria Rugby Union Club.
Concerns are expressed before the game that placing the football goals in front of the rugby posts has created a pitch that is less than the minimum length required by the competition rules, but the officials agree that the game should go ahead and the discrepancy be mentioned in their report.
Worries about the size of the pitch aside, it is an excellent venue, with a clubhouse behind the goal, and a fine view of proceedings from the stand.
The tie sees Aspatria based Red Lion from the Workington Sunday League making their debut in the competition. Their opponents are Fforde Grene from the Leeds Combination, and, with the visitors having reached the semi final of the competition two seasons ago, they must start the afternoon as favourites. No need, however, for the rugby scoreboard today.
Red Lion cause their visitors plenty of problems in the first half, and they are awarded a 31st minute plenty when Luke Towning brings down Richard Hudson, but Doug Rumney blasts the spot kick over the bar. Fforde Grene hit back with a Daniel Sheriffe shot hitting the post, and a smart finish from Dominique Blair gives them the lead with virtually the last kick of the half.
Red Lion gain some real momentum at the start of the second half, creating several good chances, and a second penalty award provides the equaliser on 58 minutes, Michael Garland penalised for handball, and Mark Irwin successfully taking over the spot kick duties.
Fforde Grene hit back with a Frans Kent header from a Mark Hill corner restoring their lead on 71 minutes, but the home fans are celebrating again ten minutes from time, Stuart Irwin powering in a header from Sean Law's corner that crossed the line before Darren Thornton could hook the ball clear.
A cracking tie could have gone either way now, but it is Fforde Grene who stake their place in the next round with a stoppage time winner, Mark Hill doing well to keep the ball in play on the right wing, and setting up Dominique Blair to finish with a superb dipping shot.
