Goalkeeper dismissed in cup derby defeat
Collingham secured a place in the quarter finals of the Central Midlands League Phoenix Trophies Floodlit Cup after a comfortable victory over tenants Newark Town — their second big derby win in successive months.
Town, looking for their second win of the season in all competitions, were missing five regular starters, including both full-backs.
That limited manager Steve Chappell’s options and their cause was made even harder when keeper Craig Rhodes, who had saved a penalty, was later sent-off with the score at 3-0.
Collingham started well and took a sixth-minute lead when full-back Matt Ward cut in from the left, beat two players and fired into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
The lead was doubled on 13 minutes when Callum Chapman capped a good team move with a 10-yard finish.
Sidnei Costa headed a further chance wide from a George Asplin cross before Town fought back.
Midfielder Ryan Rushen’s unstoppable strike into the top corner from 25 yards made it 3-0, however, ahead of Rhodes’ penalty save.
The keeper did well to keep out Asplin’s spot-kick after a foul on striker Sean James.
The final chance of the first-half fell to Rushen, who lifted his shot over the bar from inside the area.
Town had their best spell immediately after the restart, but failed to test Ellis Spencer in the home goal.
Any hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 63rd minute when Rhodes was dismissed after bringing down Costa outside the area.
Substitute Josh Johnson went in goal and was beaten three times in the next ten minutes by Costa, Tom Moore’s close-range header and Asplin’s 17th goal of the season.
Rushen added his second of the tie to complete the rout and secure a trip to Appleby Frodingham in February.
Collingham 1 Phoenix 0
Regular right-back Matt Ward played in goal for 30 minutes as Collingham ended Phoenix’s three-match winning run in the Central Midlands League North.
He took over from the injured Ellis Spencer, but the home side still went on to win thanks to George Asplin’s 38th-minute finish.
Sidnei Costa’s through ball found Asplin on the edge of the area and he slotted the ball between the keeper’s legs.
The goal stood, despite Phoenix appealing for a handball in the build-up.
Rain and a strong wind made play difficult.