Former AFC Wimbledon and Watford youngster Kane Crichlow helps Bishop’s Stortford beat Ebbsfleet United in FA Trophy third round

New signing Kane Crichlow scored an added-time equaliser and netted in the shootout as Bishop’s Stortford won at higher-level Ebbsfleet United on penalties in the third round of the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday (December 9).

The midfielder - a former AFC Wimbledon and Watford youngster who has been capped by Bermuda - came off the bench to level in the fourth minute of additional time as the tie ended 1-1 at the Kuflink Stadium.

And Crichlow converted from the spot along with Mbunya Alemanji, Gio McGregor, Darren Foxley and Zain Walker as the Blues triumphed 5-3 on penalties to advance to the last 32.

Stortford, who are enjoying their best run in the competition for 19 seasons, bank £4,500 in prize money for knocking out their Vanarama National League opponents and are now four wins away from a Wembley final.

Blues goalkeeper and captain Jack Giddens thwarted Dominic Samuel early on before Osman Sow, who was making his full Stortford debut, shot narrowly wide from distance at the other end.

Alemanji was then denied by a great double save from Fleet No 1 Mark Cousins while the shot-stopper also kept out Jack Thomas’ half-volley.

The hosts, who won the National League South title last season and are fourth from bottom in the National League this term, went close when Toby Edser’s shot was pushed away by Giddens.

Blues defender Mark Haines saw a header from a corner saved by Cousins and, after Giddens denied Darren McQueen, they also had the last chance of the opening period as Sow headed onto the roof of the net.

Foxley was in the right place at the right time after the restart to clear a header off the line.

But the hosts took a 64th-minute lead when former Blue Greg Cundle, who had only been on the pitch three minutes, curled a shot into the bottom corner having found space in the box.

Giddens kept his side in the contest by parrying Rakish Bingham’s shot and making himself big to thwart McQueen before Dominic Poleon failed to convert an open-goal chance that would have sealed the win for the home side.

And the visitors took the game to penalties as, deep into added time, McGregor crossed to the far post and Crichlow fired a low shot into the net.

The Blues scored all five of their spot kicks while Samuel missed the target for the hosts as Steve Smith’s side triumphed.

Ebbsfleet United: Cousins, O’Neill (booked 57), Cisse, McQueen, Edser, Odokonyero (Bingham 61), White, Amoo (Cundle 61), Samuel, Ibe (Poleon 61), Kenlock. Not used: Martin, Sterling-James, Tanner, Chapman.

Blues: Giddens, Haines (Adebowale 70), Thomas (booked 31), Robbins, Beadle, McGregor, Alemanji (booked 34), Foxley, Olufemi (Walker 81), Sow (Crichlow 62), Charles. Not used: Marlow, Greene, Alexander.

Attendance: 586.