Chipstead's FA Cup dreams still alive but Leafe and Rams bow out (From Surrey Comet)

Chipstead's FA Cup dreams still alive but Leafe and Rams bow out

2:15pm Thursday 8th September 2011 in Ryman League

Chipstead's dreams of repeating their 2008 run to the final FA Cup qualifying round are one step closer after making it through the preliminary round on Sunday, writes Hamish Mackay.

Mark Tompkins' side, who lost to Torquay United three years ago, beat Epsom and Ewell 2-1 to set up a first qualifying round match at home to Redhill on September 17.

Jason Goodchild gave them the lead in the first half, stooping to head home at the back post, and Alec Wilks secured victory after the break despite a late fightback from their Combined Counties League opponents.

Croydon Athletic though will be concentrating on league action after they bowed out of the cup on Saturday, losing 1-0 at Chatham Town.

Kery Kedze had the best chance for the Rams in a lacklustre game that Chatham won thanks to Chris Hill's scrambled goal.

Whyteleafe will also be looking to the league having lost to Ryman Division One South rivals Folkestone Invicta in a replay.

On Saturday, Jay Garrick and Fabien Batchelor twice gave them the lead but they were pegged back both times, the second equaliser coming in the 88th minute for a 2-2 draw.

Garrick scored in the replay too but couldn't prevent a 2-1 defeat.

All three clubs return to league action this Saturday with Chipstead hosting Dulwich Hamlet, Croydon taking on Maidstone United at home and Whyteleafe facing Burgess Hill Town.