Bramford were unfortunately short of two of their front men in this Shield encounter at Bourne Park where previous winners Exning deservedly progressed to the fourth round after a coreless first period.

Conditions were far from ideal although both teams tried to get the ball down with Exning succeeding more than the hosts. Stuart Rodger and Scott Welton battled well throughout and on occasions both Adam Turner and Stan Wragg got behind the Exning defence without causing the visiting keeper too many concerns.

Drew Turner did eventually get the ball in the net after being set up by Scott Welton but his joy was short lived on seeing the referee's assistant's flag raised for an offside decision. Exning's attacks down the Bramford left were causing concern but, like Bramford, the final ball left much to be desired and with central defenders Aaron Boorman and Darren Smith holding firm, along with their backs Mattie Pryke and Shaun Smith, the first half ended all square.

The second period began in similar vein but Exning gradually began to take control and with twenty-five minutes remaining took the lead when a cross from the left was delightfully side foot volleyed home giving Gary Cox no chance in the home goal.

A second followed quite quickly when a mix up in the home defence presented an opportunity to the visitors who were now well in command. Dan Turner and Asherley Rose came on for Bramford who still managed to create some half chances, especially through Mattie McLaughlin down the left, but they went begging and back came Exning who put the game out of Bramford's reach with a well taken third goal.

Finally, Bramford got on the score sheet thanks to Asherley Rose, whose persistence was rewarded when his side foot effort just had enough pace to roll over the line. Bramford were now showing a little more urgency and suddenly the Exning defence was on the back foot as the hosts pushed forward with central defender Darren Smith frequently deserting his defensive role to add weight to the attacks.

Steve Hayward-Jones came on at the back for Bramford but, unfortunately for the Old Boys, the game was killed off thanks to a penalty which was dispatched beyond Gary Cox's reach and then with just a couple of minutes to go Mattie McLaughlin suffered a nasty cut on the knee which meant a trip to the hospital for stitches.

Some hot food was laid on at the Bourne Vale club for our visitors who had travelled down from Newmarket and all of us at Bramford would like to wish the Exning club the very best of luck in the next round. The game was played in a great spirit with both sides trying to play the game the right way. Thanks also to Kieran for his first aid assistance and to Maurice Scrivener for his efforts in the middle.