Dinnington Town progressed to the next round of the cup with a resounding 4-0 victory over Long Bennington in the Buckingham Insurance Challenge Cup.
Travelling away to Long Bennington, Dinnington Town arrived with confidence. Both sides started the match tentatively, with the opening exchanges marked by cautious play and few clear-cut chances.
However, it was Dinnington Town who gradually began to assert control, dictating the pace and probing the Long Bennington defence for openings.
In the 27th minute, Dinnington’s persistence paid off as Will Eades finished past the Long Bennington goalkeeper to break the deadlock.
With the score now at 1-0, Dinnington Town had the momentum, and the visitors looked poised to add to their tally.
As the first half progressed, Dinnington Town remained in control, limiting Long Bennington to speculative efforts from distance, none of which troubled their backline.
When the half time whistle blew, it was Dinnington Town who went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead, thanks to Eades' opener.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Dinnington displaying patience in possession and probing for a second goal to extend their lead.
Long Bennington, sensing the danger, attempted to rally, pushing forward with greater urgency.
But Dinnington Town’s defence held firm, managing the game with discipline and composure, and denying the hosts any real sight of goal.
The breakthrough in the second half came in the 77th minute, and once again, it was Dinnington Town who delivered. Corey Glaves doubled Dinnington Town’s lead to 2-0.
The second goal took the wind out of Long Bennington’s sails, and the home side began to show signs of fatigue as Dinnington Town ramped up their intensity.
Just eight minutes later, Will Eades struck again, capitalising on a defensive lapse to secure his brace and put the game firmly out of Long Bennington's reach at 3-0.
With Long Bennington reeling, Oliver Grady added a final flourish in the 87th minute, firing home from close range after a slick team move that left the home defence scrambling.
Grady’s late strike sealed a dominant 4-0 victory for Dinnington Town, who celebrated with their travelling fans at the final whistle.
Dinnington Town are next in action on Wednesday 6th November, at home to Appleby Frodingham in the Abacus Lighting Floodlit Cup. Kick-off is at 8:00pm.