After a fairly even first 10 minutes, Whitton’s Duane Wright headed wide before they took the lead on 12 minutes, as the Fram defence stood off Jamie Cole he managed to shoot low past Sam Chilvers as the ball nestled in the net via the inside of the post. Ant Johnson was unlucky not to equalise on 18 minutes, his bullet header from a Max Willett corner was headed off the line by Lloyd Clarke before Johnny Kerridge lost control of the ball in the six yard box and the home defence cleared. As Fram got more into the game it was the home side who doubled their lead on 32 minutes, Clarke was allowed to cross the ball from the bye line and from the resultant ball into the box the assistant referee raised his flag as Nick Ingram poked the ball in from close range, however the flag was lowered and following a discussion with the referee the goal was allowed to stand much to the amazement of the Fram players. On 44 minutes Fram reduced the arrears when the busy Danny Smith whipped over an early cross and from the edge of the area Max Willett rifled the ball low beyond Lewis Higgins. Fram had the better of the second half, on 46 minutes Johnny Kerridge headed narrowly wide from a Charlie Smith cross and Danny Smith was a whisker away with a free kick on the edge of the area. Whitton became rattled and had a couple of players booked as Fram took the game to the home side however clear chances were few and far between. As time was running out the home side scored a third on 90 minutes a wayward header was latched on to by Cole who lobbed Chilvers and the ball crossed the line before Ingram slid in to make sure. Overall Fram deserved more however Whitton progress with a visit to Basildon Utd in the next round.
IAIN SMITH