A LONE strike by Ben Wright ended Blackfield & Langley’s FA Cup adventure at Gang Warily.

The powerful former Eastleigh frontman scored the only goal of the third qualifying round tie ten minutes into the second half to give National League South outfit Maidenhead United a 1-0 win over the Sydenhams Premier hosts, writes Mike Vimpany.

Dave Tarpey was running the midfield for the visitors and twice midway through the second-half he forced Max Frampton to make fine low saves. Harry Pritchard also had a fierce shot tamed at the second attempt by the Blackfield stopper.

Rico Wilson missed Blackfield’s best chance of the period, while in the dying seconds Magpies' keeper Carl Pentney had to punch out a dangerous inswinging corner from Miguel Laborda.

Having escaped a nasty moment in the opening minute when Frampton palmed away a Jake Reid header, Blackfield carved out a chance to snatch an early lead.

Wilson latched onto a ball over the top from Sam Lanahan but, having wriggled his way into the penalty area saw his near-post shot beaten out by visiting goalkeeper Pentney, who was relieved to see the Blackfield striker hook the rebound wide.

Predictably, Maidenhead enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but despite being forced on the back foot, the Watersiders maintained their shape.

Maidenhead’s threats, mainly initiated by Tarpey, were largely sporadic, though B&L skipper Sam Poole had to come to the rescue on one occasion when Pritchard threatened down the left.

Tarpey’s darting run in from the right ended with the Magpies’ dangerman firing a rising shot over the bar.

Nine minutes before the break Ekow Elliott broke on the right and picked out teammate Josh Buck at the far post.

But the ball appeared to come onto Buck too quickly and, despite climbing well, the Blackfield man sent his header off target.

Ten minutes into the second half Maidenhead took the lead – with the former Spitfire Wright on target.

Pritchard worked his way in from the left and teed up a chance for Wright, who scored from 15-yards, his low shot hitting the base of the near upright and going in despite Frampton’s best efforts.

Blackfield manager Glenn Howes rang the changes, sending three outfield substitutes, with Michael Durdey, Dan Munday and Laborda all coming on, but Blackfield could not muster a reply.