FA VASE

Poole Town 1, Frome Town 3

ANDY Crabtree had double cause to celebrate this week when he was named Toolstation Premier Division manager of the month, just 24 hours after Frome knocked Poole out of the FA Vase.

Crabtree scooped the award for August/September, his first as a Toolstation League manager, after guiding the Robins to nine wins from 12 matches. A 2-1 reverse against Melksham at Badgers Hill in August remains the club's only defeat this season.

Crabtree, who took over from Andy Black midway through last season, said he was shocked to receive the award.

He said: "It's very surprising. It's nice to get some recognition for what we've done here over the last few months.

"This award is not just for me but for everyone connected with Frome Town. We've played some cracking football this season and I hope it continues."

The Robins were made to work hard by hosts Poole Town on Saturday before they were able to make a nest in round two of the FA Vase.

From the opening whistle it was clear this cup tie was not going to finish with the full compliment of 22 players.

The aggressive approach of the Wessex League outfit surprised the Robins, whose initial thoughts turned to survival.

The tone for the afternoon was set in the opening fifteen minutes with Poole picking up three quick bookings after late lunges on Frome players.

Having weathered the storm of rough tackles, the visitors took a deserved lead after 38 minutes.

A mistake from Poole skipper Alex Jordan saw Sam Duggan nip in and beat Max Frampton from close range.

Another slip from Jordan 60 seconds later allowed Mark Salter a clear run on goal and he never looked like missing with just Frampton to beat.

Frome let their over-zealous hosts back into the game five minutes before the break when Steve Gilbert headed home Fawzi Saadi's flag kick.

Yellow cards littered a second half of few chances as Frome fought bravely to defend their lead.

The visitors scored the decisive third goal after 70 minutes when Salter rose to head home Gavin Eyre's corner.

Tempers flared in the closing stages and with five minutes left and Poole's Gary Funnell was dismissed for a second booking after a late tackle on Joe Gomes.

Manager Andy Crabtree was impressed with the resilience of his players, whose reward is an away tie against Lymington Town in the next round.

"Poole are a good footballing side, so I have no idea why they tried to beat us up on Saturday," said Crabtee.

"But we stood up to them and got what we deserved in the end," he said.