Bromsgrove Sporting (Richards 45')
Stratford Town (Grocott 58', 87')
Bromsgrove Sporting exited the Emirates FA Cup on Tuesday evening, as Stratford Town came from behind to run out 2-1 winners.
Courtney Richards scored his first Sporting goal with a neatly taken effort just before the half time whistle, but a second half brace from Will Grocott signalled Sporting's departure from the competition.
The visitors started sharply, with Leam Howards and Enoch Andoh having shots on goal, whilst Charlie Dowd had a drive blocked and Aram Soleman hit an effort wide for Sporting soon after,
Sporting certainly dominated the final five minutes of the opening 45; Dowd capped off a jinking run with a smashing shot that belted the crossbar, with Nathan Hayward having a strike from the edge of the area saved.
The pressure would ultimately pay off, as a cleared cross from Dowd into the box eventually ended at Richards' feet, who delightfully curled the ball into the bottom corner with his right foot.
The second half started with chances for both teams; a Soleman cross to Hayward saw the central midfielder produce a shot that was saved by feet of keeper Ty Belford, which was quickly followed by Howards smartly turning in the box and firing a hard shot that Daniel Platt was equal to.
A speedy attack after that save saw a Soleman ball into the box hit over via a Dowd diving header, but three minutes later, the equaliser came, as Sporting were unable to deal with an Alex Henshall ball into the box, which led to Grocott hitting home with aplomb.
Sporting substitute Mikey Taylor had two shots blocked in quick succession before he had a one-on-one effort saved by the feet of Belford, having been played through neatly by Chris Lait.
The winner came with just three minutes of normal time remaining, as Grocott capped of a Stratford move with a coolly struck finish past Platt from close range.
Entertainment Rating: 3/5
Player of the Match: Will Grocott (Stratford Town)
Attendance: 472 |