The big FA Cup game - a fan's view

"If anyone tells you there’s no romance in the FA Cup anymore then tell them to speak to any of the 2,000 hardy Stourbridge fans who packed into the historic Memorial Ground on Saturday. It was the first time Stourbridge had ever qualified for the first round of the FA Cup proper and despite succumbing to defeat by a single goal, the players, the management and the town went away feeling immensely proud of their team’s efforts.

Stourbridge were defeated by a single goal from Steve Jones, the ex-Burnley forward in the 34th minute who did well to cut in past Stourbridge left-back Ross Collins before firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net. The goal was harsh on a Stourbridge side with what was pretty much Walsall’s first shot on target.

Stourbridge started brightly in the second half but were nearly two down after Walsall striker Darren Byfield had the ball in the back of the net again only for it to be ruled offside. Sensing changes need to be made, Stourbridge manager Gary Hackett made a couple of substitutions bringing Drake on for Collins and Dovey for Mahon. The changes sparked life into a Stourbridge side that never stopped working and as the match progressed the crowd sensed a goal might be coming.

As Stourbridge pushed forward they naturally left gaps at the back which both Jones and Byfield were able to exploit and only a combination of great tackling and some excellent goalkeeping from Stuart Brock kept Stourbridge in the match.

Stourbridge had a couple of penalty claims, first from an effort from Stourbridge forward Rowe, whose shot was blocked in the box by a Walsall player. The resulting corner was heading narrowly over by Sam Smith. In the last few minutes of the match Stourbridge’s big chance came but unfortunately for them Evan’s shot was once more blocked in the Walsall box amid more claims for a handball.

As the final whistle went a relieved Walsall side trooped back to the dressing room whilst the Stourbridge players were given a jubilant standing ovation. Perhaps most pleasing of all for the home side was that during the much improved second half it was at times a struggle to decide which team was the professional full-time team and which was made up of amateurs who play simply for the joy the game brings them."

Ross MacDonald (Rec'd 9th Nov 09)

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		*Stourbridge vs Walsall...* a fan's view

"If anyone tells you there’s no romance in the FA Cup anymore then tell them to speak to any of the 2,000 hardy Stourbridge fans who packed into the historic Memorial Ground on Saturday. It was the first time Stourbridge had ever qualified for the first round of the FA Cup proper and despite succumbing to defeat by a single goal, the players, the management and the town went away feeling immensely proud of their team’s efforts. Stourbridge were defeated by a single goal from Steve Jones, the ex-Burnley forward in the 34th minute who did well to cut in past Stourbridge left-back Ross Collins before firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net. The goal was harsh on a Stourbridge side with what was pretty much Walsall’s first shot on target. Stourbridge started brightly in the second half but were nearly two down after Walsall striker Darren Byfield had the ball in the back of the net again only for it to be ruled offside. Sensing changes need to be made, Stourbridge manager Gary Hackett made a couple of substitutions bringing Drake on for Collins and Dovey for Mahon. The changes sparked life into a Stourbridge side that never stopped working and as the match progressed the crowd sensed a goal might be coming. As Stourbridge pushed forward they naturally left gaps at the back which both Jones and Byfield were able to exploit and only a combination of great tackling and some excellent goalkeeping from Stuart Brock kept Stourbridge in the match. Stourbridge had a couple of penalty claims, first from an effort from Stourbridge forward Rowe, whose shot was blocked in the box by a Walsall player. The resulting corner was heading narrowly over by Sam Smith. In the last few minutes of the match Stourbridge’s big chance came but unfortunately for them Evan’s shot was once more blocked in the Walsall box amid more claims for a handball. As the final whistle went a relieved Walsall side trooped back to the dressing room whilst the Stourbridge players were given a jubilant standing ovation. Perhaps most pleasing of all for the home side was that during the much improved second half it was at times a struggle to decide which team was the professional full-time team and which was made up of amateurs who play simply for the joy the game brings them." Ross MacDonald (Rec'd 9th Nov 09) Back to Sport page Welcome \| About Stourbridge \| Stourbridge Glass \| Stourbridge Tour \| Can you help? \| What's on in Stourbridge Stourbridge Lion \| Stourbridge Music \| Sport \| Long Lost Friends \| Clubs & Charities \| Stourbridge Genealogy Stourbridge Area \| Stourbridge Business \| Links \| Home \| Contact Stourbridge

Stourbridge vs Walsall... a fan's view

Stourbridge vs Walsall...
a fan's view