Trophy defeat leaves ‘Stour’ taste for Linnets

Stourbridge 2, King’s Lynn Town 1

FA Trophy Second Round Proper

The Linnets crashed out of the Trophy at the first team of asking after defeat against lower league opposition in the West Midlands today.

Bartosz Cybulski in action during the FA Trophy game between Stourbridge and Lynn. Picture: Tim Smith
Bartosz Cybulski in action during the FA Trophy game between Stourbridge and Lynn. Picture: Tim Smith

Stourbridge sit 17th in the Step 3 Southern League Premier Central but a late goal from Josh Coulson was not enough for Step 2 Lynn to make their higher league standing count.

Lynn started well enough and went close after 11 minutes when Bartosz Cybulski raced through the home team’s back line, only for defender Harvey Portman’s last-gasp block to deflect his effort for a corner.

The home side went close themselves with a wonderful effort eight minutes later, striker Luke Benbow flicking the ball over his man before firing just wide of the target.

George Morrison makes a run during today's FA Trophy game. Picture: Tim Smith
George Morrison makes a run during today’s FA Trophy game. Picture: Tim Smith

Back came Lynn in the 29th minute when Kian Ronan was played through for a one-on-one with Charlie Price but the Glassboys keeper dealt comfortably with his attempted chip.

The home side had the ball in the net after 34 minutes but Portman’s effort after a corner was ruled out for offside and there were no more first-half chances for either team.

Stourbridge took the lead 12 minutes after the restart, Joel Kettle picking the ball up on the wing and crossing into the box for Brendon Daniels to volley home.

Worse was to follow in the 67th minute when Lynn keeper Jones’ kick was blocked by Daniels and fell to Alex Prosser who finished into the empty net. Jones was then booked for complaining to the referee.

Adam Crowther on the ball for Lynn at Stourbridge today. Picture: Tim Smith
Adam Crowther on the ball for Lynn at Stourbridge today. Picture: Tim Smith

On 76 minutes Lynn nearly pulled one back through Ismael Fatadjo, who had just come on as sub, but his header was brilliantly saved at full stretch by Price.

However, they did score with five minutes of normal time remaining, when excellent work by Fatadjo saw him evade the Stourbridge defenders out wide and cross for Coulson to finish well at the near post.

And they nearly levelled in stoppage time but Cybulski’s effort was brilliantly saved by the home keeper after good work by Fatadjo and Coulson.

Lynn: P.Jones, Crowther, McFadden (C), Oke (Smith 60 mins), Ronan, B.Jones (Fatadjo 75), Hargreaves, Morrison, Stephens (Coulson 75), Rogers, Cybulski. Subs (not used): Key, Isaacson.

Stourbridge: Price, Flint, Wilson, Prosser, Kettle, Portman, Dowd (Knights 81 mins), King (C), Benbow, Fletcher, Daniels (Steward 75). Subs (not used): Walters, Solly, Bavanganga.

Booked: Crowther (Lynn), P. Jones (Lynn) – both dissent; Flint, King (Stourbridge) – fouls.

Attendance: 686.



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