Stourbridge 3 Bromsgrove Rovers 1

Bromsgrove Rovers suffered cup heartache at the War Memorial Ground last night (Tuesday) as they were beaten 3-0 by Stourbridge.

A five minute spell in which Stourbridge scored three goals saw off The Greens, who had matched their higher level opponents in the first half.

It was another good performance by John Snape’s men, who had bee n cruelly denied an injury time winner on Saturday (see match report page 85) and looked capable of at least taking this game into extra time.

But although they enjoyed some midfield possession in the first half, they created few clear cut chances, Mark Owen going the closest in the 18th minute.

And some wayward defending could have seen the home side go in one up at the break.

Jordan Street’s poor back pass on 24 minutes let in Lindon Dovey but his finish was poor.

Just before that, Matt Gardiner did well to head off the goal line from Nathan Bennett as again Rovers dithered in defence.

On 55 minutes, a low free kick by Dovey was well saved by Karl Lewis and it took a really good goal to open the scoring on 62.

Alex Cowley found Sean Evans on the left and he put in a low cross for Ryan Rowe to supply an excellent finish.

If Rovers had any thoughts about getting back in the game, they were left in tatters almost immediately as Drew Canavan put a cross in from the right hard and low, Lewis failed to hold it and Rowe put the rebound into the net.

Lewis made a great save five minutes later from Canavan as Stourbridge threatened to run riot.

But the game was put to bed on 67 minutes when Canavan again provided the cross and Nathan Bennett fired low into the net.

Rovers tried desperately to get into the game and got a consolation from the penalty spot with a minute left when Mark Owen was through on goal but was involved in a race for the ball with Stourbridge keeper lewis Solly, who in gathering it, was adjudged to have fouled him.

Josh McKenzie, whop was outstanding in both the ties, converted the penalty but despite some very late pressure, it was Stourbridge who went through.

Rovers: Lewis, Street, Gill, Gardiner, Richards, Walters, Jones, Scheppel, Owen, McKenzie, Banner.

Subs: Spence (for Scheppel 69), Lloyd (for Street 69), Ansah (for Gill45)< Ray, Snape, Grogan.