STAFFORD Town finally got their season back under way after six successive postponements due to the weather.
They entertained Midland Combination premier leaders Bromsgrove Sporting, who had played three times during the same period. Stafford’s recent inactivity told in the final 15 minutes as the home side ran out of steam.
After an even opening few minutes, Bromsgrove put Town’s goal under heavy pressure and the home side were forced to clear a shot off the line before they battled back into the game.
On 22 minutes, Darryll Johns ran at the visitor’s goal but shot just wide. Town then took the lead after 32 minutes when they were awarded a free kick just outside the 18 yard box.
Chris Morris’ initial shot came back off the wall and he was first to react, driving a low shot into the corner of the goal past Tom Savage.
Town were comfortable on
the ball and held onto their lead up to half time without any problems.
Just five minutes into the second half the visitors were reduced to ten men when Chris Gleadow was shown a straight red card for a two- footed tackle.
Town were then content to play out the match by passing the ball around and for a while the tactic was working with Bromsgrove rarely threatening the home goal.
But in the final 15 minutes, Town’s lack of match practice told, they began to lose the ball and the visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
After several close shaves and a strong penalty shout, Stafford threw away the match and conceded two goals in injury time as Matt Ross and Nick Harris netted for Bromsgrove.
On Saturday, Town travel to the Potteries to play Audley in the quarter finals of the Staffordshire FA Vase, with a 1.30pm kick off.
