Byfield's double sends Town out of cup

STRATFORD Town bowed out of the Birmingham Senior Cup following a 2-0 defeat to Solihull Moors at the DCS Stadium on Tuesday night.

Veteran Darren Byfield struck twice in the space of nine second-half minutes to lead Solihull into a final against Birmingham City and keep them on course for a league and cup double.

The result was slightly harsh on Town, who more than matched their opponents for much of the game before the National League North leaders took control in the later stages of the second half.

Neither goalkeeper was properly tested until three minutes before half-time, when Town had their best chance of the game.

Jamie Sheldon’s corner found Tyrone Fagan at the far post, but the striker’s effort was cleared off the line.

The lively Sheldon caused further havoc moments later, cutting in from the left and beating his man before firing an effort just wide of Darren Acton’s goal.

Town continued from where they left off after the restart with Sheldon causing the visitors plenty of problems.

The midfielder provided another cross for Fagan on 52 minutes, but the big striker’s header was directed straight at Acton.

The stuffing was knocked out of Stratford on the hour mark when Byfield bagged his first.

Solihull skipper Liam Daly headed back a corner into the path of the former Aston Villa man, who prodded it past Andy Kemp.

Less than ten minutes later and he was celebrating his second. James Armson’s delivery from inside his own half picked out Byfield, who swivelled before firing home his second from ten yards.

Solihull’s two-goal lead never looked in threat, with Town failing to carve out a clear-cut chance after the second goal.

The visitors can now look forward to a trip to St Andrew’s for the showpiece final against Birmingham City.

For Town, it’s back to the league where they will look to rubber-stamp their Southern League Premier Division safety at Frome Town on Saturday.

Full match report, reaction and more pictures in this week’s Herald