Nine-man FC Stratford suffer Vase misery

FOOTBALL

FC STRATFORD had two players sent off as they suffered a 4-1 defeat at home to GNP Sports in the semi-finals of the Challenge Vase on Tuesday night.

Dave Poulson’s side had fallen behind to Nathan Stoute’s goal but then levelled through Jay Tilbury’s header from an Ashley Wilkes corner.

Coventry side GNP, who top Midland League Division Three with an unbeaten record, regained the lead but the hosts’ hopes faded when Dean Poulson was given a straight red card and James Gifford collected a second yellow to leave them with nine men.

GNP still led only 2-1 with five minutes to play but two late goals sealed their progress to the final.

Their goalscorers were Leigh Phillips, Tom Rawlings and sub Scott Hammond.

GNP will play either Alcester Town or Coventrians, who meet in the other semi-final on Saturday.

Racing Club Warwick booked their place in the semi-finals of the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup after a 2-1 win at Tividale.

Marc Passey tucked home the opening goal for the Racers on 13 minutes after good work by Taylor but the lead only last a minute as Darragh Bustin levelled.

But on 20 minutes Warwick were back ahead with Luke Cole converted after Josh O’Grady’s assist.

Warwick will meet Coventry Copsewood in the last four.

Studley’s hopes in the county cup were ended by a 4-0 home semi-final defeat to Atherstone Town.

A Luke Shorthouse brace in the first-half and further goals by Mitch Thomson and Alex Naughton after the break secured Adders a place in final in a one-sided game at The Beehive.

Central Ajax went down 4-0 away at Coventry Copsewood in the Coventry Charity Cup.