Stortford’s FA Cup dream in tatters

A POOR performance from Bishop s Stortford saw them exit the FA Cup on Saturday, away at Wealdstone. Stephen Hughes goal on the stroke of half-time was enough to send the Blues crashing out in the third qualifying round after a woeful display, which saw

A POOR performance from Bishop's Stortford saw them exit the FA Cup on Saturday, away at Wealdstone.

Stephen Hughes' goal on the stroke of half-time was enough to send the Blues crashing out in the third qualifying round after a woeful display, which saw them test the home keeper just once.

With Stortford's spine ripped out through injury, there was an unfamiliar look to the centre of defence and midfield. Paul Goodacre and Michael Stanbrook were both out, so Carl Patten was drafted in to partner Tom Champion in the middle, while Alex Martin took the captain's armband and, along with Tom Williamson, took their place in the middle of the park.

New signing Jeremiah Olusanya was given a start on the left of midfield.

Wealdstone were clearly up for the tie from the start and the impressive Ryan Ashe went closest to scoring on 26 minutes when Andy Young had to be alert to push over the midfielder's shot.

As the half wore on, Blues began to dominate territory, but with 45 minutes up, the Stones broke away and two well-placed passes out of defence found Stephen Hughes who beat Kamara and shot across Young and into the net.

Young's long goal kick was brought under control by Tim Langer after 57 minutes, but his shot flew wide.

Although Stortford continued to enjoy more of the possession, it was the home side that kept getting the shots in and Young was called into action on three occasions, pulling off great saves.

Blues poured forward in injury time and Patten's header was saved by the keeper, but an equaliser would have been undeserved, and it was Wealdstone who progressed to the next round.