FC Stratford exit the FA Vase from the spot against Bilston

FC Stratford suffered penalty shootout heartbreak after bowing out of the FA Vase following a spirited contest against Bilston Town on Saturday.

After a scrappy 90 minutes, the score stood 2-2 but a crucial save from the Bilston goalkeeper to deny Dan Shaw proved decisive in the shoot-out.

It ended a strong run of form from the Bears who had won their previous six games.

Manager Lewis Marston said: "We had done our homework and Bilston were everything we expected them to be, incredibly hard working, physical and direct, which made for a real solid FA Vase tie.

"Penalties are a lottery though.

"I thought the draw on the day was the right and fair result and I wish Bilston nothing but the best for the remainder of the season and in the next round of the Vase."

FC Stratford made a sluggish start and found themselves behind inside two minutes when Sam Yankson played into Nathan Guest who turned skilfully and slotted past Ethan Pheasey.

Despite the early setback, the Bears managed to work their way back into the game and Stratford found the equaliser in the 15th minute.

A quick counter saw Toby Nicoll latch onto a forward ball and find the bottom right corner with a delightful curling finish.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as Bilston restored their lead three minutes later when Pheasey conceded a free kick for a handball.

Chad Carter swung in the set-piece and the Stratford goalkeeper failed to make up for his error, parrying into the path of Luke Carter, who hammered into an empty net from close range.

As the half progressed both sides had numerous chances with Nicoll going closest when Rob Sone picked him out at the back post but he incredibly sent his header over the bar from point blank range.

With stakes high and tensions rising, tempers flared when a string of rash challenges led to a brief scuffle between both sets of players on the stroke of half-time.

Eager to set things right after the break, the Bears started the second half brightly and carved out a chance for Cian Hodson straight from kick off with a well-worked move but the wingback sent his volley over the bar.

Nicoll also failed to hit the target early into the second half, seeing a shot blocked and sending a half volley just wide of the post not long after.

Hodson did eventually get his goal, levelling the scores in the 56th minute as he met a deep cross and guided the ball into the top left corner with a fine header.

Both sides pushed for a winner but neither side could find the decisive goal and the tie headed for penalties.

Stratford and Bilston both converted their first two spot kicks before Shaw’s poor effort was saved, giving the visitors the advantage.

Bilston scored the remainder of theirs and, although Stratford netted their fourth, their fate was sealed as their FA Vase run came to a cruel end.

Marston added: "Unfortunately for us whether that be a mix of us starting slowly or Bilston flying out of the blocks with a good away following, we found ourselves 1-0 down within the first couple of minutes of the game.

"This being said we are certainly a team that can score and create goalscoring opportunities, so there was no need to press the panic button.

"From the goal the game had a good balance, I thought both teams created some half opportunities but nothing clear cut.

"Toby then scored a fantastic goal and I thought at this moment we were good value to be level.

"The rest of the first half continued in a similar fashion and we conceded again from a moment of lapse in concentration but also had a real good opportunity to score ourselves.

"We asked the boys at half-time to be braver with the football, along with imposing ourselves more physically on the game.

"I think we certainly did that and deservedly scored our equaliser before the game turned into a real solid end-to-end cup tie, both teams pushing for goals but at the same time both sets of players not wanting to be the one who made a mistake.

"It was nervy but, where we can, we need to show more composure in these fixtures to find a killer pass."