FC Stratford’s cup of cheer
FC STRATFORD manager Jon Hill praised his side after they lifted the Midweek Floodlit Cup for a second year running at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium on Tuesday.
The Arden Garages Stadium side twice fell behind to Cradley Town in a frantic opening spell before taking charge in the second half to run out 6-2 winners … going one better than last year when they beat Wednesfield 5-0.
Hill said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. I thought we were outstanding in terms of our work rate and, most importantly, the commitment we showed to the game plan we set. We were clinical right up to the 93rd minute which was fantastic.
“We faced a bit of adversity when we twice went a goal down but the character and resilience brought us through and it will take this team a long way. A night like this is a really special night for everybody.
“Football is a strange game. They started well – we knew they would start like a house on fire and we probably could have done better with their two goals – but for me it was about sticking to our belief that if we moved the ball we would create chances with the ability we have in the side. We have a creativity to make things happen and that’s what we did.”
Goals from Robbie Sone, Joe Waterfield and Dan Atkins handed FC a 3-2 lead at the break before wrapping up the cup final in the second half thanks to further efforts from Jacob Williams, Ralfie Penton and an own goal.
Hill added: “The message at half-time was that we needed to stick to the plan, get a fourth goal and go on and kill the game. We wanted to keep that momentum going and we did that right up to the very end. That has been the story of our season. The substitutes had an impact when they came off the bench.
“We have a special relationship with this stadium. Last year we won 5-0 and this year was all about building on that win as much as we possibly could. We want to enjoy nights like this because they mean everything to those associated with the club. Five goals last year and six this year so at least we have entertained the supporters.
“We have another cup final in May. This win is special for us but we want more of this and we have to be hungry for success and hungry for what comes next.”
