Non-league round-up: Boss bemused as listless Dudley Town limp out of FA Cup
Disappointed Dudley Town boss Matty Lovatt felt his team didn’t do themselves justice as they bowed out of the FA Cup at Coventry Sphinx.
The Robins were comfortably beaten 3-0 in the preliminary round to make a somewhat low-key exit from this year’s competition.
Lovatt acknowledged preparations hadn’t been helped by the late arrival of their team coach but otherwise struggled to find reasons for just their third defeat since February in all competitions.
He said: “It was uncharacteristic really. Whether it was the coach being late and all the distractions with that, then coming here, I don’t know.
“There was a lack of quality. The effort was certainly there but we are better on the ball than we showed today.
“As good as Coventry Sphinx were and we were soundly beaten, we feel we have not done ourselves justice.
“Good luck to them. They celebrated as they should. They can get a glamour tie next round, or a tie which helps them move forward.
“We aren’t going to Wembley but the dream of getting a Halesowen or a Stourbridge, like last year, keeps you going. It was just one of those days.”
Lye Town’s FA Cup interest is also over for another season after they were beaten 2-0 at home by Racing Club Warwick.
Taylor Homer turned from hero to villain after scoring twice but then being sent-off as Midland League Division One leaders Gornal Athletic continued their perfect start to the season.
Homer bagged a brace early in the second half against Birstall United but was then shown a straight red card for an alleged head butt.
Losing a man did not hurt Gornal as they made it three through Traevay Wright to secure their fifth win from five matches.
Boss Stuart How said: “I am a little bit frustrated with the red card. I don’t think Taylor has done anything other than being naive enough to go face-to-face with their guy, who seemed to throw himself to the ground.”
He continued: “We struggled to penetrate them in the first half but we had a re-jig and changed the system.
“We were braver and played through the lines a bit more. I am delighted we were able to find a way because it is what we need to do when things aren’t going our way.
Sam Yankson scored twice as Bilston Town got back to winning ways with a 4-1 win at home to Kirby Muxloe. Jaden Henry-Dean and Kyron Cooper were also on the mark.
“I am pleased for Sam. He has come back in and scored a couple of goals,” said Bilston boss Dave King.
“The second one, my God, if there was a goal of the day competition it would be on that reel, I am sure of it. It was nice to see him get off the mark and get going.”
Elsewhere, Cradley Town lost a thrilling match 5-3 at Chelmsley Town, while Smethwick Rangers were beaten 2-1 at Sutton United.
In the North West Counties League Division One South, there was disappointment for Wolverhampton Casuals as they were beaten 4-2 at Barnton.
Wolves Sporting Community enjoyed a much better day, coming from a goal down to beat New Mills 2-1 thanks to Devante Ramsey and Chris Bladen.
