Stourbridge 2 Barwell 1 - Report

And it was set-up by another Glassboys replacement with Tom Tonks launching a trademark throw into the box with his first touch of the game.

The Glassboys could not have wished for a better start, taking the lead from the penalty spot after just four minutes.

Matt Dodd cut in from the right flank and jinked his way inside the Barwell area only to be upended by Liam Kay. Referee Greg Rollason pointed to the spot and Ryan Rowe made no mistake from 12 yards.

Ten minutes later and the home side could have doubled their lead when visiting keeper Liam Castle fumbled Aaron Forde’s free-kick high into the area but Jack Duggan’s rebound was blocked in front of goal.

Barwell’s best chance of the half came on 23 minutes when Ryan Robbins and Stourbridge skipper Stuart Pierpoint tangled inside the area leaving the Barwell striker on the deck and the referee pointing to the spot for a second time. Robbins took the kick but keeper Matt Gould guessed correctly and pulled off the save.

The visitors were awarded a second penalty 12 minutes after the break when Leon Broadhurst charged down a Nigel Julien shot with the use of his arm according to the referee. Kyle Perry took over the spot kick duties and duly sent Gould the wrong way.

Owen Story crashed a shot against the Stourbridge upright five minutes later before Tom Bates saw his shot deflected across the face of goal.

But after being on the back foot for so long, the Glassboys hit the winner 17 minutes from time through supersub Cooke who volleyed in Tonks’ throw.

Referee Rollason had the final say, showing a second yellow card to Barwell skipper Michael Townsend to ensure the visitors finished with ten men.

Stourbridge: Gould, Christophorou, Westlake, Pierpoint, Duggan, Forde, Dodd, Broadhurst, Archer (Cooke 57), Rowe (Hague 63), O’Callaghan (Tonks 71). Subs (not used): Green, Kiembi