Hinckley AFC’s Isuzu FA Vase journey ended at the first hurdle as they were knocked out by FC Stratford.
Despite taking the lead through Jack Edwards, Hinckley’s journey in the Vase will go no further than Shakespeare’s birthplace courtesy of two Robbie Sone goals.
On a wet day in Warwickshire, there was doubt through the morning over whether the game would go ahead, but the pitch held up well considering the heavy rain and a game on it just 24 hours earlier.
But despite the differences in conditions from last week’s league defeat to Godmanchester, Hinckley’s display bore frustrating similarities and they never looked like themselves.
Joe Conneely made five changes to his Hinckley side from last week, including a first start for defender Alex Vineall following injury and a return for Divin Emmanuel in goal.
And, after Emmanuel made the game’s first save from Sam Rodber, the visitors took the lead on 25 minutes. Zaki Evans’ switch of play found Jay D’Lionga, whose deep cross was sweetly struck first time into the back of the net by Edwards.
But that lead didn’t last, and Sone levelled 10 minutes before the break when he turned home Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton’s cross.
Parity lasted until half time, Bryan Kohyrelon heading D’Lionga’s cross wide in Hinckley’s best chance, and Emmanuel racing off his line quickly to deny Ben Cook.
With the game in the balance, Isa Abraham shot straight at home ‘keeper Ethan Pheasey when well-placed, while Stratford substitute Resharn Donegan struck over after a quick counter attack.
With penalties looming, a goal for either side would settle it and it went the home side’s way. Hinckley partially cleared a corner, but the recycled ball was steered home by Sone from six yards.
Hinckley’s only real chance of an equaliser came when Evans side-footed Josh Beeson’s cross straight at Pheasey from eight yards, and Stratford held on to go through and leave Hinckley on the end of an upset.
Stratford: Ethan Pheasey, Jacob Williams, Ben Cook, Joe Sykes, Dan Vann, Kian Hamer, Robbie Sone, Harvey Pritchard, Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton (Resharn Donegan 70), Sam Rodber (Charlie Williams 46), Dan Chaundy. Subs not used: Flynn Powell, Ollie Taylor, Harry Cook.
Goals: Robbie Sone (35, 85)
Hinckley: Divin Emmanuel, Jay D’Lionga, Adam Barber, Zaki Evans, Alex Vineall (Luke Jones 90), Oli Szymanski, Brady Middleton (Collins Tanor 58), Lewis Rankin, Bryan Kohyrelon (Elliot Edwards 61), Jack Edwards, Isa Abraham (Josh Beeson 73). Sub not used: James Bryson.
Goal: Jack Edwards (25)
Attendance: 71
