Stourbridge Fanzine

STOURBRIDGE produced a stirring performance to gain instant revenge with a home win over Cambridge City.

Ben Billingham gave the hosts an early lead, before Neil Midgeley equalised midway through the first half.

The Glassboys were dominant for long periods and regained the lead when Sam Rock finished beautifully.

Leon Broadhurst ensured a relatively comfortable finish when he headed a third late on.

Gary Hackett’s side were beaten 6-1 at Cambridge seven days ago but that result never looked like being repeated as the Glassboys put in a committed display, which also featured several passages of excellent football on a fairly muddy pitch.

Admittedly, it was the visitors who settled quickest and home keeper Lewis Solly was alert to tip behind Adie Cambridge’s sharp header.

Stour took the lead on 12 minutes when, after their first real spell of pressure, Billingham’s cross was missed by everybody to sneak inside the far post.

The goal galvanised Stour and Ryan Rowe was unlucky to deflect Sam Smith’s drive just over the bar, while Broadhurst saw an effort saved by visiting keeper Zac Barrett.

Another goal seemed inevitable but it was a surprise when it arrived at the other end.

Rock was caught in possession on the halfway line and Cambridge broke, Tony Burke eventually crossing for Steve Gentle to head at goal.

The effort was well saved by Solly but it was Midgeley who reacted quickest to hook home the loose ball.

Still it was Stourbridge who looked the most dangerous on the attack and Dave Theobald had to react quickly to block Ryan Rowe’s close range attempt.

Broadhurst and Sean Evans both went close before half-time.

The second half saw the Glassboys continue to press and harry their opponents, with Barrett saving at the feet of Rowe after the striker had met Smith’s knockdown.

For all their possession, Stour could not find the breakthrough and they were fired a warning when Gentle headed over at point blank range from a corner.

When the Glassboys’ second finally did arrive on 74 minutes it was worth the wait, Rock taking possession of Drew Canavan’s pass before firing first time right-footed just inside the near upright.

As Cambridge committed more men forward gaps began to appear and Broadhurst completed a lovely passing move for the third with five minutes to go, heading home Drake’s cross floated cross.

Solly saved from Gentle as the visitors threatened a late rally, while Broadhurst saw another effort saved by Barrett in stoppage time.