FC STRATFORD let slip an early lead as they were knocked out of a cup competition by Copsewood (Coventry) for the second time in three weeks.
Having been dumped out of the Coventry Telegraph Cup on penalties in Coventry, Dave Poulson’s men lost 3-2 in the Coventry Charity Cup at the MoodChimp Stadium on Saturday.
Copsewood started the livelier of the two teams but the hosts struck first. Ashley Wilkes and Jay Tilbury combined and, when Tilbury’s pass took a deflection, the ball fell for Dan Stokes to escape his marker and slot home.
Tilbury had a great chance to double the lead but it was Copsewood who went into half time with a 2-1 lead.
The equaliser followed a corner with a headed defensive clearance being fired past keeper Archie Donaldson and their second goal was a magnificent strike from the left.
A mistake by defender Ashley Knights allowed Copsewood to extend their lead before Poulson’s men rallied.
Efforts from James Gifford and Dean Poulson were saved before a penalty allowed Stratford the chance for a second.
Stokes’ looping header from Joe Knight’s corner was handled away from goal, resulting in a red card and a penalty which Wilkes slotted home.
Stratford will look to bounce back on Saturday (2pm) when they entertain Wolverhampton United in the second round of the Birmingham Vase.
Wolves lie second in West Midlands League Division Two, having lost twice in 13 league games this season.
