STRATFORD Town were knocked out of the FA Trophy in the Third Qualifying Round after the Bards were beaten 2-1 by divisional rivals Royston Town.
Despite taking the lead through a third-minute own goal, Stratford were unable to hold on as Royston completed the turnaround in the second half at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The Bards made a fast start and took the lead when Joel Nakatani-Brown inadvertently turned the ball into his own net from Dexter Walters’ deep cross from the left.
And Stratford should have doubled their lead when Jack Storer picked out Adam Rooney at the far post only for the veteran striker to head into the side netting.
Royston equalised midway through the half when Nakatarni-Brown made up for his own goal with a strike at the right end past Bards goalkeeper Luke Bell.
The home side looked to restore their lead in the second period as Storer, Walters and Will Grocott all went close before the latter had a shot palmed away by Royston goalkeeper Dimitrios Kyriatzis.
And the visitors made Stratford pay for those missed chances on 75 minutes when Matt Bateman was put clean through on goal and found the net.
The Bards had a goal ruled out for offside at the death as Royston held on to advance to the First Round Proper.
Stratford are next in action away at Stourbridge on Saturday, October 15 with kick-off at 3pm at the War Memorial Athletic Ground.
