STRATFORD Town exited the Birmingham Senior Cup after losing 1-0 at home against National League side Solihull Moors.
The Bards competed well against a strong Moors side as Emmanuel Sonupe’s second-half goal settled the tie at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The home side made four changes for the Senior Cup tie while three academy players featured on the bench.
Chances were at a premium in the first half as Bards captain Paul McCone kept the dangerous visitors at bay.
Stratford twice broke through the Moors defence with Max Lott and Owen James unable to make the most of half-chances.
Moors went closest in the first period as Stratford goalkeeper Jake Weaver made a flying save to deny Bradley Stevenson.
However, the game turned five minutes before the break with Stratford’s Jack Storer sent off after he picked up two yellow cards in the space of five minutes.
And a superb double save from Weaver moments before the interval kept the scores level at the break.
The Bards had the ball in the back of the net early in the second half only for James to see his effort ruled out for offside.
And Cyrus Bruce then spurned a golden chance to break the deadlock just before the hour mark as he placed a shot wide when clean through.
Moors took the lead on 59 minutes when Sonupe’s strike took a wicked deflection and beat Weaver in the Stratford net.
Stratford are next in action against Royston Town on Saturday, November 15 with kick-off at 3.03pm at Garden Walk.
This weekend’s fixture will kick off three minutes after 3pm as part of the National League’s 3UP campaign.
The National League’s 3UP campaign aims to establish three promotion places into League Two.
And the Southern League are supporting the campaign in solidarity with the National League for a day of action this weekend.
Games across 15 divisions in the non-league pyramid will kick-off at the delayed time of 3.03pm.
