FC STRATFORD turned on the style in the second half to defeat Wolverhampton United and book a place in the last 16 of the Birmingham Vase.
Dave Poulson’s side bounced back after twice trailing to win 5-2 at the MoodChimp Stadium on Saturday.
Defensive errors had been punished by the West Midlands League visitors but goals from Tom Daccus (2), Dan Stokes, Ashley Wilkes and Jay Tilbury guided Stratford through the second round tie.
Poulson included new defender Chris Hill – recruited from Tividale on dual registration – for his debut but Wolves struck first, against the run of play, from a throw-in.
Daccus hammered home a left-footed finish via a deflection from Wilkes’ pass to level but Wolves again raced away from a long ball forward to slot home past keeper Nick Holt for a second goal.
Stratford continued to create chances but Holt denied Wolves grabbing a third goal before Stokes levelled before half time after a Ben Hill cross caused problems and the striker pounced quickest.
Poulson’s men had been given a few scares and they duly stepped up a gear in the second period.
Daccus controlled a pass from Tom Parnaby and lashed home into the roof of the net to put the hosts ahead and then Wilkes powered in at the far post to slot home an inviting cross from Tom Dyke.
The introduction of Stratford substitutes Joe Night, Tilbury and Freddy Murphy continued to create problems and a fifth goal finally arrived when Knight flicked on Wilkes’ corner and Tilbury took the ball down and rifled home.
Stratford return to league action on Saturday (2pm) as they look to record a seventh win in seven matches in Midland League Division Three when they visit Marston Green-based CT Shush.
