Round 2 of the WFA Cup saw Stamford Strollers travel to Norwich to take on 4Sports. Injuries and unavailability saw Strollers travel with just 6 players:
Paul Newiss GK
Chris Keirl
Tim Marsden
Dave Guest
John Hutchins
Steve Adcock
Stamford started well despite their long journey and were able to provide some good service to front man Steve Adcock. Adcock, well supported by John Hutchins and Dave Guest down the flanks, was causing the 4Sports defence problems with his movement and sharp turns and forced the home keeper into a series of smart saves. Mid way through the first half Strollers defender Chris Keirl found Adcock with a good long pass. Adcock took the pass in his stride, turned his marker and fired into the far corner of the net to give Stamford the lead. 4Sports responded well equalising within 5 mins of the opening goal following a good move and emphatic finish. A very open first half ended 1 – 1, with Paul Newiss Strollers GK in fine form.
Second half 4Sports started well and scored early through their striker who turned smartly and finished clinically to give 4Sports the lead. Stamford worked hard in search of an equaliser but were finding it more difficult to supply Adcock as they had done in the first half. With time running out Tim Marsden found Adcock in space out wide. Adcock cut in from the right, beat his man on the outside and drove the ball high into the roof of the net from a tight angle to level the scores at 2 – 2.
There was little time for either side to find a winner and the match went to penalties. 4Sports scored both their first 2 penalties, whereas Strollers missed theirs and exited the WFA Cup at the second round stage.
Overall Stamford gave a good account of themselves in what was a very even match that could have gone either way.