Damage in the Box!: STOURBRIDGE (War Memorial Ground)

Today was a "mopping up exercise" visit to Amblecote and the War Memorial Ground. I say mopping up exercise as I had previously visited this ground to see tenants Causeway United, but I'd not visited to see landlords Stourbridge.

It had been a big week for the Southern Premier League Glassboys as they had beaten Football League side Plymouth Argyle in midweek to reach the FA Cup second round proper, where they will now host Stevenage.

In the meantime they had an FA Trophy game to contend and the opposition were high flying Chester, who are at the same step but in the Northern Premier League.

A visit to Stourbridge could not be undertaken without enjoying the delights of the Duke William, with it's 9 handpulls, and where Craddock ale is brewed. I must say I particularly enjoyed my pint of 'Crest'

The War Memorial ground hasn't changed much since my last visit, but today there were two temporary stands in place, put up for the Plymouth game, which meant watching the game from upon high and on the cricket pitch side of the ground, which is usually just roped off.

I was glad I had a few pre-match beers, to numb the pain, as the game was pretty bad.

An insipid affair was settled by two second half strikes for Chester, with two of the very few shots on goal, never mind on target!

The game was heading for a drab 0-0, and replay, when in the 66th minute, the Stourbridge centre halves got themselves in a muddle and between them failed to clear their lines, the ball dropping to Iain Howard who smashed it home.

The tie was settled after 80 minutes when Matty McNeil's effort was deemed to have crossed the line, despite the best efforts of the Stourbridge defender.