SPORTING Club Inkberrow conceded twice at the death to suffer a cruel 2-1 defeat against 10-man Stratford Town in the FA Trophy.
A penalty from Jay Higgins-Pugsley put Inkberrow ahead with 12 minutes left to play at Sands Road with Stratford’s Dan Lafferty sent off for handball.
However, Stratford stunned the hosts with two late goals as Lewis Ludford-Ison and Harry Reilly both struck to complete a late turnaround.
The defeat brings an end to Inkberrow’s impressive debut run in the competition as the club reached the third round qualifying stage.
Sporting play one division below the Bards who ply their trade in the Southern League Premier Central division.
Inkberrow broke the deadlock on 78 minutes when Higgins-Pugsley scored from the penalty spot while Lafferty received his marching orders after handling the ball in the box.
However, Stratford equalised on 85 minutes when Ludford-Ison’s wind-assisted strike from distance smashed against the post and into the net to draw the visitors level.
And Reilly completed a dramatic late turnaround two minutes into injury time when he drove into the box and found the net to break Inkberrow hearts.
Sporting Club Inkberrow are next in action against Bideford AFC on Saturday, October 11 with kick-off at 3pm at the Sports Ground.
