SPORTING Club Inkberrow produced a stunning comeback to beat former winners Stafford Rangers 4-3 and advance in the FA Trophy.
Inkberrow secured another memorable win at Sands Road in their first-ever appearance in the competition.
Sporting conceded twice early on only for Billy Coughlin to halve the deficit before Leo Brown netted a brace to put the home side ahead at the break.
And substitute Samson Hewett extended Sporting’s lead before the visitors netted a late consolation in the second round qualifying tie.
Stafford broke the deadlock after just eight minutes when Ben Cockerline backheeled the ball into the net after Gabriel Bajrami kept out Callum Wilson’s initial effort.
And the visitors doubled their lead on 16 minutes as Cockerline headed in James O’Neill’s long throw.
However, Sporting responded on 22 minutes when Coughlin scored at the back post following a corner.
The home side equalised three minutes later as Brown finished Jay Higgins-Pugsley’s though ball from 18-yards out.
And Inkberrow completed a remarkable first-half turnaround two minutes before the break when Brown finished after Stafford failed to deal with Syrus Warren-Paul’s long throw.
Sporting all but sealed their place in third round qualifying five minutes from time when Hewett scored with virtually his first touch since coming off the bench.
Stafford set up a nervy finish when Jack Birch struck on 89 minutes as Inkberrow held on to book their place in the next round.
Sporting Club Inkberrow are next in action against Brixham AFC on Saturday, September 27 with kick-off at 3pm at Sands Road.
