SPORTING Club Inkberrow suffered a 3-0 defeat against Dudley Town in the club’s first-ever game in the FA Cup.
Dudley scored three first-half goals to settle the extra preliminary round tie with the game played in front of a record crowd of 592 spectators at Sands Road.
Inkberrow play at Step Five of the non-league pyramid, one level below Midland Football League Premier Division side Dudley.
The Berrow fell behind after 12 minutes when a shot hit the inside of the post and rebounded into the net off of the unfortunate Max-Emilios Angelides.
And the visitors doubled their lead on 26 minutes as Dan Jones sent a half-volley into the bottom corner through a crowded penalty area after Inkberrow failed to clear their lines at a corner.
Dudley sealed their place in the next round on 39 minutes as Callum Gillies curled a free-kick over the wall and into the right corner of the net from 18-yards out.
Sporting improved after the break although Inkberrow goalkeeper Gabriel Bajrami made a couple of fine saves to prevent Dudley from adding to their lead.
The Berrow went close to reducing the deficit late on only for substitute Raheem Spencer to snatch at a chance when through on goal.
That came after Sporting began the 2024/25 Hellenic League Premier Division season with a 2-0 victory against Tuffley Rovers.
Goals from Aaron Brown and also William Skelton ensured the Berrow started the season with a victory at Sands Road.
Sporting Club Inkberrow host Hereford Pegasus on Tuesday, August 6 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Sands Road.
