On a pleasant evening at Stafford Rangers’ Marston Road ground, the two Midland Floodlit Youth League sides came determined to lift the trophy, and the game promised to be a close encounter with both sides sitting top of their respective divisions.

It was the Bilston side who broke the deadlock after 25 minutes when Ashley Doughton headed home. Shortly after, they doubled their lead on 28 minutes when captain Billy Morgan capitalised on a defensive mix up.

Stourbridge pressed hard however the teams headed into the interval with Bilston Town leading 2 v 0. As the second half got underway, it was the Stourbridge side who seized the initiative and continued to press hard to find a way back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded on 55 minutes when Jacob Wedderburn fired home to bring them back within 1 goal of the Bilston side. 4 minutes later and the comeback was complete when Brandon Hague hit home to equal the scores on 59 minutes.

The match seemed destined for extra time, until Stourbridge found a third goal on 85 minutes through Sam Stringer to take the lead for the first time in the match. Bilston pushed on hard to try and find a late equaliser, however were punished twice on quick breaks late on with Sam Stringer claiming his second goal on 90 minutes and captain Shay Palmer wrapping up the scoring on 92 minutes to give his side an unassailable 5 v 2 lead.

As the referee blew his final whistle it was confirmed that last year’s Runners Up, Stourbridge FC, were to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

We would like to extend our thanks to Stafford Rangers FC for our use of their excellent facilities and for all those in attendance that will surely have enjoyed an exciting game.

We return to County Cup Final action before the end of the season with the following finals:

Wednesday 27 April 2016
Senior Cup Final
Kidsgrove Athletic v Rushall Olympic
@ Port Vale FC (7.45pm kick off)
Admission: £8.00 / £4.00

Monday 9 May 2016*
Walsall Senior Cup Final
Lichfield City v Rushall Olympic / Sporting Khalsa
@ Walsall FC (7.45pm kick off)
Admission: £8.00 / £4.00

Tuesday 10 May 2016
Sunday Challenge Cup Final (Rearranged)
Belt Road v Dr Johnson
@ Walsall Wood FC (7.30pm kick off)
"A Quids In" - £1.00 Admission

Thursday 12 May 2016
County Youth U16's Sunday Cup Final
Silverdale v  Shamblers Juniors / Wednesfield
@ Brocton FC / Sporting Khalsa FC (6.30pm kick off)
Admission: £3.00 / £1.00

* Subject to Walsall FC's final League position - if Walsall FC are to compete in the League One Play Offs, the match will take place on Monday 23 May 2016.

For more information regarding any of our County Cup competitions please contact Connor Jukes on any of the following:
(E): connor.jukes@staffordshirefa.com
(T): 01785 256994