Swindon Sup 1 Stourbridge 1
A tremendous battling performance from Stourbridge so nearly yielded three vital points despite the 13th minute sending-off of Ashley Robinson for a two-footed challenge on Leigh Henry.
Although left to play the remainder of the game a man light, Gary Hackett's men responded superbly, but their hopes of collecting maximum points were dashed by an equalising goal in time added on.
Stourbridge started brightly but had to regroup after Robinson's dismissal.
They went close on 22 minutes when a 25-yard strike from Drew Canavan forced keeper Matt Bulman into a good save away to his right.
Swindon hit back with Solly making a blocking save to deny Joe Harris in the 26th minute and 10 minutes later Chris Taylor shot straight at Solly.
Stourbridge grabbed the lead in the 59th minute, when Sam Rock sent debutant Ashley Langford away down the right to open up the home defence. His low cross left Leon Broadhurst in the middle with a straightforward finish.
The hosts, who came into the game lying third in the table, looked to hit back with Henry seeing his shot squeeze past the far post in the 65th minute, while a glancing header from Ash Edenborough drew a superb diving save from Solly.
Stourbridge almost doubled their lead in the 75th minute when Langford slipped the ball through to Canavan and, although his low shot beat Bulman, Chris Thompson was on hand to clear off the line.
Swindon pressed hard in the latter stages and in a dramatic finale Nick Stanley lifted the ball over the bar to squander a great chance for the hosts.
The home side snatched an equaliser four minutes into stoppage time with Edenborough getting on the end of a high, hanging cross to the far post from Henry to send a close range header past Solly.
Stourbridge are at home to near neighbours, Midland Alliance outfit Cradley Town in the Birmingham Senior Cup 2nd Round tomorrow (7.45pm).
There will be reduced admission prices for this game. Admission charges are £5 adults, £3 concessions and £1 under-16s.
