For the first time since the 2012-13 season, 10-man Dover Athletic were knocked out of the FA Cup by a non-league team after a second half penalty was enough for them to taste defeat against Stourbridge.
Both sides have impressive records in the world’s oldest knockout competition in recent years, with Dover reaching the second round two years ago as well as hosting Crystal Palace last season whilst the visiting Glassboys have been matched up against Stevenage, Plymouth and Walsall since 2009.
Coming into the game in third place within the National League Premier, Dover were the faviouites to go through to the second round, Chris Kinnear kept his side unchanged from the impressive win at Tranmere the previous week.
In their 3-0 win over Kidderminster in the previous round, Stourbridge had their own monumental win to take inspiration from. The West Midlands side who sit 7th in the Evo- Stik Premier League could also be encouraged by Salford City, their league counterparts who won against the odds on Friday night.
Despite starting as the underdogs, it only took eight minutes for Stourbridge to take the lead. A powerful run from Brian Simikle ended with the left back pulling the ball back to Chris Lait who was given too much time by the Dover defence, allowing him to pick his spot and hit a shot across Mitch Walker to give his side the lead.
This seemed to wake the hosts up, and soon after their goal, Stourbridge were under a barrage of pressure, first Stefan Payne’s flick on gave Ricky Miller an opportunity, but he put his half volley wide. Just three minutes after Stourbridge were unable to clear a cross away, but after Ricky Modeste failed to control the loose ball Miller forced another effort wide.
The visitors soon broke again though, and only three minutes later a long throw towards Leon Broadhurst who headed the ball wide at the near post. Dspite not controlling possession, they were able to force Dover into hopeful long passes forward with their incessant pressure not giving ther hosts any time to create space for each other.
Matt Dodd was causing plenty of issues for the Dover defence, and on 25 minutes he had a chance to create his side’s second goal of the afternoon. His fantastic run down the middle of the pitch ended with a tame shot which rolled into the arms of Walker.
Soon after however, the Whites were able to force an equaliser. After a short cross on the right a cross flew towards the far post which was put back into the area by Sean Raggett, after Stourbridge were unable to clear the ball away Aswad Thomas did what his teammates couldn’t and put the ball past Lewis Solley.
With half time edging closer, both sides pushed forward to look for a second goal. First Dover were unable to clear a cross from the left wing, allowing Karl Hawley to put a shot wide after quickly turning. Moments after Chris Lait looked for another, but his left footed shot flew wide and, after yet another flick on from Stefan Payne, Ricky Miller placed the final chance of the half over.
The visitors began the second half in control and creating chances as they looked for another FA Cup upset for the club. From Matt Dodd’s cross Justin Richards found Leon Broadhurst whose shot was deflected before Mitch Walker got a hand to the shot, forcing the ball around the post.
Just three minutes later the head of Hawley met the ball from a corner, but the striker couldn’t put his effort on target.
A quick counter from Dover almost gave them the lead, but after er a long ball over the Stourbridge defence was met by Ricky Modeste, the tricky striker put his shot wide under pressure from Stuart Pierpoint.
With both teams looking for the next goal for so long, it would take something extroadinary for the deadlock to be broken again, and this came after some good work from Karl Hawley, after forcing his way through to the Dover goal, Mitch Walker went out to punch the high ball away, only to strike the attacker.
After Walker was given his second yellow card, and thus his marching orders, Hawley dusted himself down to convert the penalty which he worked so hard to win.
Despite Dover’s desperation to find a way through for an equaliser to force a replay, the Glassmen were able to hold firm, ending Dover’s hope of another high profile cup run.
With the cup over, Dover are now able to focus on maintaining their their good league position, this will first come on Tuesday when Eastleigh travel to Crabble before the Whites go to first placed Forest Green Rovers next Saturday.
Dover Athletic: Walker, Magri, Raggett, Orlu, Modeste (Ofori- Acheampong), Miller (Rafftery), Grimes, Deverdics (Ajala), Parkinson, Thomas, Payne
Subs not used: Kinnear Jnr, Murphy, Diallo, Sterling
Stourbridge: Solly, Green, Scarr, Tonks, Smikle, Pierpoint, Dodd, Broadhurst, Hawley, Richards, Lait
Subs not used: Billingham, Price, Knight, Wright, Penny, McPike, Harris
Referee: Mr R Martin
Assistants: Mr G Maskell, Mr C Kidd
Fourth official: Mr L Marks