Reds crash out after letting two-goal lead slip

WORCESTER CITY 3
ACCRINGTON STANLEY 2

ACCRINGTON Stanley crashed out of the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying stage for the second year running despite racing into a two-goal lead.

The Reds looked in charge when  Gary Roberts turned and fired home on 11 minutes and Michael Welch headed home an Ian Craney corner four 
minutes later.

But then the Conference North strugglers battled back bravely and mistakes and a lack lustre show cost Stanley £10,000, a first round clash with Chippenham Town and the chance of glory and success in the prestigious competition.

Andy Dibble was stranded as defender Chris Smith headed home to make it 2-1 on 30 minutes and teenager Sam Wedgbury was celebrating what he thought was a wonder goal when he whalloped the ball into the net from 25 yards - but it was ruled off side despite two minutes of celebration before the flag was spotted.

Andy Preece's side got a deserved equaliser for their pressure and hard work when Adam Webster slid the ball home on 75 minutes after the Reds defence failed to clear their lines.

And the home side, cheered on by a crowd of 1331, got the winner two minutes from time when they were awarded a controversial free kick for an elbow on the edge of the box.

Preece rifled it in, Dibble spilled it and it fell for Rob Warner to tap home. It was agony for the Reds who were struggling for players with boss John Coleman on the bench although Worcester, who have only won one league game all season, were weathering an injury crisis of their own.