JACK DUGGAN’s late goal stunned Northampton Town as Non-League‘s FA Cup kings Stourbridge enjoyed another famous night at Amblecote.
The Glassboys, of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier, were fantastic from start to finish and Duggan’s 86th-minute strike gave them a deserved victory in front of a packed crowd of 2,520.
If not for Cobblers keeper David Cornell, Stourbridge could have been two up by the time they grabbed the win with four minutes left.
Ironically, it was an error from Cornell that cost the League One side when he came for and missed a Luke Benbow free-kick and big defender Duggan – who had been superb all evening – smashed in at the back post.
The Glassboys now go into the third round for the first time in their history and will travel to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers who, on this display, will have a lot to worry about.
This was not your typical plucky Cup performance where a Non-League side digs in, defends deep and has to suffer a barrage of attacks before nicking a lucky winner.
An ’embarrassed’ Northampton boss Rob Page admitted after the game that the better side had won the match and he was right.
Northampton failed to register a shot on target all night and were forced into long punts upfield as the hard-working Stourbridge side gave them little time on the ball.
In the end, it was another great night for Gary Hackett and his Glassboys outfit in the FA Cup, something that is almost a given in this part of the West Midlands!
Hackett said: “I thought we were outstanding. We certainly didn’t get lucky, we were the better team. It’s one of those special nights and it’s a great occasion for everybody connected with the football club.
“We had a 15-minute spell in the second half when there were some very tired legs, but the crowd kept them going. We hung on, defended immensely and Matt Gould’s not had a shot to save.
“This has got to be the biggest achievement, beating a League One side at home. This is what the FA Cup is all about.
“Everybody connected with this football club are heroes. I spoke to a gentleman who comes on the coach every week and never misses a game – I told him these nights are for you.
“Hugh (Clark, Stourbridge president) has been here 50 years and experienced some tough times at this football club, so he gets rewarded tonight. We all do.”
