Stamford AFC couldn’t bridge the gulf in quality so their terrific FA Trophy run is over

The Daniels suffered a 2-0 fourth round defeat as goals from Tom Owen-Evans either side of half time dashed their hopes of a last 16 appearance.

Josh Gowling’s visitors had both Ben Pollock and Luke Haines sent off in the second period but Stamford, who play in the Pitching In Northern Premier League South East Division, were unable to inflict an upset on the National League North side.

Stamford beat Stourbridge and Kidderminster Harriers to reach the last 32, but Drury admits his side were undone by a gulf in quality under the Zeeco Stadium lights.

The former Boston United and Corby Town boss, 49, said: “I thought we competed well, but it’s just that little bit of quality that they’ve got and their good movement up front which makes the difference.

“That’s the little bit of difference when you go to Conference North level. I’ve obviously had the privilege to manage at that level and when you’re working with those players, you don’t tend to have to coach them to do it, as do it naturally.

“I think that was the difference last night, especially in them scoring goals and us not scoring.

“I was pleased with the way we competed and the way we played with the ball at our feet. The pitch was really heavy underfoot for both sides.

“But no excuses, we went out there and gave everything we got. We didn’t look like scoring if I’m honest – I think they defended very well, and all credit to Hereford for that.

“They kept the gaps really tight, especially when they went down to ten men.

“I thought the difference was the movement, but we competed well enough.”

Drury’s underdogs gave an admirable account of themselves but were undone by strikes from the clinical Owen-Evans either side of the break.

The 23-year-old required just 11 minutes to open the scoring and while Stamford went into the break just a single goal behind, Owen-Evans’ 78th-minute effort put the game to bed.

Midfielder Pollock was dismissed in the 53rd minute before left-back Haines followed him down the tunnel just 22 minutes later.

But the eighth tier minnows were unable to make their numerical advantage pay as Hereford, who lie 15th in the sixth tier, marched into the last 16.

Stamford sat eighth in the n Northern Premier League South East Division when the season was suspended until at least March 6.

Drury does not know when his players will next take to the pitch, but hopes his day job on a building site can prove a distraction from the uncertainty.

“You could see after the game last night, the players were coming up to me saying ‘what’s happening now gaffer?’” added Drury, who is currently in his third spell as Stamford manager.

“I said: ‘look boys, we can’t train, and I’ll be in contact later on in the week.’

“I quite enjoy my job, being out in the fresh air. It suits me being I’m self-employed – it allows me to get away from the football when I need to, so I’m flexible with that. My balance in life is pretty good.

“It’s a club close to my heart. I feel part of the furniture – it’s actually my tenth season managing [Stamford] and it’s just a good club.

“It’s a loyal, honest club to the players, and you can’t ask for any more as a gaffer.”

Entain, owner of Ladbrokes, has launched a multi-million pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. The programme includes a flagship partnership with The Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues - collectively known as The Trident League, as well as a partnership with the UK sports charity SportsAid. For more details see: https://entaingroup.com/sustainability/pitching-in/