BROMSGROVE Sporting were knocked out of the FA Trophy following a 2-0 home defeat against divisional rivals Halesowen Town.
Miracle Okafor and Kieran Donnelly both found the net for the visitors in the second half with Sporting unable to muster a response at the Victoria Ground.
And the defeat means Bromsgrove exit the competition at the third round qualifying stage with Sporting unable to replicate their recent league victory against the Yeltz.
Sporting claimed a 3-1 win in the league at the end of last month as former Rouslers boss and now Halesowen manager Paul Smith returned to the Victoria Ground for the second time this season.
The two teams traded early chances with Halesowen goalkeeper Dan Platt pushing Conor Tee’s low shot behind before Rouslers stopper Ollie Taylor held Okafor’s cross at the other end.
However, Halesowen took the lead on 55 minutes as Okafor scored from the penalty spot after Sporting’s player-manager Mike McGrath handled the ball in the box.
The visitors dominated thereafter as Taylor made a superb save to deny Okafor when one-on-one before Todd Parker and Jack Holmes both missed chances to double the away side’s lead.
Halesowen wrapped up the win on 78 minutes when substitute Donnelly beat two Sporting defenders before lifting the ball over Taylor from eight-yards out.
The visitors had a chance to add to their lead late on as Holmes saw a shot blocked with Sporting unable to find a way back into the game.
Sporting boss McGrath said: “I feel we were the better team in the first half but obviously you run the risk of being punished if you don’t take your chances.
“The first goal was really important, as whoever got it would have massive momentum to push on.
“It’s frustrating in the end, but the boys have put in a shift and we go again next Saturday.”
Sporting are next in action away at St Ives Town on Saturday, October 14 with kick-off at 3pm at Westwood Road.
