AFTER struggling in the league, a much-changed Fownhope side pulled off a surprise victory in the first round of the Hereford Times Herefordshire League Journal Cup. They beat Lads Club 2-1 at the County Ground.

Fownhope started well, beating a lethargic home side to the ball and showing a deal of passion on the ball. They took the lead midway through the first half when Nathan Collings took a ball from Steve Winmill to score from a tight angle.

The home side came more into the game after this setback, with Mike Olive blazing one effort over the bar, and then having another shot cleared off the line. Collings then sprang the home side’s offside trap to gallop through and double the score.

Facing an uphill battle, the home side played with urgency in the second half, but found Neil Marshall in the Fownhope goal, in top form.

Lads Club had to wait until the final 10 minutes to make an impact, when Mike Olive headed home John Roche’s accurate cross.