Craig hails comeback kings (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Craig hails comeback kings

5:00pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in Sportsview

JOINT-manager Craig Payton hailed his Bewdley Town players after a stirring comeback saw them beat Wellington 5-3 and book their place in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday.

Town had looked down and out at 3-1 down, but four goals in the final 15 minutes left the Shropshire side stunned.

Bewdley will now go to Leek Town, who edged out Evesham United 2-1, on Saturday, September 8 and also bagged £1,750 in prize money.

Payton said: “It was an incredible comeback, we looked out of it but this team never gives up and we got our reward.

“This is the third time the players have produced this sort of come back and I think this is the best squad we’ve ever had here it terms of youth, experience and ability.

“We’re just gutted we’re not playing Evesham in the next round, instead we’ve got a two-hour trip to Leek but we’ll be up for that.”

Ed Florey hit the target in the first half but Wellington roared into a 3-1 lead early after the break.

However, Town pushed defender Richard Costello forward and brought on gifted young attacker Sam Prescott, which turned the match in their favour.

Sean Wright pulled a goal back from a corner and then former Walsall academy player Jason Wellings made it 3-3.

Costello became the club’s leading scorer as Bewdley roared into the lead for the first time and Wellings then sealed a memorable fight back in time added on with the fifth.

Town have a free weekend because of a bye in the FA Vase and the squad will be attending the wedding of striker Chris Hough .

Payton added: "We wish Chris and his bride to be Jess the best of luck and offer our congratulations ahead of their big day."

Bewdley then resume the season on Tuesday at home to Pegasus Juniors (7.45pm kick-off), as long as there is a definite result for the Hereford side in the Vase on Saturday.