BEWDLEY Town FC shot down Midland Alliance outfit Coleshill 2-1 to book a place in the second round of the FA Vase on Saturday.

Ribbesford Meadows witnessed a stirring fight back by the home team, who came from behind to win the match.

Now they face United Counties Premier Division side Sleaford Town in the next round on Saturday, November 14, away from home.

Joint manager Craig Payton believes that this success shows the progress the club have made in recent years.

He said: "It was tense near the end but we got through and it's a massive achievement.

"This is the first time we've got this far in the competition and we're progressing every year, building on our success.

"It was a tough game, they had a player sent off and it's always hard to break down ten men.

"We had to do it the hard way but we brought on Chris Hough and that made all the difference."

Bewdley had been trailing to Chris Gurney's early goal, when Coleshill had a player sent off for two bookable offences in the 40th minute.

The West Midlands League Premier Division side made a tactical change in the second half, when Chris Hough replaced Craig Forbes.

The substitute won the free-kick that led to Richard Costello levelling the scores in the 65th minute.

From another free-kick, Shaun Wright rose highest to meet Grant Joshua's delivery and head Bewdley into the lead ten minutes later.

Hitman Lewis Pountney could have secured the game in the 80th minute but wasted a good chance, but Bewdley held on for victory.

Bewdley will be without Gavin Smith and Mike Carter for Saturday's league clash at Ledbury Town (3pm kick-off).

They will be eager to avenge a 2-1 West Midlands Premier Division loss to them in September.

Keeper Tom Harper could be recalled to the squad after a three-week absence. The shot-stopper is set to play in Wednesday's Worcestershire Senior Cup game at home to Pershore (7.45pm kick-off).

However, he faces stiff competition with goalkeeping coach Darren Steadman for the spot. Steadman has impressed in the last three matches.