Match Report by Lewis Howarth

Claines Lane welcomed 550 supporters on Saturday afternoon who gathered in anticipation for Worcester City vs Dudley Town as both teams looked to continue their FA Cup campaigns.

In the openings sequences, City looked the better of the two sides. The first chance for City came after three minutes with a loose ball landing at the feet of Adam Mace, whose half volley was blocked by a Dudley Town defender. Eight minutes later, City came agonisingly close when Liam Lockett picked out Kyle Belmonte, but his curled effort was saved and pushed out for a corner. City made good use of the resulting corner when Lockett’s ball in reached Zac Guinan at the back post to fire home, his second goals in as many games and both in the last week.

As the game continued, City remained on top but were frustrated by Dudley who defended well to prevent City doubling their lead. The 40th minute marked City’s best chance since the opener, when Guinan’s shot was fired first time at the Dudley Town keeper. City headed into half time with a 1-0 lead looking the better of the two sides.

However, the second half was much more of a contest. The first major chance of the half came to Dudley Town, a long ball was deployed into the city box and headed down to the feet of Mansell who blasted the volley into the back of the net. Dudley supporters exploded with joy as the players and coaching staff ran to the corner flag to celebrate their equaliser.

Having drawn level, this prompted severe time wasting from the opposition, meaning City struggled to gather any momentum and create many chances.

The closest City game to taking back their lead came in the 75th minute. An in-swinging Adam Mace corner caused a spillage from the keeper allowing City to pounce on the loose ball. The resulting effort was blocked for another corner.

Due to many stoppages in the second half, the referee signalled for seven minutes of stoppage time to be played. However, it was heartbreak for City, when in the 93rd minute Bashiri broke blue hearts, scoring right at the death. The substitute ran to the corner flag to the despair of City supporters.

The full time whistle was blown and Dudley had held on to snatch the win at the death as they make the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in 12 years.