The highly rated 'keeper, whose eye-catching form has encouraged the scouts to flock to Aggborough, pulled off a string of saves to deny Halesowen Town.

But the Southern League Premier Division visitors still triumphed 2-0 against a Harriers team otherwise made up of youth teamers who battled bravely without creating chances.

Danby's broken toe had kept him out of the equation since late October but his return could well prompt higher-ranked clubs, with Cardiff City among those believed to be interested, to table a bid.

Harriers also brought on sub 'keeper Daniel Lewis last night but elected not to risk Steve Burton or Jamie Gleeson with squad numbers dangerously low ahead of the Boxing Day match-up with Swansea City.

The result was a relatively comprehensive quarter-final success for Halesowen who were able to name a more experienced line-up.

Danby showed no signs of rustiness as he was quick off his line to deny striker Nathan Lamey twice in the first half-hour.

He also needed centre-half Danny Hodnett, who gave a solid performance, to clear off the line from Jason Moore following a rebound.

Another excellent block from the 'keeper stopped an Alex Cowley shot before Halesowen took the lead just before half-time through a firm Lamey strike.

The former Moor Green forward's 16-yard shot on the turn took a deflection through a crowd of players to fox Danby but would have taken some stopping anyway.

Sub 'keeper Lewis emerged in the second-half to prevent fellow replacement Simon Forsdick sealing Halesowen's success on two occasions.

Dinked

The second goal was left to ex-Stourport Swifts winger Cowley in injury-time as he ran from his own half onto Paul Danks' measured pass and calmly dinked the ball over the on-rushing Lewis.

While the likes of midfielder Tom Manship and Hodnett showed plenty of bottle, Harriers lacked the physical presence to seriously trouble a defence which included former Bromsgrove Rover Nick Amos.

Halesowen now face Redditch United, whose Nationwide North game at Stalybridge Celtic last night was postponed, in the semi-finals.

Harriers: Danby (Lewis 71); Astley, Hodnett, Teraud, Evans; Butler, Manship, Malcolm, Ludlow; Byrne, Thompson. Subs not used: Burton, Gleeson.

Attendance: 228.