MALVERN Town progressed to the first round proper of the FA Carlsberg Vase courtesy of Dene Whittal-Williams' 119th minute header in a game that they should have had wrapped up by half time.

BRIERLEY HILL & HAGLEY ALLIANCE 1, MALVERN TOWN 2

Despite the honest endeavours of the home side, they were totally outplayed by a Malvern team whose only problem was their failure to convert the catalogue of chances they created.

Their first opportunity fell to Des Cox, whose 15 minute header came back off the crossbar, and moments later Lee Goodman's fierce drive was denied by an upright.

Subsequently Brierley Hill goalkeeper Mark Wilkinson made good saves from Lee Hooper, Darren Wade and Cox, but the biggest surprise came after 30 minutes when the home side somehow contrived to take the lead .

Town failed to clear their lines effectively and when the ball fell to Brierley Hill skipper Andy Yapp, the influential midfielder made no mistake from close range.

Fortunately for Town, the home side's somewhat fortuitous advantage was short lived, as Lee Hooper turned superbly in the box to level the tie in the 35th minute.

The second period was all one way traffic, and Town's Lee Goodman had at least two chances to put his side in front, whilst numerous shots were either saved by Wilkinson or were wide of the mark, although a spectacular attempt at a clearance by a home defender saw the ball ricochet against the post.

With the tie now into extra time, Cox fired wide from point blank range, whilst Hooper did similarly from a header.

During the second period of fifteen minutes Steve Walker fired over as did the energetic Ricky Halion, but the inevitable goal came with just a minute to spare. Walker fired in a far post corner which was met by Whittal-Williams, who headed powerfully into the roof of the net, to secure an important win for the Town.

Town general manager Richard Anson said: "We have no problems with the performance, as it is difficult to see what else we might have done and at least we got the result which is always the main priority.

"This was our fifth game without defeat and we are now looking forward to the next round as well as making our climb up the table to realistic position."

MALVERN Town have been drawn at home to Norton United in the VA Vase.

The match will be played at Langland Stadium on Saturday, October 19.