Stratford Town 0,

Stourbridge 0 (aet)

NEITHER side deserved to lose Saturday's FA Vase clash - a contest blooming with skill and commitment, but one that wilted when it came to the art of scoring.

Stourbridge wasted the best of a series of chances that came their way, but it was Town's Darren Dickson who came closest to breaking the deadlock on the hour but his shot was cleared off the line by Lewis Baker.

Simon Windsor, scorer of five goals on his last outing, was heavily involved in the build-up, while also volleying an instinctive effort from a Dickson cross inches off target five minutes from the end of normal time in the first round tie.

Stratford's Warren Ayres was the busiest of the two keepers, saving his best to keep out Paul Corden's 84th minute blast while also blocking an effort from the dangerous Michael Moore five minutes into the second period of extra time.

Despite the lack of goals, the action was as thick and fast as the previous week's league encounter when Craig Martin's brace and Marcus Hamill's clincher earned Town the points.

Martin was left on the bench after picking up a knock as Windsor and Jon Brant provided an attacking thrust only lacking an incisive killer touch in front of goal.

Lennie Derby's side proved a solid unit throughout with the versatile Steve Rule excelling in a holding midfield role before injury forced him out.

Stourbridge striker Andy Dale spurned the best chance of the opening half when Hamill produced three vital interceptions in his own penalty box.

Ayres saved well from Richard Smith before Windsor showed his pedigree before poor finishing let him down.

Ayres again saved his side when substitute Anthony Briscoe raced clear and Moore found himself similarly placed.

The striker then skipped past Ayres with 15 minutes left, but dragged a shot wide.

Dickson missed out with a clear sight of goal in the opening minutes of extra time before Ayres again spread himself well to keep out Dale's effort.

There were claims for a penalty from the home side when Martin was sent sprawling in the 98th minute, but the referee deemed the offence to be outside the box and Stratford hung on for a draw.