EVESHAM United staged a thrilling second-half comeback to book a mouth-watering FA Trophy first qualifying round clash with neighbours Redditch United on Saturday, October 31.

The Robins beat Chasetown 2-1 in a replay at the Jubilee Stadium on Tuesday but were fortunate to only trail by one goal after being second best in the opening half.

James Dance powered his way down the left on 20 minutes and squared to Ryan Wynter, who steered his shot beyond keeper Kevin Sawyer from 18 yards.

Chances for Stan Mugisha and Francino Francis went begging for the Northern Premier League visitors earlier on.

Three minutes before the break, Jon Gould was denied by Sawyer and then he saw his follow-up blocked on the line by Evesham skipper Matt Sysum.

But the tide turned after the break with the Robins, who drew 1-1 at Chasetown on Saturday, in total control.

Adam Mann had a shot deflected inches wide before the striker pulled his side level on 53 minutes, poking home from close range after Nick Stanley’s low ball into the box.

A minute later, Lance Smith shrugged off defender John Haynes only to blast his shot straight at the Staffordshire side’s keeper John Bateman.

The hosts continued to press and, when Dan MacDonald was brought down by Mugisha on 64 minutes, Sysum made no mistake from the penalty spot.

There should have been a third goal for Evesham with MacDonald twice going close and the impressive Sysum heading in a corner only for the effort to be disallowed for a foul on the keeper.

The seventh-placed Robins visit mid-table Bath side Larkhall Athletic in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West on Saturday (3pm).

Evesham then head for Warwickshire to face Premier Division strugglers Bedworth United in the Red Insure Cup first round on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Evesham: Sawyer, Harding, Wellon, Williams, Sysum, Dovey, Washbourne, Smith (Slack 86), Mann, MacDonanld (Brown 82), Stanley (Green 70). Subs not used: Wood, Binns.

Attendance: 163.