WORCESTER City suffered cup competition heartache for the second time in a week as Halifax scored five minutes from time to advance in the FA Trophy.

Having done the majority of the attacking without being able to find a way through a stubborn and physical visiting defence, Scot Boden finally broke City’s resolve at Aggborough, the scene of last Wednesday’s FA Cup penalty shoot out drama against Scunthorpe.

Boden’s first shot was blocked by the body of Jacob Rowe before the same player fired the rebound past Nathan Vaughan, who until that point hadn’t had a save to make.

Despite being without George Williams following his sale to Barnsley, City were again equal to higher ranked opponents and for large periods looked to be on course for at least a replay.

As it was, it will be Halifax who will host Alfreton in the second round next month, leaving Carl Heeley’s side to focus on reaching the Conference North play-offs.

Williams’ departure was marked by a guard of honour from his former team mates and a standing ovation from the home crowd.

City, who face Hednesford at Aggborough on Boxing Day (3pm), sought to attack from the whistle and Sean Geddes curled an effort off the outside of his right boot just wide inside the first minute.

Heeley’s side were the better team in the first period and twice Matty Glennon was called into action.

Firstly, he flung himself to his left to repel a rasping drive from Ellis Deeney before tipping Daniel Nti’s shot over the bar following fine build-up play from the hosts.

City kept possession before play was switched to opposite full-back Tyler Weir and he picked out Nti whose shot on the turn grazed the finger tips of Glennon.

Halifax, who replaced Kevin Roberts with Matty Pearson seven minutes before half-time, offered little to worry Vaughan in the first-half.

The visitors weathered an early second-half storm before Will Hatfield and Ross Dyer went close.

City brought on Connor Gater for Khan prior to the hour, which saw the former slot into midfield and Danny Jackman fill in at left-back.

Glennon almost gifted the hosts an opener in the 62nd minute, the keeper spilling Geddes’ shot and just about gathering the ball at the second attempt.

Halifax came within a whisker of snatching victory with seven minutes to go when Lois Maynard’s header hit the post and cannoned off Vaughan to safety.

But, two minutes later, Neil Aspin’s side broke the deadlock. Jacob Rowe threw himself in front of Boden’s initial effort but the rebound fell to the same player and he lashed the ball beyond Vaughan.

City: Vaughan 7, Weir 8, Khan 7 (Gater 57), Hutchison 9, Rowe 9, Jackman 7 (Taylor 88), Nti 9*, Deeney 8, Symons 7 (Dunkley 64), Geddes 7, Murphy 8. Subs not used: Wright, Veiga. Attendance: 760.