TWO rather fortunate goals proved decisive for Worcester City as they beat a spirited Dudley Town side 3-0 in the extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup.
After Dylan Hart's opener, right-back Cameron Monteith's intended cross into the box three minutes later fooled Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes and found the top corner.
Dudley had opportunities after going 2-0 down and did have the ball in the back of the net through Oli Waddison, only for it to be flagged offside.
But in a similar fashion to Monteith, Elliot Hartley's cross-come-shot shortly after the break also deceived Hawkes to put City 3-0 up and booked their spot in the next round against the winner of the replay between Westfields and Cogenhoe United.
It was a positive start from City, who were hoping to ease their frustration after Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Tuffley Rovers in the Hellenic League Premier opener.
Having spent 90 minutes banging on the door in mid-week, it took just 13 for City to make the breakthrough on Saturday as striker Hart swiveled and struck a fierce strike into the bottom corner from 10 yards out.
One quickly became two as Monteith ran into the Dudley half and aimed a cross at the back post, but instead his slightly skewed cross found the top corner, looping over a scrambling Hawkes in the Dudley goal.
City could have had more as they sensed blood. Elliot Hartley had a golden chance in the opening 10 minutes of the game and then came within a terrific fingertip save of making it 3-0.
But the visitors grew into the contest. Third-choice City keeper Isaac Parry had to be thrust into the starting eleven after injury and unavailability to first-choice Haydn Whitcombe and second-choice Joe Stockton.
He fumbled one ball into the box that was somehow fired over by Dudley centre-half Jamie Beddall before Waddison had the ball in the back of the net, only for the offside flag to halt the celebrations. Waddison then had two further efforts saved by Parry.
But any hope of a comeback were squashed soon after the restart as Hartley raced towards the by-line and chipped a ball towards the back-post, which managed to nestle in the corner.
Parry, who was impressive on debut for City, did make a couple of saves as Dudley tried to force a way back into the contest but Dudley could not carve out a clear-cut opportunity and City were able to see out the remainder of the contest without too many issues.
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