SUBSTITUTE Ryan Snape scored an extra-time winner as Bromsgrove Sporting claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory against Belper Town in an FA Cup replay.
Snape struck on 109 minutes to put Sporting back in front after Jamie Meddows opened the scoring in regulation time at the Victoria Ground.
Jacob Gratton’s late goal sent the game to extra time only for Snape to strike and Mason Warren to blaze a penalty over the bar for Belper deep into extra time.
The victory means Bromsgrove will play Bottesford Town in FA Cup Second Round Qualifying on Saturday, September 14 with kick-off at 3pm at the Victoria Ground.
Sporting almost took an early lead as Reece King saw his header cleared off the line before Belper goalkeeper Dan Moore tipped Luke Rowe’s effort to safety.
The visitors, who play in the Northern Premier League East Division, went close through Nathaniel Crofts at the other end when he shot wide from a promising position.
Rouslers keeper Charlie Price then produced a fine save to keep out Harry Draper’s header.
However, Sporting broke the deadlock on 36 minutes when Meddows’ cross-shot evaded everybody and curled into the net.
The home side had chances to extend their lead before the break as Theo Robinson fired straight at Moore before Cook sliced a shot across the face of goal.
Chances were at a premium in the second half as Meddows and Crook both missed the target while Moore saved Jack Newell’s shot.
And Sporting rued those missed chances as Belper equalised on 81 minutes when Gratton fired home on the turn from the edge of the penalty area.
Belper almost completed the turnaround moments later as substitute Keaton August sent a shot inches over the crossbar.
Moore somehow kept out King’s close-range header at the death to send the game to extra time.
And King hit the crossbar with another header at the start of the extra period before Moore saved Robinson’s overhead kick attempt.
Sporting reclaimed the lead on 109 minutes when Snape burst into the box and sent a powerful effort past Moore.
However, Belper spurned a glorious chance to equalise in the 118th minute as Warren sent a penalty out of the ground after Sporting were penalised for handball in the box.
Bromsgrove are next in action away at Biggleswade Town on Saturday, September 7 with kick-off at 3pm at the Yvette Brewer Stadium.
