WELLINGTON 2, PENZANCE 3

Penzance's return to the FA Vase after a 14 year exile proved a fruitful one. A beautifully curled winner by player-manager Mark Vercesi two minutes from the end of regulation time sent the Magpies through to the next round at the expense of Western League Premier Division side Wellington writes James Wright.

The Step Five hosts started brightest, hitting the woodwork then going close with a Nathan Byrne shot that skidded just beyond Harry Salmon's far post. But they were rocked back in the 16th minute when George Molcher cushioned a pass into the path of his captain Silas Sullivan who serenely stroked home his first goal of the season.

Wellington struck back just after the half-hour mark, centre forward Josh Baker muscling his way on to the end of a deep free-kick and flicking a header past Salmon. They then took the lead themselves through a sublime individual goal from Byrne. The tricky left-footer cut in from wide on the right before despatching an unstoppable shot just inside the near top corner.

Critically, Penzance hit back immediately through a neat low finish from midfielder Charlie Willis giving themselves the momentum to take the game to their hosts in the second half despite having to play up a noticeable slope. Molcher set up Charlie Young, but the striker pulled his shot wide. A tidy link-up between Young and Willis then fashioned a clear chance for James Butler but the substitute, just on for his younger brother Ollie, was unable to find the target.

Willis, from a Sullivan cut-back, was denied by an excellent reflex save from Jack McAndrews. Then Vercesi, pushed up for a set piece, headed against the crossbar.

Penzance's prospects were further enhanced when Wellington's Oscar Albano was dismissed for a second bookable offence. But they were two minutes away from a third consecutive penalty shootout in Cup competition when a loose ball broke to Vercesi 20 yards out. With unerring accuracy the Gaffer planted a delightful side-footer just inside the keeper's left-hand post to send the Magpies through to the First Round Proper which will be staged on Saturday 18th October.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jack Alcock, Chris Amponsah, Jack Haggerty, Tom Strong, Glen Wright (captain), Alfie Slough, Miles Quick, Josh Baker, Oscar Albano, Nathan Byrne. Subs: Harry Chetland, Ashley Billingham, Daniel Conway, Lewis Oaten, James De Selincourt

Penzance: Harry Salmon, Archie Reynolds, Mark Vercesi, Josh Turner, Silas Sullivan (captain), Ewan Trevains, Charlie Willis (Wade Brown 90), Ollie Butler (James Butler 67), George Molcher (Trudgeon 58), Charlie Young, Josh Magin.

Subs: Rohan Bennetts, Alfie Turner

Referee: Carl Warren

Assistants: Gary Norman, Tracey Barber

Attendance: 90

Cover photo courtesy of James Wright