NEWCASTLE BENFIELD 0 KIDDERMINSTER 1

Newcastle Benfield vs Kidderminster Harriers FA cup game

Brayson was back in the action moments later, winning a free-kick on the edge of the area.

The in-form striker stepped up to take the kick and forced Brandon Hall into a smart stop down to his right.

Hall denied Brayson again on 25 minutes, snatching a vicious low drive by the veteran frontman.

Slowly, but surely, the Harriers hit back and Benfield survived a scare just before the half-hour mark.

Grainger dropped a high-hanging cross, but was relieved to see Ironside send an overhead-kick wide of his empty net.

Benfield were dealt a blow just before half-time as key defender Matthew Grieve was taken to hospital after a collision with Harriers striker Elton Ngwatala.

When the half-time whistle was blown, the hosts were given a fine reception by majority inside Sam Smith’s Park.

The Harriers burst into life early in the second half, creating three golden chances inside the opening five min- utes. Andre Brown should have converted a Joel Taylor cross but Grainger tipped his header over the bar.

The long-serving keeper then denied Ngwatala and Brown again in quick succession.

There was a sense that a goal was coming and it duly arrived with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Andre Wright was the provider and his pinpoint cross found Ironside, who couldn’t miss from inside the six-yard box.

Benfield rallied, Brayson had the ball in the net but an offside flag cut short celebrations.

Harriers took control, playing with poise and intelligence to see out the remaining time.

To them goes a Fourth Qualifying Round place, to Benfield goes admiration and bundles of pride for a remarkable effort and never-say-die spirit.