Extra-special Bearsted just four wins from Wembley

Substitute Peter Williams scored twice – including an extra-time winner – as Bearsted reached the last 32 of the FA Vase on Saturday. Bears were out on their feet after conceding an 89th-minute equaliser against Steyning but dug deep and won 3-2. A crowd of 181 – the biggest of the season at Honey Lane – saw Bears trail to a Liam Hunter goal after two minutes. David Baranowski equalised on 32 minutes and Bearsted looked to be heading through in normal time when Williams made it 2-1 on 82 minutes. Steyning hit back with Ryan Timms’ last-gasp equaliser, but Williams settled the tie in the 106th minute. Bearsted manager Kevin Stevens said: “It’s exciting to be through to the last 32. I can’t believe it. “We had a few players carrying knocks and getting cramp and we thought we’d struggle in extra time. “They were the better side in the first period but we came out strong in the second. I wasn’t surprised with the boys’ attitude but we had two or three seriously struggling to stay on the pitch. “We said before the game to have no regrets. They dug deep and were superb. I’m proud of them.” Stevens decided Williams wasn’t fit enough to start, but the striker showed his quality after being introduced around the 70-minute mark. The Bears boss said: “He’s had a couple of knocks recently so I was reluctant to start him, but he came on and scored two fantastic headers. “He reminded me he should have started but with his niggles it’s important to nurse him.” Bears have been drawn at home to Combined Counties League Abbey Rangers, with the tie due to be played on January 5. They’re just four rounds from the final at Wembley. Stevens said: “We said Steyning was our cup final and now we’ve got another. “We’re four wins from Wembley and you just never know.” K Sports survived a late scare to win 3-2 at Glebe in the Premier Division. Sam Stace (2) and Matt Gething were on target but Peter Clarke scored twice in added time for the hosts. Sports host Rusthall this Saturday, while Bearsted go to Hollands & Blair. Snodland’s Division 1 game at FC Elmstead was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They visit Stansfeld this weekend.