FAIRFORD Town booked their place in the next round of the FA Vase after they pinched the plaudits against Chipping Sodbury Town at home.

Gareth Davies’ Fairford started well when Dan Drewett put them a goal to the good in the first half.

That didn’t last long as Chipping Sodbury equalised before it went from bad to worse for Fairford as the visitors added a second before half time.

“Dan Drewett put us a goal in front which was good to see for me because he had a mixed year last year,” said the Fairford manager.

“Then they equalised but it shouldn’t have happened, it was sloppy from us and then the second goal was a bit lucky really, it took a deflection and crept in.

"In the second half we came out and looked good, we looked like we meant business, the substitutions all made an impact.

“We have some very good players, the depth is nice to have and the quality is there for all to see, it’s a headache but a nice headache to have.”

With the end of the 90 minutes looming Davies’ men looked like they would be crashing out of the competition, but a late goal from Lee Smith made it 2-2 before Jack Ellis stole victory with an injury-time winner.

“At one point I didn’t think it was going to happen with the chances we didn’t take I thought it was going to be one of those days,'' added Davies.

“But thankfully we did it, we left it late which probably isn’t good for my health but when you score so late there is no way of coming back from that.

“(In) the last year we probably have the best group of lads we’ve had at the club, they all work hard for each other on the pitch.”

Fairford will now turn their attention to Saturday’s league action when they will be visited by Easington Sports.

Malmesbury Victoria were left with an unfamiliar taste in their mouth this weekend as they fell to their first defeat of the season.

The Vics, who were unbeaten before the game were defeated by AFC Stoneham in the FA Vase first round.

They weren’t the only local side to lose in the opening round, Shrivenham Town were beaten 3-2 by Abbey Rangers in extra time.

Malmesbury and Shrivenham will return to league action at the weekend when they prepare to host Warminster Town and North Leigh.