LOYISO Recci scored a late winner as Rugby Town advanced to the FA Cup First Qualifying Round for the first time since 2018 with a come-from-behind 2-1 win away at Studley.
The Rugby captain popped up with the winning goal on 82 minutes after David Kolodynski had drawn Valley level on 55 minutes at The Beehive.
Victory means Rugby will travel to Grantham Town in the next round on Saturday, September 3 with kick-off at 3pm at South Kesteven Sports Stadium.
Studley started the game the better of the two teams and almost broke the deadlock after just two minutes when Joe Blowers hit the crossbar.
And the Bees took a deserved lead on 28 minutes when captain Dan Carter turned his man before firing into the roof of the net from 18-yards out.
However, Rugby were much improved in the second half and scored a superb equaliser as Kolodynski volleyed low into the net from Dan Summerfield’s exquisite whipped cross from the left.
And Rugby completed the comeback eight minutes from time when Recci slotted home from close range from Ryan Seal’s driven corner to ensure Valley’s safe passage to the next round at the expense of the Midland Football League Premier Division side.
Their progress in the cup means the club’s United Counties League Premier Division South home fixture against Easington Sports has been moved to Tuesday, October 4 with a 7.45pm kick-off time.
Valley’s opponents in the next round thrashed Lincoln United 5-1 in a replay after a goalless draw in the first match with Rugby and Grantham set to meet for the first time since 2006.
Grantham play in the Northern Premier League Division One East.
Rugby are next in action away at Newport Pagnell Town on Saturday, August 27 with kick-off at 3pm at Willen Road.
