RUGBY Borough will play host to Bustleholme in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase after edging out higher-ranked Malvern Town 3-2.
West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division outfit Malvern had taken an eight-minute lead on Saturday through an own goal but Borough drew level after 25 minutes when Jordan Simms broke through on goal before rounding keeper Charlie Weaver and slotting home into an empty net.
Borough then took the lead just after the half hour mark when another sharp break was finished off by Luke Jones.
The hosts made it 3-1 when they carved Malvern open once again with Adam Shaw doubling their advantage.
Curtis Smith reduced the arrears for the visitors just before the break but no more goals followed as Borough secured their place in the second qualifying round, with the tie to be played on Saturday, September 15.
Borough manager Neil Collett said: “I really could not have asked for any more from my side.
“After going one down early on we could have sat back and let Malvern play.
“What we actually did was take the game to them and they could not cope with our pace and passing which in some cases was exceptional.
“At half-time I said to them be proud and go and show your true talent and whilst Malvern had the majority of the second-half, we defended and counter-attacked at all the right times.
“It was a great performance and we are looking forward to hosting Bustleholme as we can give anyone a game on the 3G.”
Borough now return to Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division action with two games in the space of four days.
They travel to FC Khalsa on Saturday before making the trip to Friar Lane & Epworth on Tuesday night.
Collett added: “The bread and butter of the league games take over for a week and my players are focused on gaining as many points as we can over the next two games.
“There are no easy games but with the right attitude and temperament we can come through.”
The boss is also keen to bring in some new additions.
“We are always looking to bring in players that can improve the squad,” he said.
“We were at a few games scouting over the weekend so we will sit down and see what we can do.”
