ZAC Guinan’s second-half goal sent Worcester City into the FA Cup Preliminary Round following a 1-0 victory against Walsall Wood in a replay.
Guinan scored the game’s only goal on 56 minutes at Claines Lane to settle the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at the third attempt.
The two teams initially played out a goalless draw at Claines Lane with the original replay abandoned due to floodlight failure at Walsall’s John Sylvester Stadium.
City made a fast start as Kyle Belmonte’s clever flick from Logan Stoddart’s cross went inches past the post.
And the home side went close again moments later as Guinan found Elliot Hartley in space only for the latter to shoot narrowly wide.
At the other end, Carter Lycett tried his luck with a free-kick which failed to trouble Haydn Whitcombe in the Worcester goal.
City were then denied by the woodwork as Nathan Hayward’s header came back off the post before a Walsall defender superbly denied Adam Mace a chance to turn home the rebound.
Walsall almost capitalised on a Worcester mistake early in the second half as Whitcombe made his first meaningful save of the night.
However, Worcester eventually took the lead on 56 minutes when Guinan blasted home Hartley’s lay off after Charlie Wise saw his effort from Mace’s initial corner blocked on the line.
City had a chance to double their lead soon after as Guinan slipped in Hartley as the latter sent his effort wide when one-on-one.
Walsall pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but struggled to carve out a clear cut chance against a resolute City defence.
The visitors won a corner deep into injury time but could only head the ball over the bar as City booked their place in the Preliminary Round.
Worcester host Dudley Town in the next round of the FA Cup on Saturday, August 17 with kick-off at 3pm at Claines Lane.
