United hosted Stourbridge at Greenwich Avenue in the FA Cup and progressed to the next round as Marcus Marshall’s strike fired them into the second qualifying round.

They looked the stronger side from the off as their early attacks looked promising and nearly went ahead early on as Brad Gascoigne’s bullet header looked to have found the net but could only find the underside of the crossbar.

Rev James darted down the wing and excellently found space in the box, though his shot flew high and wide much to his disappointment.

The home side nearly saw themselves in front as Aaron O’Connor slotted into an empty net only for James to be adjudged offside by the far-side official.

Basford kept themselves on the front foot with many chances coming their way.

Once came for Alex Howes as he found himself just inside the 18-yard box, following Owen Betts’ pass but the final attempt was easy for Stourbridge ‘keeper Charlie Price.

Betts’ exquisite strike looked destined for the top corner, only for the crossbar to deny the home side for the second time as it was the closest and most dramatic effort of the game to date.

It was a back-to-the-wall performance from Stourbridge to keep them in the game as three shots were blocked in quick succession, preventing Basford from scoring.

They did have a good opportunity in the closing stages of the first half as a defensive error saw the ball fall to James McQuilkin whose shot was easy for the experienced ‘keeper Adam Collin.

James also had a great chance to open the scoring in the dying minutes, however Stourbridge keeper Charlie Price was out quickly to retrieve the ball and bring that attack to a close.

Basford went in at half-time with their heads held high following their most impressive performance of the season to date, but still looked for a goal to solidify their dominance over their West Midlands opponents.

They came out, continuing to play brilliant football and looked to find what they had been searching for throughout the first half, an opening goal.

Steve Chettle’s men defended well and dealt with Stourbridge’s intermittent attacks as the only breakthrough from the visitors saw Montel Gibson forge an effort over the crossbar with a half volley.

A brilliant opportunity fell to debutant Terry Hawkridge just outside the area as his shot was fired just over the crossbar after a brilliant opening hour in home colours.

It was substitute Marshall who finally opened the scoring for his side after tricking his way past two defenders, feigning to shot before getting a powerful strike off which deflected around the ‘keeper.

The visitors heaped pressure on Basford’s defence towards the end, but they stood firm to deal with any thread and eventually saw out victory to progress.