LUKE Rowe’s stunning late goal sent Worcester City into the first round of the FA Cup at the expense of National League North side Chorley.

City upstaged their higher-division opponents in a replay at Sixways Stadium as Rowe’s 89th-minute strike earned Worcester a place in the first round proper.

And the victory means Worcester will travel to League Two side Colchester United in the next round on the weekend of Saturday, November 7.

Worcester and Chorley played out a dramatic 1-1 draw last weekend as Josh Ezewele scored a last gasp equaliser for City to send the tie to a replay after Mike Calveley opened the scoring.

City created the game’s first meaningful chance when the home side helped a long throw into the box towards goal which the Chorley goalkeeper comfortably gathered.

Worcester went close on the 20-minute mark as Brandon Smalley narrowly missed the target when meeting a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

At the other end, Cristiano Dzialuk saved a free-kick from just outside the penalty area as the first half ended goalless.

City spurned a golden chance to take the lead early in the second half when Zac Guinan went through only for the forward to drag an effort wide of the post.

The home side then fired narrowly wide from distance and caused Chorley further problems from a succession of corners and long throws.

Chorley almost broke the deadlock late on when Jack Moore fired a dangerous low free-kick into the box only for the ball to evade everyone and go behind.

However, the game’s decisive moment came one minute from time when Rowe controlled a loose ball and unleashed a stunning half-volley which from 20-yards.

The ball looped over Chorley goalkeeper Li-Bau Stowell and sparked wild scenes of celebration as Worcester reached the FA Cup first round for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign.

Worcester are next in action against Banbury United on Tuesday, October 27 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Spencer Stadium.

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