AFC Liverpool moved into the last-32 of the FA Vase with a 2-1 win over Cheadle Town after goals from Jesse Dowling and Billy McCarthy.
The North West Counties Division One North side halved the deficit midway through the second period making for a nervy ending when captain Patrick Davin fired home.
Matt Potter’s side raced into an early two-goal lead when Dowling charged down the visitors defence and forced a mistake before slotting home.
McCarthy doubled the hosts lead just three minutes after the opener with a superb strike, firing into the top corner.
Dowling had two chances to double his tally for the afternoon and push the Non-League Reds to a three-goal lead but he couldn’t fire beyond Jordan Latham.
Despite the difference in divisions, the visitors looked for avenues back into the tie. Justin Pickering tricked his way onto his left-foot before firing from outside the box but Jack McGovern got an important fingertip to divert the danger past the post.
REACTION: Matt Potter delighted by Cheadle Town FA Vase triumph as AFC Liverpool keep Wembley dream alive
The AFC shot-stopper was also there to deny Justin Lazenbury after he fashioned himself some space in the hosts 18-yard box.
But there was no clean sheet for McGovern after Davin beat the goalkeeper. As they pushed for the third goal, they were caught on the counter-attack with the towering forward holding off the defender before firing through the legs of the AFC Liverpool goalkeeper.
A nervous ending ensued as both sides exchanged blows but as they were trailing in the game, it was Cheadle who had the best openings in the dying embers.
Paul Marshall saw his effort loop over the bar after a crucial deflection from the AFC Liverpool defender. Lazenbury then managed to get on the wrong side of his marker but could only scoop his effort one-on-one with McGovern wide.
AFC Liverpool match last season’s performance in the FA Vase and will learn their fate on Monday. They are just four matches away from Wembley
Match Stats:
AFC Liverpool 2-1 Cheadle Town
Goals: 4′ Jesse Dowling, 10′ Billy McCarthy; 69′ Patrick Davin
HT/FT Score: 2-0/2-1
