Halesowen Town made it through to the next round of the FA Trophy, courtesy of a win over Bromsgrove Sporting writes Max Banner.

Second half goals from Miracle Okafor and Kieran Donnelly, in front of 947 fans, ensured the Yeltz would atone for their recent league defeat against the Rouslers.

Bromsgrove started the game brightly enough, with Conor Tee fizzing a low shot towards goal that former Sporting keeper Dan Platt palmed wide.

Okafor tested Bromsgrove stopper Ollie Taylor with a cross from close range five minutes later, but it was easily held.

Sporting's Callum King-Harmes and Tristan Dunkley both had shots blocked later in the half.

In the second half, the tide turned, as Halesowen had the majority of the chances.

The opener came in the 55th minute, as Okafor neatly dispatched a penalty after Bromsgrove player-manager Mike McGrath was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. 

Okafor almost doubled his tally two minutes later after evading the offside trap, but his strike in a one-on-one position with Taylor was saved.

Todd Parker and Jack Holmes both had opportunities to score afterwards, but neither could take advantage of them.

The final goal of the match came with 12 minutes remaining, as substitute Donnelly danced his way through the defence before dinking a delightful effort into the goal from inside the box.

Holmes almost made it three in the final moments, but his shot was blocked away.

Halesowen manager Paul Smith was in an expectedly buoyant mood, commenting: "I thought the second half performance in particular was very strong - we looked like the only side who was really trying to win it and the other side was trying to hold on. It was a pleasing win on the back of two defeats."

A disappointed Mike McGrath said: "I feel we were the better team in the first half but obviously you run the risk of being punished if you don't take your chances. The first goal was really important, as whoever got it would have massive momentum to push on. It's frustrating in the end, but the boys have put in a shift and we go again next Saturday."

Sporting line-up: Ollie Taylor, Aksum White, Ayo Lekuti, Luke Rowe (Capt, Kane Auld 85 mins), Aaron Roberts, Mike McGrath, Jack Newell, Tris Dunkley (Gus Sanches 64 mins), Conor Tee, Kieron Berry. Unused substitutes: Goodluck Eke, Ade Francis, Blake Kindred, Syrus Warren-Paul, Keanu Cooper.

Sporting Player of the Match: Aaron Roberts

Attendance: 947

Referee: Mr D Wootton.