AN EXTRA time winner from Evesham United substitute Duane Darby broke Tividale’s hearts on a thrilling night at The Beeches.

The veteran striker scored with virtually his first touch in the 107th minute to give Evesham a second qualifying round clash with Stourbridge.

But the result was harsh on The Dale players who more than matched their Southern League opponents throughout the game.

After a shaky start, which saw Joel Kettle clear off the line in the eighth minute from a Christopher Cornes shot, Tivi gained the upper hand and Liam Morris just missed connecting with strike partner Anthony Cox’s cross.

Visiting keeper Dave Adey had to be alert punch clear Ben Small’s centre, before Morris and Cox combined to give put the home side in front, Cox racing onto a slide rule pass before stroking the ball past Adey.

Evesham striker Jermaine Clarke sent a long range effort just over but still Tivi looked the more threatening, Cox, Kyle Hill and Sam Williams all going close.

Adam Hill then had Adey back-peddling to tip over a shot, before the visitors equalised against the runoff play.

A long free-kick into the Tividale box was headed back out to former Wolves man Cornes, who struck a looping volley past stranded home keeper James Trevalen.

The visitors started the second half at pace, with Mark Turton alert to clear the ball from Robert Ager in the opening seconds.

Trevalen was then forced to save with his legs from Joseph Cole after the midfielder was sent clear.

Evesham forced a number of corners and Steve Luckett should have kept down a close range effort.

The Dale weathered the storm and continued to show their own attacking intent, Morris just short of collecting Cox’s flick on.

Sam Williams went on a powerful run into the Evesham half but dawdled and missed his chance to shoot.

The closing stages of normal time saw a raft of substitutions and Matthew Morris, replacing Adam Hill, fired over as extra time began.

Cox was then sent clear on the left but fired his cross just in front of Morris, Trevalen pulled off another brilliant save with his legs from Evesham substitute Dan Polan.

Darby’s entrance was the visitors switch to four up front, a move which reaped instant dividends as he fired home at the far post after Cornes’ free-kick went through a crowd of defenders.

Trevalen denied Polan again from close range and Tividale pressed late on but it was not to be.

Speaking after the final whistle, Tividale manager Dean Whitehouse paid tribute to his players.

He said: “I’m gutted, I just think we deserved it over the two legs.

“We competed throughout, we had four 18-year-old lads in the side who were brilliant.

“It’s disappointing now but we have to move on and build on this over the rest of the season.”