NEWENT Town produced a stunning FA Vase comeback before goalkeeper Adam Clark became the hero in a dramatic FA Vase penalty shootout victory over Almondsbury at Wildsmith Meadow on Saturday.

The Daffs recovered from 2-0 down at half time and 3-1 behind during the second half to force a 3-3 draw before winning the shootout 4-2.

Last year, Newent made the first round proper for the first time in their history before bowing out at Barnstaple and will want to go even further this time.

But the south Gloucestershire visitors made a flying start in the first round qualifier, with Liam Nicholls opening the scoring after seven minutes when he raced onto Jaiden Burnard’s through ball and poked beyond keeper Clark.

Nicholls struck again two minutes later, firing home after Reece Purnell had controlled the ball on the turn and released him through the Daffs’ defence.

The visitors carried their two-goal advantage into the interval, leaving Newent facing an early exit from the FA Vase.

But the Daffs responded almost immediately after the restart, as Luke Firkin converted a penalty three minutes into the second half to halve the deficit.

Clark then produced a fine stop to deny Purnell on the hour, but Almondsbury restored their two-goal cushion eight minutes later when Nicholls completed his hat-trick at the back post.

Newent refused to surrender and Fin Jones made it 3-2 on 74 minutes, touching home after a header had been sent back across goal.

The comeback was completed with nine minutes remaining as Malique West finished past the Almondsbury goalkeeper to level the tie at 3-3 and send the contest to penalties.

Clark then took centre stage in the shootout, producing three saves as Newent prevailed 4-2 from the spot to seal their place in the next round.

The club hailed Clark following the final whistle after his decisive contribution capped a memorable Wildsmith Meadow afternoon to ensure Newent’s first cup adventure of the new campaign continued, after a remarkable fightback in front of their home supporters.

Meanwhile, Newent Town 2nds are now playing in the Hummel Herefordshire League after switching from Hellenic West.

The ‘Young Daffs’ launched their campaign last week with a 6-3 loss away to Worcester United 2nds at Malvern Town FC, Benjimin Areli firing two and Alfie Townsend one.

But on Monday night at home to Ledbury Town 2nds, they opened their account with a 1-0 home win thanks to a goal from Ross Allard.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Lydbrook Athletic came back from 1-0 down at half-time to secure a second Gloucestershire Northern 2 draw in a row at home to Minchinhampton, Willard Mutsira with the 75th minute leveller.

It followed a 6-1 opening day win at home to Viney St Swithins, when Dan Heaven fired four, and a 0-0 draw away to Mushet & Coalway, although they also suffered a 3-0 Reg Davis Cup home defeat at the hands of Cheltenham Civil Service.

Having opened their new campaign with a 2-1 home loss to Harrow Hill, newly-promoted Huntley thumped Viney St Swithins 4-0 at home on Saturday, Lee James firing a brace, and Bradley Taylor and Owen Fishpool one apiece.

Newent Town 1sts host Shortwood in Hellenic One this Saturday (August 22), while Lydbrook Athletic host Bream Amateurs and Huntley visit Mushet & Coalway in Gloucestershire Northern 2.