ASHVILLE booked their place in the First Round proper of the Isuzu FA Vase after a penalty shootout victory against FC St Helens.

The day didn't start as Villa intended as FC St Helens took the lead after 22 minutes following good work down the right from Brad Green before the winger fired a cross into Matt Scarborough who couldn't miss.

That was the only incident of note from a very competitive first half that was mostly played in the midfield with neither side really taking control.

Villa came out in the second half a completely different team, putting endless pressure on the visitors and creating a handful of chances. Just four minutes into the half Peter Morgan charged down Harvey Passant, dispossessing the St Helens keeper, unfortunately though his follow up effort was blocked by a retreating defender.

Ashville had their breakthrough on 54 minutes however, when a deep free kick found the head of Shaun Farrall whose powerful header found the top corner. 

Not even 60 seconds later and Ben Greenop was in behind and nearly put Villa ahead. His effort was saved by the legs of Passant but the noise continued to rise at Ray Parker Stadium.

Into the final ten minutes the game went with the scores still level and Ashville still on the front foot while the roar for every Ashville attack was deafening, the 107 in attendance truly making themselves heard.

On 85 minutes Greenop gave Ashville the lead when Peter Morgan's shot deflected into the path of the striker who tapped home from two yards out.

Ashville would shoot themselves in the foot with seconds to go however, the defence failing to deal with a long ball before a goalmouth scramble saw FC St Helens captain, Zak Riley, level the scores once more.

With no extra time, the game went straight to a penalty shoot out with the sides matching each otheruntil the final St Helens penalty was saved by Michael Dixon low to his left. 

Ashville's place in the First Round Proper was secured and fans flooded onto the pitch to congratulate their heroes.

Villa will now host Glasshoughton Welfare, who play in Division One of the Northern Counties East Football League, on Saturday, October 21. 

Ashville's next game is away to Stockport Town next Saturday, September 30.