STOURPORT Swifts remain on course to defend their WFA Senior Cup title after edging past Pershore Town on penalties.

Adam Hanson fired the reigning champions into the lead but second-half goals from Petar Tonchev and Scott Hammond put The Plums into the lead.

Ben Tilbury equalised for the visitors after a long ball forward from keeper Emery, who went on to save the crucial penalty in the shootout and send Swifts through to the next round.

It was a rapid start from the away side, who took the lead after just four minutes when Tilbury's through ball to Hanson ended with the Stourport man firing low past Eddie Cox in the Pershore goal.

After a run of form that has seen Pershore lose three of their last four matches in all competitions, the early goal could have seen the hosts fold but they bounced back after the break to turn the game on it's head.

First, Hammond's brilliant through ball in behind the visitors' defence found Tonchev, who finished well to equalise.

Only five minutes had passed before Pershore completed the turnaround thanks to Hammond's smart finish from Josh Willis' precise pass.

But it would be a simple long ball forward from the boot of Swifts' keeper Emery that would catch the hosts out, as the high ball was left to bounce and Tilbury, with Cox out of position, slid the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

The game went straight to penalties as a result and a high-quality shootout saw nine of ten kicks converted, but Emery made the all-important stop to provide the winning moment and send his side through.