HALSTEAD Town progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Vase after beating Langford on penalties, writes KEN GILLIARD.

The Humbugs won 6-5 on spot-kicks against their South Midlands League division one opponents, after the tie had finished 3-3 in normal time.

The first real chance fell to Langford's Steve Burford, who got behind the home defence but let the ball run away from him at the vital moment.

Robbie Bennett's looping header went just wide for Halstead while keeper Eden Tulomba did superbly to turn away Dean Ager's effort.

Asa Cansdale then chipped the advancing keeper but his effort was just wide of the post, as Halstead exerted some pressure.

However, Langford went ahead against the run of play when Flavio Drescanu found himself free in the box and fired under the advancing Will Healy.

It was a lead that was to last only two minutes as Ager skilfully guided the ball home with the outside of his foot, from Cansdale's superb flick.

The sides went into the break level but this was thanks to Travell's outstanding clearance, who intervened after Drescanu broke again and looked certain to score.

Langford regained their lead early in the second half when Charan Basra turned in the box and slammed home within three minutes of the restart.

Halstead responded well, with Tulomba saving with his body and legs and keep the Humbugs at bay.

But the visitors should have extended their advantage when substitute Joshua Sesay found himself alone in the box but tamely shot wide.

Alfie Cleal forced Tulomba to again save with his legs but Langford made it 3-1 when Burford got free and passed the ball into the net, with just over ten minutes remaining.

The game was nearing the 90 minute mark when Halstead manager Mark Mclean rolled the dice one final time, taking off defender Tom Graves and replacing him with forward Nathan Scarborough.

It took just 5 minutes for Scarborough to have an impact, as he latched onto a ball over the top and calmly chipped the onrushing Tulomba.

In torrential rain, the visitors' area was under siege from the hosts and Sonny Dutton forced a good save from Tulomba.

But there was nothing the Langford keeper could do about Scarborough’s header moments later, as it nestled in the back of the net.

The tie would be decided on penalties and Halstead were the first to miss in the shoot-out.

However man of the match Healy went on to save two of Langford kicks and set up another home tie against Haverhill Borough in the next round.