ALCESTER Town progressed in the Birmingham Vase this week after beating Silhill in a penalty shoot-out.

In a game of two halves, Alcester soon found themselves 2-0 down but clawed a goal back just before the break when Stuart Hall netted from the penalty spot after Will Beach had been brought down.

The second half was a different story as Alcester started to take charge.

Beach had a goalbound shot expertly tipped around the post before they levelled when Hall hit home at the far post following a splendid cross from Matt Chambers.

But neither side could net a winner as the game went to penalties, with Alcester goalkeeper Alex Gretton, who was deputising for the unavailable Jack Turner, proving the hero with two quality saves.

That was after Fathers, Chambers, Kalach and Lowe had all held their nerve to net.

Alcester boss Danny Janes said: "In the first half we were awful and to be brutally honest, we didn't compete. But our goal just before half time was the turning point and in the second half, I saw a completely different Alcester team."

Alcester return to Midland League Division Three action this Saturday with a top of the table clash at Bartestree.

Janes has also confirmed the signing of Great Britain's National Deaf team skipper Jamie Clarke.

Experienced Clarke has featured for a number of clubs including Studley, Littleton and Pershore Town before training with Alcester Town during pre-season.

Janes added: "It's a massive coup for the club. I went to college with Jamie and he is a fantastic player. He trained with us while preparing for the Deaflympics and will feature for us when his national team duties allow."