ALVECHURCH are just two wins away from a first appearance in the FA Cup first round proper for almost 50 years after producing a derby-day upset to stun Kidderminster Harriers.

Southern League Premier Central side Church triumphed 4-2 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw with their National League North visitors in front of a big crowd of 445 fans at Lye Meadow.

Alvechurch have also been handed a favourable draw in the third qualifying round, away at an Ilkeston Town side who play a level below them, with that tie taking place on Tuesday, October 18.

It was Harriers’ first competitive game of the season and Church punished their rustiness with an early goal, just three minutes in, as Kieran Cook turned home Jake Wakeling's inviting low cross at the far post.

Kidderminster responded well as Omari Sterling-James curled just wide but they levelled on 26 minutes as Sam Austin steered home a deep cross.

Alvechurch almost regained the lead as Wakeling cleverly worked space in the area but had the ball pinched off his toe by Keith Lowe as he was about to shoot.

They did go back ahead on 56 minutes as Joe Hull glanced a header into the bottom corner from Mitch Botfield's free-kick.

Wakeling forced a smart low save from debutant Harriers keeper Luke Simpson before his opposite number Jono Brown produced a superb one-on-one stop to deny Harriers' Austin an equaliser.

However, Kidderminster did manage to get back on level terms as Ashley Hemmings drove home a fine finish past Brown from just inside the area.

Neither side could find a winner, meaning the game went to penalties with each team scoring their first two spot-kicks, Wakeling and Cook the men on target for Church.

But Harriers blazed both of their next two penalties over the bar, while Isai Marselia scored for Church before Botfield netted the winning penalty to send the hosts through.