HIGHGATE United overcame stiff opposition from West Midlands (Regional) League side Malvern Town to progress through to the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Senior Urn.
With Sam Oji returning to the heart of defence and new signing Ben Stokes making his debut in midfield, a competitive first half saw Gate take a three-goal lead into the break.
Early goals from Nick Seabourne and Connor Deards in ninth and tenth minutes respectively and Aaron Brown’s 45th minute volley had the hosts comfortably in charge.
However, with the visitors edging the second half, the margin was reduced by Harry Clarke’s 60th-minute strike.
Seabourne restored the three-goal margin in 75th minute with the completion of a deserved brace before Josh Hunt scored for Malvern just sixty seconds later to set up a tense finish, with Gate holding on to secure a place in the last four.
Victory in the county cup followed last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Sporting Community in the Midlands Premier.
A stoppage time strike from Aaron Brown saved Highgate’s blushes against second-from-bottom Wolverhampton.
Once again the Gate were down on numbers, with Lei Brown and James Wilcock joining Richard Batchelor, Kurtis Revan, Trea Bertie, Marco Adaggio and Sam Oji on the list of those unavailable.
However, Gate were boosted by a surprise loan return from Redditch United for Robbie Bunn.
A couple of early efforts saw Corey Currithers and Bun fail to trouble Wolves keeper Reiss Jeavons.
The visitors then made the most of a long ball down the middle for Charlie Higgs to score after 20 minutes.
In the second half McCauley Manning came close to equalising from eight yards, forcing Jeavons into a full stretch save to preserve his side’s narrow advantage.
With time running out, a late reshuffle of the pack paid off deep into added time.
With Brown now up top, his looping header back across goal in the third minute of stoppage time rescued a point for Highgate.
Highgate return to Midlands Premier action on Saturday with a trip to Boldmere St Michaels.
Meanwhile, Gate have been drawn at home to Worcester City in the League Cup, with the tie to be played on Wednesday, November 7.
