Last updated 11:48, Tuesday, 23 September 2008

PENRITH AFC progressed to the next round of the FA Vase with a solid performance at Southend Road against Dinnington Town from the Northern Counties East Premier Division.

The opening exchanges were fairly even, with neither side able to force chances, and the midfield were controlling the game, but Penrith broke the deadlock with a fine goal on 13 minutes from striker Michael Reed.

Some great work on the right wing by Mark Birch saw his cross pick out Reed who rose magnificently to place a header wide of the keeper. Alan Gray broke one attack up when he robbed a Dinnington forward but he was brought down from behind and had to be taken to hospital with a gash down the back of his calf.

The Blues pushed on to put the tie beyond doubt but the visitors always looked dangerous on the break. However, the Penrith defence held firm and never gave the Dinnington forwards a look in.

In the 85th minute Wayne Robertson put the game beyond doubt when he met a corner and headed towards goal. The keeper made a good save, but the Penrith defender was quickest to react and forced the ball over the line from close range.