CINDERFORD Town produced a dramatic late comeback to book their place in the next round of the FA Vase with a 3-2 victory away to Cheltenham Saracens on Saturday.

Jordan Annear struck deep into stoppage time to settle an entertaining first round contest, completing a turnaround for the Foresters after they had twice fallen behind at the hands of their Gloucestershire opponents.

The visitors endured a difficult opening when Saracens were awarded a penalty inside the first two minutes. Tommy Bond, who had been brought down to win the spot kick, stepped up to convert and hand the home side an immediate advantage.

Cinderford were forced to regroup after the early setback and gradually worked their way back into the contest. Their response arrived midway through the opening period when Harry Leeson produced an excellent volley to restore parity.

However, Saracens continued to threaten and enjoyed several opportunities as Cinderford struggled to contain their attacking play. The hosts eventually made that pressure count shortly before the interval.

A free kick delivered by Josh Aldridge created the opening, with Joe Richards applying the finishing touch in first half added time to send Saracens into the break leading 2-1.

Cinderford returned for the second half with renewed purpose and began to impose themselves more effectively on the tie, determined to avoid an early exit from the national competition.

Their improvement was rewarded when Jack Watts controlled the ball before directing a composed finish into the bottom corner, bringing the scores level for a second time and setting up a tense conclusion.

Both sides remained in contention as the clock ran down, with the prospect of a penalty shootout looming if neither could find a decisive third goal.

Instead, Cinderford delivered the final twist in stoppage time. Substitute Layten Harris helped a long ball forward with his head and Annear reacted to reach it, finishing the opportunity to put the Foresters ahead for the first time.

The late winner sparked celebrations among the visitors, while Saracens were left frustrated after having held the lead on two separate occasions.

There was also controversy surrounding Harris, who had earlier received a yellow card following a heavy challenge on Saracens defender Olly Whelan. The home player was unable to continue because of the injury sustained in the incident.

Nevertheless, Cinderford held on to secure their progress, with the result providing a welcome boost ahead of their return to league action.

Defender Joe Keeping was named man of the match following his performance for the visitors, who showed resilience to recover from their difficult start and fight back twice.

The victory also ensured the Forest side could look forward to another cup outing after overcoming a determined Saracens team away.

Cinderford are next scheduled to host Tuffley Rovers on Tuesday night, while their FA Vase ambitions remain alive ahead of Monday's second round draw.

Saracens, meanwhile, will look to respond when they face fellow Hellenic Division One side Stonehouse Town in the Floodlit Cup during the week.