DEBUTANT Quevin Castro scored the winning penalty as Alvechurch beat rivals Worcester City in a shootout to progress in the FA Trophy.
Castro netted the decisive spot kick at Lye Meadow after the teams played out a goalless draw in regulation time.
Church triumphed 4-3 on penalties to reach the second round of the competition.
The two teams traded chances in the first half as Nathan Hayward sent a header narrowly over the crossbar for the visitors.
And Harley Hamilton almost put the home side ahead at the other end when he placed a shot inches past the post.
Goalkeeper Redman Evans then denied former Alvechurch striker Dan Sweeney when one-on-one.
And Evans made a brave block after the break to deny Zac Guinan from close range.
Church almost snatched victory at the death when substitute Castro forced Harley Price into a fine save at the cup tie went to penalties.
Alvechurch made the perfect start in the shootout as Evans denied Felix Miles from the spot before Tope Obadeyi scored.
However, Kobe Chong levelled for City before Price saved Frank Tattum’s effort to restore parity in the shootout.
Both teams scored their next two penalties before Evans sprung low to his right to deny Sweeney to leave Church one kick from victory.
And Castro stepped up to send Price the wrong way and fire the home side into the next round.
Alvechurch are next in action against Spalding United on Saturday, November 1 with kick-off at 3pm at Lye Meadow.
