FA Cup second qualifying round
Club favourite Sam Smith scored twice as Handsworth pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the round after an incredibly winning 3-1 at NPL giants Halesowen in front of nearly 900 people.
Russ Eagle promised to attack and fortunate did duly favour the brave with the previously unbeaten Halesowen put to the sword.
The likes of National North giants Guiseley, York City and Boston United could lie in wait for the Ambers in the next round.
The tie swung in Handsworth’s way towards half-time when Kane Reece stunned the home support by firing into the bottom right corner.
The Ambers had to dig deep as Halesowen responded with waves of pressure.
Goalkeeper Ben Townsend, who was excellent all afternoon, had to stand firm to keep the hosts at bay.
But for all the chances, Halesowen were made to pay on the hour as the Handsworth pulled a goal out of the bag from nowhere.
Smith spotted home stopper David Platt off-his-line and he sent the ball flying into the net from the halfway line.
The tie was far from over though and Robbie Bunn set up a potential grandstand finish with his 79th minute goal.
Fortunately Smith was able to score a tap-in with minutes remaining and start the celebrations which went well into the night.
The Heroes
Handsworth: Townsend, Bell, Tootle, Harrison, Paylor (captain), Roebuck, Fewkes, Reece, Smith, Dunne, Oliver. Subs: Hobson, Nyoni, Howarth, Eagle, Nyarko, Bacon, Baldwin.