Favourites Market Drayton edged into the quarter-finals of the Shropshire Challenge Cup – but they were pushed all the way by Bridgnorth Town, writes JAMES GARRISON.

A brace from Dorryl Proffitt secured the passage for the Evo Stik League division one south strugglers last night.

But they didn’t have things all their own way against their Midland Alliance hosts.

“We expected a tough game and that’s exactly what we got – but it was job done,” said Drayton boss Simon Line.

“They had nothing to lose and threw plenty of men forward and it was a difficult evening for us.

“We didn’t make the most of the good positions we got into but it’s another win and it keeps the momentum going which was important.”

After Bridgnorth’s Richard Golding had grazed the bar with a header, Drayton took a 30th minute lead through a Proffitt header after a quick throw allowed Tom Rogers to cross for the former England youth international.

But Bridgnorth were back on level terms just after half-time when Robbie Millington produced a fine piece of skill and crossed for Lewis Sedgley to level the scores.

A half chance from Ryan Guryn was as close as Bridgnorth came to snatching victory, and the hosts were left crestfallen some 20 minutes from time when a tame free-kick from Proffitt squirmed through the body of goalkeeper Dan Harris.

“It was a fantastic performance from our lads and, in the end, it was only a goalkeeping error that cost us,” said proud Bridgnorth boss Lee Mills.

“It’s disappointing because I honestly felt we could beat Market Drayton and go on and win the competition.

“We had a lot of pressure and the only disappointment was that we didn’t work their goalkeeper as much as we should have done.

“But, at the very least, we were full value for taking the tie into extra-time.”