Alcester Town have been handed a reprieve in the UHL Challenge Cup after being reinstated into the competition following the withdrawal of Cribbs from the Hellenic League.

The Romans had appeared to see their cup campaign come to an end with a 2-1 defeat against Cribbs in Saturday's third-round tie at Stratford Road.

However, Cribbs' subsequent withdrawal from the league on Monday means Alcester will now take their place in round four, travelling to Hellenic League Premier Division side Bradford Town on Saturday, December 5.

Alcester manager Aaron Blackwood had felt his side may have shown their opponents too much respect during the first half of Saturday's contest.

The Romans welcomed their Hellenic League Premier Division opponents to Stratford Road, looking to continue their cup adventure following Tuesday evening's impressive 1-0 victory over Stourport Swifts in the Floodlit Cup.

With Alcester sitting proudly at the top of Hellenic League Division One, the third-round tie provided another opportunity to test themselves against higher-level opposition.

However, the visitors took the lead midway through the first half when Keiran Clayton converted a penalty after Ashley Kendall was fouled inside the area.

Reflecting on the opening period, Blackwood said: “If I’m being honest, I think we probably gave Cribbs a little too much respect in the first half.

“There was a real lack of quality from both sides during the opening 45 minutes, and neither team really got going.

“The second half was much more positive from our perspective. We looked more confident, got on the front foot and started to cause them problems.

“I thought we deservedly got ourselves back into the game and, at 1-1, there was a real opportunity to go on and get something from it.”

Alcester’s improved performance was rewarded in the 77th minute when James Morris rose to head home an equaliser from a corner.

But their hopes of forcing a winner were dealt a blow seven minutes later when Cribbs were awarded a second penalty, with Clayton again converting.

The result appeared to end the Romans' involvement in the competition, but Cribbs' withdrawal has given Blackwood's side another opportunity to progress.

Blackwood had taken positives from the performance, particularly after the improved second-half display.

He added: “Obviously, it’s disappointing to lose the game so late on, but I think the performance, particularly in the second half, showed that we can compete with sides at that level.”

Meanwhile, the draw for the Midweek Floodlit Cup has handed Alcester another away tie, with the Romans set to travel to Hellenic League Premier Division side Cinderford Town.