Lee Clark scores the Fairford Town winner at Slimbridge FC (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Lee Clark scores the Fairford Town winner at Slimbridge FC

FAIRFORD Town are through to the second round of Cherry Red Records Challenge Cup after edging Slimbridge out of the competition at the very first hurdle.

After a goal-less first half and with Saturday's tie heading for extra time, team captain Lee Clark stole in to score a goal late on that was to prove a vital one for the Fairford visitors.

For his 86th-minute strike against the Hellenic Premier Division leaders, who have lost only two league matches to date, assured his Cinder Lane team of passage into the next round.

Fairford came through a stern Norman Matthews Floodlit Cup quarter-final test at Chipping Norton on Tuesday evening with flying colours.

For a solitary goal, scored in the 72th minute by Simon Gregory, now back in the side following recent injury, gave the Cinder Lane visitors a 1-0 win and passage into the semi-finals.

On the same night, Slimbridge also won their quarter-final tie, beating their Bicester Town visitors by three goals to one.

This Saturday, Fairford are set to return to Hellenic Premier League duties with an away fixture against Abingdon United (3pm ko).

Next Wednesday, Fairford return to their Cinder Lane ground to entertain Almonds-bury Town in a mid-week league match (7.30pm ko).

On Saturday, November 15, Fairford return to Slimbridge to play them in the league.

And then comes the big one for Fairford who have to travel to Bristol-based Bitton on Saturday, November 22, to play their second round tie in the FA Vase.