ALSTON defeated their high flying opponents from Whitehaven to progress past the second round of the Cumberland FA County Cup.

Alston welcomed Smurfit Kappa leaders Bransty Rangers, and saw out the tie after two late goals put them in control.

The hosts played some fine football in the first half but couldn't find a way past the Bransty goalkeeper, who pulled off a top stop from Jamie Elwood 10 yards out.

The game became hot tempered after the break but Alston kept their nerve, only to be kept out by the visitors' impressive goalkeeper.

But the man of the match could do nothing to keep out the opening goal with 15 minutes remaining, Dan Alexander curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner for with an excellent effort.

Buoyed by the goal, Alston went 2-0 up five minutes later when Alexander wriggled his way past a couple of defenders before squaring the ball to Jossy Wright who finished neatly with his left foot.

The visitors threw everyone forward in the search of a way back into the game and they were rewarded in the 88th minute with a looping header.

However, Alston saw out the final nervy minutes to book their place in the next round.