WIMBORNE Town reached the FA Trophy third qualifying round for the first time in their history courtesy of a 2-1 win over visitors Northwood.

A double from Mark Gamble put Magpies in control before substitute Dave Lawrence pulled one back with 12 minutes left.

See all our pictures from Wimborne Town v Northwood FC in a gallery 

Despite a late onslaught, Magpies held out and their third victory in the competition this season meant they took their Trophy prize money to £8,450.

But they had it far from their own way at Cuthbury.

Northwood made a positive start and Jason Harvell was the first keeper to be tested when he gathered Nick Turner’s stinging shot at the second attempt.

Moments later and against the run of play, the hosts grabbed the lead. The ball was worked through to Gamble by James Stokoe and Jamie Davidson and the striker calmly slotted across Berkley Laurencin and into the left corner.

Harvell then repelled a vicious drive from Joakim Ehui and at the other end, Wimborne left-back Ian Oliver curled wide of the upright with a cultured swing of his right boot.

Woods stopper Laurencin did well to cling on to a diving header from George Webb following Davidson’s measured cross and another chance went begging when Gamble skied from close range.

Harvell was kept honest down the other end and in the 39th minute he had to be alert to palm a header from Northwood player-boss Mark Burgess round the post.

With the break looming, Jon Blake nodded the final chance of the half onto the roof of the net.

Early in the second period, Webb superbly controlled a high ball in the box but his whipped shot was a fraction wide of the far post.

Visiting left-back Andy Lomas had the home fans worried when he burst into the box unchallenged, only to fire across the target.

At the other end, Matt Kemble should have extended the Magpies advantage but he blasted over when clean through, before doing exactly the same a matter of minutes later.

The close calls continued to flow as Webb thumped against the upright following a square ball across the box, before Gamble went close on the follow-up.

Harvell beat away a Michael Murray free-kick and Laurencin brilliantly stopped Gamble in his tracks as the striker charged in on goal.

Oliver escaped a second booking following a challenge on Perry Dicker and Harvell distinguished himself once more when he tipped Sam Byfield’s long-range curler behind.

A second goal finally arrived with 17 minutes left. Referee Antony Foster gave a penalty after Laurencin brought down the full-pelt Gamble and the Wimborne frontman duly sent the stopper the wrong way from the spot.

Woods substitute Dave Lawrence made an instant impact when his drive from range fizzed low into the right corner, with Harvell rooted to the spot.

But Wimborne held out in a frantic finale. Murray went closest for the visitors when he skewed wide and Gamble hooked wide when he went for his hat-trick in the closing moments.

  • Elsewhere, Poole Town secured Trophy progress thanks to a 2-1 win at Biggleswade.

Bashley were beaten 4-0 by visitors Yate Town in Southern South & West.