Jacob Twyford scored a brace as Kidsgrove Athletic came from behind to edge out Witton Albion, booking their place in the third round of the Integro League Cup.

The Stoke City loanee notched twice to ensure the Grove’s impressive vain of form continued, while the youngster bagged his first goals for the club since arriving in the summer.

It was the hosts however who opened the scoring after 21 minutes when Cesaire Lingouba stabbed home beyond Dom Kurasik after the Blues failed to clear an in-swinging corner.

The Grove had to wait just nine minutes to peg back their Evo-Stik Premier opponents though as James Yates axed down Will Saxon after the tricky winger burst into the area.

Twyford stepped up confidently to dispatch the resulting penalty beyond Jake Eastwood in between the sticks, levelling the tie before the break.

Ryan Austin’s men were awarded another chance from the spot just 14 minutes after the restart but this time failed to capitalise as Eastwood made amends, saving Rumenio’s effort after the Portuguese prospect was ploughed down in the box.

Just as penalties looked the likely eventuality, Saxon turned provider two minutes into stoppage time as he slid a teasing cross into the path of Twyford who obliged, applying the finishing touch with aplomb and sealing the win for the Blues at Wincham Park.

The club were delighted to see Tom France return to action following 12 months sidelined through injury on another memorable evening for a buoyant Grove side.

We are back in action this weekend and will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce on Saturday as we host Kendal Town at the Novus Stadium.

Line-ups:
Kidsgrove: Kurasik, Freeland, Bergin, Rhodes, Butler, Jepson, Rumenio, Williams, Malbon, Twyford, Saxon (Subs: Baker, France, Austin, Cole, Thompson)

Witton Albion: Eastwood, Gardener, Wilson, Humphreys, Noone, Booth, Lingouba, Foley, Arnison, Williams (Subs: Jones, Owens, Wardle, McKenna, Hall)

Attendance: 127