Wolverhampton Casuals produced a dramatic late winner to seal their place in the next round of the Edward Case Cup, overcoming Cheadle Heath Nomads 2–1 after a long Monday night journey north.

With work commitments, injuries and cup-tied players all affecting the squad selection, the Casuals made full use of their resources and were rewarded for an impressive performance that, for long spells, saw them firmly in control.

The visitors dominated the opening half, with Knowles proving a constant threat to the Cheadle defence. Casuals created chance after chance but found home goalkeeper Jones in stubborn form.

There were occasions when the visitors perhaps overplayed, choosing an extra pass when a shot may have been the better option. Even so, Casuals could easily have been four goals to the good.

In the 22nd minute, Wood broke through on goal but saw his effort brilliantly denied by Jones. Nine minutes later, debutant Oliver found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but opted to square the ball, allowing a recovering defender to make the clearance.

Cheadle finally registered their first real effort in the 34th minute. Ex-Cassies player Hesketh’s free kick found Berry at the far post, but the resulting ricochet ended safely in the hands of Amos.

Three minutes later, Cheadle came even closer when Thompson struck from around 14 yards, only to see his effort crash back off the post.

Casuals went into the interval wondering quite how they had not established a commanding lead, with the chances created suggesting a scoreline more akin to 2–7 than a goalless draw.

The second half began in perfect fashion for the visitors.

Substitute Gill delivered a dangerous free kick into the box, where Hutchings rose to head home from eight yards and give Casuals the deserved lead.

Cheadle threatened an immediate response in the 54th minute when a free kick was headed away by the Casuals defence, only for the ball to rebound off the back of a teammate and loop towards goal. Amos reacted superbly to tip the ball over the bar.

Casuals continued to threaten and, in the 63rd minute, Oliver produced a delicious cross for Knowles, whose effort thundered against the crossbar. The flag, however, was raised for offside.

The hosts were given a lifeline in the 75th minute.

A Cheadle free kick was played short by Ewelike, who received the return ball before unleashing a low, 30-yard bullet into Amos’ bottom-left corner to level the contest.

The goal breathed new life into Cheadle and suddenly the hosts believed they could snatch the tie.

They almost did so in the 88th minute when, following a Casuals corner, Cheadle broke quickly and Rotimi saw a 20-yard effort clip the top of the crossbar.

But Casuals refused to settle for the game to be decided from the penalty spot.

Deep into added time, the decisive moment arrived.

Cheadle won a corner in the 93rd minute, but Casuals defended it and immediately turned defence into attack. Kirk drove forward down the right, winning a series of important challenges before squaring the ball.

Cook picked out Knowles at the far post, but once again Jones produced another fine save to deny the striker.

However, the rebound fell perfectly to Cook, who made no mistake this time, smashing the ball through a crowded defence from 12 yards to send the Casuals players and travelling support into celebrations.

1–2 — and Casuals were through.

It was a fitting ending to a game in which Wolverhampton Casuals had created enough opportunities to have put the tie beyond doubt much earlier.

Cheadle Heath Nomads somehow remained in contention until the final moments, helped by an inspired performance from Jones, but Casuals ultimately got the reward their overall performance deserved.

A long journey, a Monday night, a stretched squad and a fiercely contested cup tie — but the Cassies showed character, quality and persistence to get the job done.

Button Oak Photography travelled with the team to last night’s game, their images of the game have been shared on the clubs website, click Cheadle Heath Nomads - Edward Case Cup for access.

Wolverhampton Casuals now move onto Saturday and a return to Brinsford Stadium to welcome Southwell City in a FA Vase First Round tie – a huge game for both clubs. Kick off 3 pm and further details regarding the fixture will be published later this week.

We hope to see a large Cassie’s following at the game – we need your support.