A dramatic late goal from substitute Lee Roots earned Great Yarmouth Town a place in the first qualifing round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Late drama at The Wellesley as a late effort from substutute Lee Roots goes in. Picture: Darren Seely.Late drama at The Wellesley as a late effort from substutute Lee Roots goes in. Picture: Darren Seely. (Image: © DSS Digital Media)

For this much anticipated game the Bloaters had to manage without Joel Glover and Aaron Sanders, both of whom have made big impacts already this season.

However there was a welcome return to the starting line-up for skipper Rob Andersen and goalkeeper Josh Glover.

The Bloaters settled the better against a side who had won their first three league games and Andersen had the first attempt from a Hadyn Davis free-kick but saw his header flash wide of the post. More Davis magic produced a chance for Mitch Forbes, but his snap shot narrowly missed the target. I

On 20 minutes visiting keeper Wheatley saved well as a Davis free-kick was cleared to Applegate and his cross was met by Ager, only for the young keeper to deny the Bloaters centre-back with a brave save.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth players mob Lee Roots after what proved to be a late winner in the FA Cup. Picture: Darren SeelyGreat Yarmouth players mob Lee Roots after what proved to be a late winner in the FA Cup. Picture: Darren Seely (Image: © DSS Digital Media)

The half was marred by an accidental clash of heads just before half-time between Savage and Kendall, leaving the former with a nasty gash on his head that required attention. The game swung from end to end, with the visitors encouraged by their vociferous supporters, although in truth neither side had much to sing about in a tight first half.

The visitors were forced into an early change at half-time with Kendall replaced by Matt Brinklow. After the break the Bees demonstrated their intent and were playing some neat football through midfield without creating any clear chances.

Just as the rain began to fall another clash of heads saw Ager come off second best and he went off to receive extended treatment as his powerful header went past the post.

With the clock ticking down and neither side looking like scoring, Bartram was substituted for Roots, making a welcome return to the side. And the killer blow was dealt in the 82nd minute as Sean Perfect’s corner was met by the head of Ager and Roots was on hand to poke the ball home from close. The visitors, desperate to stay in the tie, forced a couple of corners but the excellent Glover and his back four remained firm.

Great Yarmouth: Glover, Howell, Savage, Costandichi, Ager, Andersen, Perfect, Bartram, Forbes, Applegate, Davis. Subs: Palmer, Roots, Mcara, Ford, Bond.

Attendance: 163