Tunbridge Wells took a giant step towards a Wembley final on Saturday after beating Shildon 2-0.

The FA Vase semi-final first leg triumph gives them a massive advantage heading into the second leg this coming Saturday.

A record crowd of 1,754 packed into the Culverden Stadium for what turned out to be a fantastic afternoon for the Kent side, who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the match on, after heavy rain left the playing surface sodden.

The game only passed a pitch inspection an hour before kick-off.

In what turned out to be a tense game, it took Wells until the 78th minute to break the deadlock, against their Northern League opponents, with a goal from Andy Irvine.

And a second from Jon Pilbeam, who converted from the spot with six minutes left, meant the Durham side have it all to do in the return leg.

It was a foul from Shildon captain Richard Flynn on substitute Carl Cornell that led to the crucial penalty, that Pilbeam sent into the bottom corner.

Wells boss Martin Larkin tweeted afterwards: “Will still be a massive task next week against an excellent Shildon side but we have a lead to hold onto. All away support will be welcome!!”