HARTSHILL Strollers have made it through to the national finals of walking football’s top trophy.

The Dudley club’s over-65s team – based at Summerhill School in Kingswinford - beat Nottingham-based Bramcote WFC 3-2 in the competition’s regional final on Thursday, August 9.

The super-veterans will now go on to the Grand Finals to be held on Sunday, September 30 at a venue yet to announced.

The WFA National Cup is walking football’s most prestigious tournament – equivalent to the FA Cup – and involves clubs from all over the country.

Hartshill’s over-60s team won the trophy in 2016.

This year’s 65 plus regional clash was a nervy and nail-biting affair with Hartshill taking the lead in the ninth minute through in-form striker Richard Delahaye.

The Strollers stayed mostly in control for the remainder of the first half, but conceded a freak equaliser within two minutes of the re-start.

However, Delahaye restored Hartshill’s lead just three minutes later and it seemed the Strollers would hold on for a 2-1 win.

Then, Bramcote equalised yet again, and extra time – and even penalties – appeared to be beckoning. But with just two minutes to go, substitute Joe Lowes broke free and smashed in the winner.

Bob Haywood, Hartshill’s over-65s manager, said: “It was a tough match. We twice thought we had clinched it but the game slipped away from us.

“In the end, our tenacity and team spirit won through.

“I am very, very proud of the squad. All we have to do now is win the finals and lift the trophy."