MARK Danks and Kevin O’Connor were on target as Worcester City came from behind to reach the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup final.

Trailing to sub Emmanuel Ibhadon’s strike on the stroke of half-time, Carl Heeley’s team hit back in the second-half to set up a meeting with Redditch or Stourbridge.

City, who dominated for long periods tonight, deserved to win but they were far from their best and made to work hard at The Grove by the Zamaretto League Premier Division strugglers, who were beaten 8-0 by Evesham United at the weekend.

Heeley handed a start to Marc McGregor in place of Danny Glover and Simon Richman came into midfield, while Gavin Hurren partnered Ryan Clarke in the centre of defence in the absence of Rob Elvins.

Neil Cartwright was also not involved with Tom Evans playing at right-back and Graham Ward on the left.

The visitors took the game to Halesowen from the start and it took a good save from Mark Fullwood to deny McGregor on nine minutes.

City enjoyed plenty of possession as they pinned Halesowen back, while the hosts looked shaky in defence.

Yet, despite their dominance, Heeley’s team lacked a cutting edge and did not test Fullwood for the rest of the half with Richman, McGregor and Ward failing to make the most of opportunities.

Halesowen barely had a sniff and looked devoid of confidence following Saturday’s thrashing.

Their cause was further hindered with Sam Wills and Andre Hinds both departing injured before the break.

But, as the half progressed, Shaun Cunnington’s men, who did not force a corner until the 43rd minute, began to venture over the half-way line with purpose.

Even so, their goal came completely out of the blue.

Ibhadon, who scored an own goal at the weekend, took aim from mid-way inside the City half and his shot deceived keeper Dean Coleman, who could only help the ball into the back of the net.

Halesowen flew out of the blocks in the second-half and should have increased their lead within seconds of the re-start.

Felix Kyeremeh found Rory Curtis in space but his effort was parried by Coleman.

Danks made his former employers pay on 53 minutes as he met Richman’s right-wing cross to divert the ball past Fullwood at the near post to equalise.

City finally took the lead on 70 minutes. Glover, on for McGregor, sent over a cross from the right and O’Connor scrambled the ball home.

That proved to be enough for a final place although Justin Nisbett squandered a late chance to level, heading over from close range after Michael McGrath’s deflected free-kick.

City: Coleman 5, T Evans 6 (K Evans 65, 6), Ward 7, Thorley 6, Hurren 6, Clarke 7, Richman 6 (Emery 78), O’Connor 7, McGregor 7 (Glover 70), Danks 7*, Birley 7. Subs not used: Mace, Birch.

Attendance: 201.