Knowle booked their place in the United Counties League Cup First Round with a hard-fought 1-0 victory on the road at Sheffield FC - the world's first football club.

The Preliminary Round tie looked destined for penalties before Talib Copeland struck the decisive blow seven minutes from time to set up a First Round tie with Lincolnshire-based Blackstones.

Formed in 1857, Sheffield FC are one of two clubs worldwide to have been awarded an official order of merit by FIFA for their 'incredible contribution to football' - the other being 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid.

Both sets of supporters at the Home of Football Ground were starved of a genuine scoring chance until Copeland made one from nothing on the stroke of half-time.

The in-form attacker skipped past home right-back Will Portman and unleashed a powerful strike at goal that Sam Green did superbly well to palm out of harm's way.

Ancients boss Vill Powell made four attack-minded substitutions in the second half as they strived to break Knowle's resolute defence.

But the Robins broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute when a blocked clearance was eventually bundled home from close range by Copeland.

The hosts almost scored a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time but Connor Cutts was denied by a last-ditch tackle and the night belonged to Knowle.

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Knowle are back in league action this weekend as they host FC Peterborough on Saturday, September 3, with kick-off at 3pm at The Robins' Nest.