NANTWICH Town booked their place in the FA Vase First Round Proper with a 1-0 victory at Shifnal Town.

Mark Grice's early strike proved enough to see off the Midland Football Combination side on Saturday.

Paul Donnelly was forced to deal with one early scare before the Dabbers striker stunned the hosts after only 7 minutes.

Matt Blake went close to doubling their advantage after the break while Danny Griggs also rattled the bar with a 30-yard pile driver.

Victory means a quick rematch, this time at home to FA Cup victims Boldmore St Michaels who were dispatched 3-0, last month.

"Shifnal made us work hard for it," said Nantwich boss Steve Davis.

"We had some scary moments early on but we were always the better side.

"It was just a case of whether we would concede a sloppy goal.

"It didn't matter who we got in the draw but it's nice to get a home tie for a change.

"It's always more difficult to play the same team second time around and we don't expect it to be easy."

Nantwich are focused on another rapid return with ex-boss Nigel Gleghorn's Newcastle Town at Jackson Avenue on Friday night.

Despite a dominant display in Staffordshire, The Dabbers couldn't find a way past inspired keeper Richard Froggatt as the hosts stole three points, last month.

"We didn't get what we deserved last time," added Davis.

"We've got games in hand and if we win, we've got a chance to overtake them.

"It's early days but this is an important game for us.

"If we win it will give us a lot of confidence to take into our next couple of games."

Left-back Paul Taylor looks set to miss the next few weeks with an ankle problem while striker James Marrow is still on the comeback trail.

Meanwhile Davis completed his return from injury, playing the final 30 against Shifnal.

"Losing Paul's a blow as he's been doing well but we should be able to cover," continued Davis.

"I've been training for three weeks and I got half an hour against Shifnal. It's just fitness levels now but I should be up for selection on Friday if needed."