Kenilworth Wardens twice came from behind to beat Shilton to reach the semi finals of the Bedworth Nursing Cup.

With five regulars dropped down to the reserves and four youth players called up, Division One side Kenilworth started the game slowly, failing to retain possession or settle into the game.

Shilton, who sit eighth in Division Two, deservedly took the lead on ten minutes after a long ball upfield was not dealt with by the away defence, allowing the Shilton striker in to finish neatly.

Wardens continued to struggle in the opening exchanges, and became increasingly frustrated by a number of offside calls as they looked to break in behind the Shilton back line.

However, parity was restored on 30 minutes when Roger Kingston carried the ball deep into the offensive third and played Twigger into the box.

The Kenilworth wide man pulled the ball back for James Smith on the edge of the box to fire an unstoppable strike high into the top left corner for his first Wardens goal.

Despite the setback Shilton continued to look threatening as Wardens returned to their earlier sloppiness, and the hosts should have punished Kenilworth from two well-placed free kicks on the edge of the box.

Kenilworth started the second half slowly again and were punished for more sloppiness within the opening five minutes.

A lack of communication in the defence allowed the Shilton striker into the box to slot low under Andy Whitehouse in the Kenilworth goal.

After going behind for a second time Kenilworth kicked into gear, moving the ball quickly and dominating possession in the Shilton half.

Lee Jassi excelled in holding the ball up and playing Twigger and Toby Wells in repeatedly.

Wardens got their second equaliser on 57 minutes through Smith who latched onto a Twigger through ball and passed the ball neatly through the legs of the onrushing keeper to double his tally.

Kenilworth then continued to dominate, limiting Shilton to breakaway chances as the hosts struggled to get out of their own half.

On 65 minutes neat play down the right from Kingston saw captain Sam Taylor free to cross for Twigger to tap in the ball from six yards out and put Kenilworth ahead for the first time.

With Wardens looking increasingly likely to find a fourth, Shilton should have equalised when their striker was played in for a one on one, but Whitehouse was able to save smartly and hold onto the ball to prevent a rebound.

The away side then deservedly wrapped the game up on 85 minutes when Richards crossed to Wells who finished smartly at the back post.

Kenilworth Wardens will face RS Sports in the next round.

Speaking after the game manager Richards said: "It's great to get to the semi final. Obviously letting five key first team players go to the reserves impacted us, especially in the first 20 minutes. But the four young lads who came in didn't let us down at all.

"We scored at important times today and we're indebted to Smith for his two wonderful goals. As well as Andy Whitehouse who kept the score 3-2 when individuals made errors towards the end.

"I learnt a lot today and despite believing we would have won more comfortably with the regulars, feel like this experience will make us stronger for the rest of the year."

Kenilworth Wardens are proudly sponsored by LPC Sports Therapy and Yoga.

Lead-therapist Lily is a Level Four qualified sports massage therapist and yoga Practitioner, specialising in anxiety support.

Lily is trained to diagnose injuries, rehabilitate, and is fully recommended by players of Kenilworth Wardens.