TONY Sullivan made sure Lancashire Day went with a bang in the county capital with a late, late FA Trophy winner against Bromsgrove.

On a day when red was the colour throughout the county, super sub Sullivan ensured Dolly Blue was the colour of choice at the Giant Axe with a virtuoso cameo display.

After City had battered their Southern League Western Division opponents without getting a breakthrough all eyes were aimed at a long Tuesday night trip to Worcestershire for a replay.

But with just two minutes left on the clock Sullivan struck with an amazing effort from the touchline.

The big striker was only 11 inches in from the right flank when he rammed a cross-cum-shot over. The ball beat everyone and flew into the net via a post to spark scenes of unbridled joy.

Okay, the goal may not quite have been intended - but it was the least that City deserved after a controlled display that saw them hit the woodwork three times and force a series of saves from Rovers' keeper Matt Lowe.

From the start of the game City were in total control against a side whose plan was to try for a replay.

Despite their possession it took 27 minutes for City's first real chance as Steve Jones headed Neil Prince's corner into the path of Peter Thomson. Thomson turned well but somehow sent his six-yard shot against the crossbar.

Then a Martin Clark cross beat Thomson and Joe McMahon only to fall to Ryan-Zico Black at the back post but he couldn't connect properly and the ball looped into the hands of Lowe.

Prince, Ryan Elderton and the excellent Neil Urberschar all tried their luck from distance but the game was 0-0 at the break.

And when interval sub Ian Dawes sent a thunderous 20-yard shot against the bar after 53 minutes a goal just had to come.

But despite Black going close from distance, the game appeared to be drifting towards a 0-0 draw - a result that City certainly didn't want.

But the introduction of Sullivan for Prince on 69 minutes added fresh impetus to City.

His bustling style caused Bromsgrove's now creaky defence no end of concern and he nearly grabbed the goal of the season 10 minutes from time as he won the ball and beat two defenders before crashing a stunning shot towards goal.

Lowe went full stretch but got nowhere near the ball and looked on in relief as it smashed against the bar before rebounding to safety.

That moment of brilliance deserved a goal but it appeared Bromsgrove would get their replay until Sullivan won it.

As the game ran into stoppage time Sullivan, now giving Rovers XXX-rated problems, was only denied another goal by a fantastic save from Lowe after a smart shimmy and volley from 15-yards.

CITY: Speare, Clark, Sparrow, McMahon, Scott, Elderton, Jones (Dawes 46), Prince (Sullivan 69), Urberschar, Thomson, Black. Unused subs: Yeomans, Moogan, Stone.