Stunning fightback sees Gainsborough Trinity into FA Cup second round

The first round draw pitted the Holy Blues against NPL West Division opposition in Hednesford, who parted ways with manager Steve King less than 48 hours before the game.

It was the home side who started the better, racing into a 2-0 lead before half-time then stretching their advantage on 49 minutes through Dominic McHale.

A brace from Gainsborough forward Declan Howe set up a grandstand final 15 minutes, and the visiting supporters were sent into raptures in the 94th minute when Will Lancaster rifled the ball home to force extra-time.

Hednesford's lead was restored through McHale with 96 minutes on the clock, but Gainsborough came back again to force penalties - Javelle Clarke with the leveller - before prevailing 5-4 in the shootout.

"[It was a] rollercoaster ride, incredible," Gainsborough manager Russ Wilcox said post-match.

"At two goals down, they were the better team by a country mile. We looked like a nervous team out there, maybe the pressure of being favourites got to us.

"At half-time, we spoke about how important the next goal would be, then they scored to make it 3-0.

"But the spirit of this group, the togetherness to get it to 3-1 - you could feel the change.

"To come back from 3-0 down in a game like this, against a team who have a lot of good players, is incredible.

"It's the craziest game I've ever been involved in. It's such a special memory now we've won it."

Gainsborough will the only NPL representative in Sunday night's second round draw, with Guiseley falling foul on penalties against League One Stevenage.

A total of 88 places separated the two teams in the football pyramid - greater than any other first round tie - but the Lions came from a goal down to take their Football League hosts the distance.

As was the case in the last round, Will Longbottom stepped up for his side with an 83rd minute equaliser at the Lamex Stadium.

Having already toppled National League North duo Kidderminster Harriers and Scunthorpe United in the previous two rounds, they were unable to make it a hat-trick of scalps as Stevenage won 5-4 in the shootout, Jameel Ible missing the decisive penalty.

FA Cup results involving Northern Premier League sides:

• Hednesford Town 4-4 Gainsborough Trinity (4-5 pens)
• Stevenage 1-1 Guiseley (5-4 pens)

Photo credit: Gainsborough Trinity