RANDALL BUTT reports on an epic cup encounter at the Bescott Stadium.

THEY were down after just 11 stunning seconds, but it was another two hours before courageous Cambridge United were not so much knocked out as eliminated "on points."

A blockbuster battle ended in the cruel drama of a penalty shoot-out after Roy McFarland's men proved they were a match for one of the best teams in the second division. There were unmistakable echoes of the Nottingham Forest heroics and the Sheffield Wednesday victory in United's fightback. But in a way this was a more impressive and encouraging performance as far as the promotion campaign is concerned.

There were no "fancy dans," in a Wallsall side (total spending this season £35,000) who have kept pace with Kevin Keegan's loadsamoney Fulham at the top of Division Two. The Saddlers worked, and ran, and battled. It was hard, gritty, committed football with a fair bit of skill in midfield, and a lot of experience in defence.

Yet United, once they remembered -- after the nightmare start -- that they are permitted to get in the way of the opposition, were on a par in every department. They won the respect of the home side by the strength of their play in the battle of attrition which took place in midfield during almost all of the first half.

The defence, calmed by the remarkable coolness of "the Iceman", giant Dutch goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden, was rarely panicked, and once the listless Trevor Benjamin had been replaced by ageless warhorse John Taylor, Walsall knew they were in for one of their toughest games of the season.

Skipper Paul Wanless was upbeat enough after a gruelling match to claim a moral victory. "It's a horrible way to lose," he said, "especially after Forest. But I've told everybody they shouldn't be downhearted. We had the worst start, but I reckon over the 90 minutes and the extra time we were the better team.

"They are one of the top three in the division above us, but they didn't put us under much pressure and we probably had more of the ball. We are very disappointed to go out, but I think this should encourage us."

Walsall boss Ray Graydon knew his men were in a scrap very soon after Andy "Rambo" Rammell hammered his unstoppable goal, with the electronic scoreboard still registering 0 minutes.

"Cambridge weren't fazed," that's what impressed me," he said. "They just got on with the job, and that takes a lot of character. They are probably as good as we've met this season."

Walsall, by tradition a footballing side, would have carved up many teams after such a dynamic start. They have the midfield skill in Icelander Bjarni Larusson and Dean "Poetry in Motion" Keates -- they like their nicknames in the Midlands. But they lacked one vital factor, the ball. Wanless, backed by the unflagging aggression of Ian Ashbee plus the speed and mobility of Neil Mustoe, led a unit which won more tackles and claimed more of the loose "second balls."

Just how intense was that midfield struggle is revealed by startling statistics which show the next shot at goal, of any kind, after Rammell scored was Larusson's 39th minute effort, 10 yards wide. Unfortunately for United they could not make anything of their possession and spells of territorial advantage.

Martin Butler toiled away, ignoring the usual abuse of former fans, but his 41st minute shot, straight at goalkeeper James Walker, was his side's one and only of the first half. Once they dumped their "passenger" however, replacing the sadly out-of-touch Benjamin with the guile and grit of Taylor they began to ruffle some feathers in the home defence. And when the player-coach finished off a move by Butler and the hard-working Michael Kyd to get the 55th minute equaliser, the game opened up into an end-to-end thriller.

Three times in the last few minutes of the half the game looked like being decided during its normal span. But Van Heusden made a brilliant save to block a Davro Mavrak drive, Taylor bounced a shot off the crossbar and Darren Wrack's 84th minute "goal" was disallowed.

The 600 United fans at the far end must have thought it was all over as Walsall celebrated, but a linesman's flag stayed up because the move had started with a foul throw.

Neil Mustoe was nearest to the golden goal winner in edgy extra time, his chip after good work by Taylor and Richard Walker was plucked out of the air by the keeper six minutes into the first period. The second division men seemed to settle for the shoot-out before United, but that was maybe because they are the experts. They had already beaten Brentford and Bristol Rovers on penalties in this competition, and all their spot kicks were spotless.

Taylor and Duncan could not match such power and precision, but the United boss should not have to work too hard before Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient to turn a technical defeat into a proud memory to boost the promotion push.

THERE was an immediate boost for Cambridge United after the disappoinment of their penalty shoot-out defeat in the Auto Windscreens Shield. Walsall manager Ray Graydon tipped them not only to win promotion, but to hold their own in the second division next season.

"I'm not saying this just because we needed penalties to beat a good third division side," he said. "I'll be very surprised if Cambridge don't go up this season, and I can't see any reason why they shouldn't do well in the second.

"We haven't come up against a tougher team to beat, and, after all, we are third in the table, so that should be an encouragement to them. Roy McFarland has put together a strong side who can play football. And they can do it away from home, which is important. A lot of teams would have folded after going behind in the first minute, but we couldn't get another goal in two hours against them."

United skipper Paul Wanless said he thought the performance in the Shield Southern semi-final "showed how far we have come as a team." But he was quick to warn: "We've done nothing yet.

"That's what we've got to tell the boys. If we don't get promotion now it'll be no good looking back and saying we were up there for a while, and we had a few good cup games. This should give us heart though. We've matched a top second division team, and I don't think we'll be feeling tired when we take on Leyton Orient on Saturday."

McFarland was encouraged by a display which backed up other good performances this season against higher division teams such as Sheffield Wednesday, Watford, Nottingham Forest and Northampton.

"We can take a lot out of this," he said. "Again over 90 minutes plus extra time we've been better or as good as those sides. We won't be disheartened at all by the result.

"Walsall were never on top of us. In fact, they looked more dangerous on the break. Fortunately, we've come out of it without any injuries, and it was good to see Michael Kyd looking like his old self again. I was delighted by his contribution."

Wallsall will meet Millwall over two legs in the Southern final. The Londoners scored a "Golden Goal" in extra time to defeat Gillingham.

By Nick Elwell.

If there is any credence to the old adage our name's on the cup' then Walsall fans had better start planning for a party at a well-known London at the end of the season.

One thing is for sure. If Saddlers do get to tread that famous Wembley turf via this particular route, they will certainly have done it in the most nerve-wracking way imaginable.

A two-legged area final with Millwall now stands between Ray Graydon's team and a first ever appearance beneath the Twin Towers, but to get this far Walsall have made their fans suffer - despair, joy, relief, the full gamut of emotions have been sampled.

In the four rounds to date Saddlers supporters have only enjoyed one comfortable stress-free night courtesy of a 3-0 success at Luton. As for the other ties - well, pass the Valium. Bristol Rovers, Brentford and now Cambridge have all been sent packing thanks to Walsall's unshakeable nerve in dreaded penalty shoot-outs.

It may be a cruel way of deciding a game, but it sure as hell makes for an exciting finish. Last night's opening was certainly dramatic enough too, with Walsall in front before a fair portion of the crowd had settled into their seats or finished their balti pies.

Just 12 seconds had elapsed when Andy Rammell unleashed a stunning left foot volley that sailed passed Arjan Van Heusden in the Cambridge goal to give his side the lead. It was the perfect start and while ultimately there was to be the perfect end to the night, the bits in between made for some uncomfortable viewing.

You would have thought that such an opening would have lifted Saddlers and left Cambridge shell-shocked, but that wasn't the case as the visitors ensured that the tie was going to be every bit as difficult as Graydon had predicted. Walsall didn't help their own cause as they were often guilty of dwelling in possession and giving the ball away too cheaply, but the Third Division outfit deserve credit for their effort and unrelenting work rate.

They harried, chased, tackled and simply refused Saddlers any time or space to play as they set about reversing that early hammer blow. The rest of the half was devoid of clear-cut chances as the sides battled for midfield supremacy with Walsall keeper James Walker called upon to make one routine save from former Saddler Martin Butler while at the other end Van Heusden, who had barely had time to pull his gloves on before fetching the ball out of the net, was largely unemployed.

Once again Graydon's men appeared to be solid at the back with Chris Marsh nullifying the threat of the dangerous Trevor Benjamin and Adrian Viveash and Ian Roper keeping a firm grip on Butler. There was an early scare for the home side three minutes after the interval when Butler glanced a free header from a Jamie Campbell cross well wide.

The visitors didn't have to wait too long for another opportunity with Butler this time acting as the provider, barging his way around Viveash before picking out veteran striker John Taylor who made no mistake at the far post.

The momentum looked to be with the Third Division outfit as they sensed the chance to add Walsall to the list of higher division sides they have brushed aside in various cup competitions. But Graydon's men dug deep and called on every ounce of effort to repel a brief flurry of pressure and create the better openings, only to see them slip by one by one.

Andy Watson twice broke free only to be forced wide by Van Heusden on the first occasion with his low cross cleared by Taylor, and then firing high and wide from the edge of the area. Rammell toe-poked another effort wide while Darren Wrack snatched at a half chance created by Darko Mavrak, who enjoyed his best outing in a Saddlers shirt to date.

The Croatian was denied his first goal for the club by an excellent save from Van Heusden before Wrack fired home, only to see the effort ruled out by a linesman's flag. There were two late scares with Ian Ashbee heading over and Taylor's cross clipping the top of the bar. The much sought-after 'Golden Goal' never appeared and after 30 more strength-sapping minutes it was all down to penalties.

As the pressure mounted it was goalscorer Taylor who was the first to crack when he saw his shot clip the top of the bar. Wayne Thomas, Jason Brissett, Dean Keates and Watson all fired home confidently for Saddlers and it was left to Walker to pull off his spot kick heroics - AGAIN.

We hadn't had one for approaching 5 years, we have now had three in just under 5 months. This time, like at Forest, the heartbreak and sorrow of penalty shoot out failure would once again be borne by the fans and players of Cambridge United Football Club.

This match however is probably more pleasing and meaningful than any other of our wonderful cup exploits this season. We weren't playing a side who expected to win, or who believed they were the better side. Walsall were everything that we aspire to be, and have got there through hard work, determination and commitment by every one of their team. Yet, we matched and arguably outplayed them for much of the encounter.

The game began in rather stunning fashion, with Walsall being blasted in front before many of the fans had taken their seats. The official figure of 13 seconds makes Andy Rammell a bit more famous as he now owns the mantle of scoring the quickest goal against Cambridge United in history. This goal though would give a false and even ridiculous picture of what would follow for the rest of the night, and indeed for every one of the seconds that elapsed before Walsall scored Cambridge United had a hero.

United took a while to find their feet, and get to grips with a midfield that during the opening exchanges looked as though they could cut the U's defence to ribbons. When they did though, there was seemingly only ever going to be one winner. Michael Kyd began to show neat skills down the right flank, as he and his United teammates began to take the game to Walsall. There were however very few clear cut opportunities for the home side to extend their lead, or United to equalise. Martin Butler was inches away from connecting to a Michael Kyd cross on 32 minutes, and Walsall saw most of their attacks halted by the offside flag.

Trevor Benjamin looked out of sorts up front, and at half time was replaced by the veteran John Taylor, and this made the difference for the rest of the encounter. The early possession and pressure in the second half came from United, with Martin Butler directing a header just wide shortly after the restart. The game's destiny seemingly depended on who would emerge on top from the midfield battle, and few of the large crowd expected this to be United. Paul Wanless, Neil Mustoe and Ian Ashbee then began to not only win the battle, but left the Walsall middle men wondering what on earth football of this quality was doing emerging from a third division team.

The midfield dominance was producing a catalyst from which United grew from strength to strength. Martin Butler tirelessly worked away up front and John Taylor's sheer presence seemed to frighten the life out of the Walsall defenders. It took just 10 minutes before United were level, and the inevitable hero would score the goal. Martin Butler went on a surging run down the right flank, and delivered a killer ball to the far post where Taylor arrived to half volley in and send the United fans into raptures of "Shaggy, Shaggy".

This sparked a Walsall fight-back, and the beginning of a rip roaring half- hour of football. The game opened up quite alarmingly, and United were fortunate not to have some defensive errors punished. Andy Duncan uncharacteristically gifted the home side excellent chances to regain the lead, but wayward finishing from Watson kept the score-line level. There would be one heart-stopping moment just three minutes after the United equaliser, as Watson took the ball around Van Huesden but saw his effort scrambled from the line by, guess who, John Taylor.

United continued to look dangerous, and were dominating both the possession and attacking opportunities. Neil Mustoe was a revelation in midfield, and once Richard Walker had replaced the tired Michael Kyd it looked as though the young Aston Villa striker's legs would guide United to the winning goal.

Their task looked to have been made more difficult on 70 minutes as Jamie Campbell committed his second bookable offence of the game. Luckily the lenient and at times amateur looking referee put his book back in his pocket and chose to give the player his final warning instead, maintaining United's fine disciplinary record of just one red card all season.

Paul Wanless burst into the box on 82 minutes and watched his shot well saved by the Walsall goalkeeper, which triggered a succession of corners for United. As much as they tried to, the masses of fans behind the goal could not suck the ball in and despite electric approach play the ball never fell easily in or around the box.

There would be a dramatic and seemingly heartbreaking moment in the last 5 minutes. Walsall won a throw in on the left side, and launched it into the United area where Darron Wrack blasted a shot which deflected off Andy Duncan into the back of the net. This sparked wild scenes of celebration, and Wrack ran behind the goal before being mobbed by his teammates. The referee indicated a goal and began running back up the pitch, when he noticed his linesmen waving his flag frantically. The official had spotted a foul throw, and to the relief of the yellow contingent of the crowd instructed the referee to reverse his decision and play was restarted with a United throw in.

From the throw in United launched a counter attack and the ball came to John Taylor at the far post. He dropped his shoulder and scooped in a cross which struck the frame of the post before going out for a goal kick.

Sudden death extra time was a tentative affair, but the game continued to be played in an open and attacking fashion. It is like playing the 90th minute for half an hour, and is certainly not an experience for the faint hearted. Neil Mustoe probably had the best opportunity to decide the tie, but with the ball at his feet on the 6 yard line chipped a shot into the 'keeper's hands.

Overall though the first period of extra-time was played inside the United half, as Walsall certainly didn't fancy the lottery of a penalty shoot out. They forced a succession of corners, but found Joseph and Duncan in resilient mood in the centre of defence. Jamie Campbell and Ben Chenery struggled to cope down the flanks, but overall, considering the quality of the opposition, it was a fine defensive display.

Arjan Van Heusden was solid and reliable for much of the game. He got in some very important punches, and carried on his precision distribution from the Scunthorpe game at the weekend. Indeed when the tie went to the penalty shoot out he was given the opportunity to cap his fine display, but was left luckless.

Martin Butler scored the first penalty, and then came the moment that looked as though it had given United the initiative. Thomas struck a penalty down the middle, which 'Ice' appeared to have saved, only to see the ball hit the underside of the bar and rest in the back of the net. Paul Wanless then converted for United, as did Brissett for Walsall. John Taylor then stepped up and produced one of the most ironic moments in football history. It was his introduction into the side which had enabled United to take the tie into extra time, yet it was his penalty miss which opened the exit door of the competition. The next three penalties were converted, meaning the hero of the last round, Andy Duncan, had to score or United would be out. He struck a penalty down the middle, which was blocked by to Walsall goalkeeper to send the Saddlers through to the southern section final against Millwall.

It was yet another night when Cambridge United proved without doubt that they are ready and prepared for football in a higher division. Except for the blip at Macclesfield we have consistently shown throughout every cup competition that we can match, and indeed outplay teams from higher divisions. It is not as though this is an isolated game which hints United can survive in Division 2. Along with the glorious performances against Watford, Sheffield Wednesday, Northampton and Nottingham Forest this is the icing on a season of cup achievements which, quite remarkably, has only produced one defeat in open play.

Indeed the future is more than bright. It is a gleaming, beaming and dazzling amber beacon of hope, which promises to reward the long suffering devoted United supporters with the success they deserve.

Man of the match: John Taylor turned the game around for United, as his neat play and skill inspired the rest of the team into action. The midfield unit were also superb, but this man was just a different class, and took his goal very well.

I got a lift with Jon and Julie. ou can always tell who the parents are in the car, because as soon as one of the young ones starts with the "how long until we get there", out come the bag of sweets! I suggested a "who can suck a sweet longest" competition, Julie lost out by chewing!

A surprisingly good journey meant we were sitting in MacDonalds near the ground by 5:30. I think the place must be dead except on match days, judging by the number of visiting fans making use of it.

13 seconds is all it took for the ball to be nestling in the back of our net. A long ball forward after they kicked off was knocked back around the edge of the penalty area and a shot went way over Van Heusdens outstretched hand before dipping just under the bar. For the rest of the rest of the half we were either chasing shadows, or losing 50:50 challenges. Walsall looked quicker to the ball, closing us down which stopped us playing football. Kyd was the only bright note, running at defenders and getting a couple of decent crosses in, but nothing came of them. Butler was trying very hard, and had about our only shot of the half which went well wide, which pleased the Walsall fans no end!

Taylor came on for Benjamin at the start of the second half, and immediately we started to get stuck in and take the game to Walsall. On 2 minutes a Campbell cross was headed wide by Butler, soon after a dangerous Wanless cross was punched away by their 'keeper. Kyd and Butler combined to put Butler in the clear on our right wing, his cross to the far post over the 'keeper to an unmarked Taylor was perfection, and Taylor duly scored, sidefooting in from just beyond the back post.

Walsall had their moments in attack, some good last ditch defending was needed to clear the ball off the line when scoring looked a certainty. Campbell got booked for an obvious obstruction as their player tried to go past him, later Campbell was lucky the referee had been fairly lenient the whole game when a slightly late tackle got him a stern telling off instead of what we expected would be a second yellow. With 10 minutes to go Kyd came off for Walker.

6 minutes from the end Walsall thought they'd scored, a long throw was partially cleared only to the foot of their players whose deflected shot went into the net. However the linesman already had his flag up for a foul throw, and after the referee was persuaded to seek his assistants advice the goal was dis-allowed. Almost immediately Ashbee had a shot saved, then Wanless headed over form a corner, and in the last seconds a Taylor cross from the bye line hit the top of the bar and dropped behind.

Into extra time, Mustoe had the best chance but just lobbed the ball into their 'keepers arms from 6 yards, although he was probably surprised at the ball coming through a group of players to him.

On to penalties, which were at the other end of the pitch in front of the home supporters, although to be fair that was the goal area that looked in better condition. Butler, Wanless and Walker scored, Taylor hit the bar and Duncan's shot was saved. Van Heusden was unlucky not to save at least one, the first penalty hit his legs and went high into the net instead of over the bar, and he got his finger tips to another but couldn't keep it out.

So out we went, beaten but not disgraced. Deja-vu of the Forest game. The CEN said there were about 600 United fans there, I reckon closer to 1,000 otherwise I don't know where all the extra home fans were in the crowd of just over 5,000.

My MoM is Taylor despite missing his penalty. I can't work out exactly what he does to make us play much better, after all he's not as quick as he was. I guess it's his experience, and the ability to hold the ball to bring other players into the game. Whatever it is, long may it continue.

Apart from the opening seconds the defence looked reasonably sound, Van Heusden being well protected in the main by Duncan and Joseph. Their nippy winger had an easy day against Campbell, especially after the booking! From the second half onwards the midfield competed with their opposite numbers, getting then keeping possession, and supporting the forwards. Benjamin I presume was still suffering from his injury as he was very out of sorts. Butler was obviously up for the game, he even managed to foul a couple of their players when trying to get the ball!

All in all a battling performance against a quite good Walsall team.

Ratings: Van Heusden 7, Chenery 7, Mustoe 8, Duncan 8, Joseph 8, Campbell 6, Wanless 8, Kyd 7 (Walker 7), Butler 8, Benjamin 6 (Taylor 9), Ashbee 7

Roy McFarland made two changes to the starting line-up tonight, handing speedy forward Michael Kyd only his eighth start of the season in place of John Taylor while Ian Ashbee replaced the injured Alex Russell. Trevor Benjamin retained his place in the side after passing a fitness test.

United got off to the worst possible start at the Bescot Stadium when Andy Rammell scored after just eleven seconds. The move began straight from the kick-off when Bjarni Larusson passed to right back Chris Marsh, a player who nearly joined the Us at the same time as Martin Butler. Andy Watson beat Marc Joseph to head Marsh's long ball into the centre and Rammell thumped the ball under the crossbar from just outside the area.

United's defence was in disarray for a few nervous minutes but after that the Us fought back and got to grips with the game. In the sixth minute Michael Kyd jinked inside the fullback but his cross was inches in front of Martin Butler, then in the 16th minute a superb flowing four-man move ended with a Paul Wanless shot from just outside the area, but he sliced the ball just wide. United's defence organised an effective offside trap and frustrated the Saddlers' attack, and in the 21st minute when Darko Mavrak broke clear Jamie Campbell robbed him with a perfectly timed tackle.

The hard-working Us dug deep in the search for an equaliser and snapped at the heels of the Walsall players, but with space at a premium the guile of Alex Russell was sorely missed. Up front Michael Kyd was lively and full of running but he failed to link effectively with Butler in the first half. Both sides had one more scoring chance before half-time: Walsall in the 34th minute when Andy Rammell beat Arjan Van Heusden but his chance was ruled out for offside, and United in the 42nd minute when Butler shot on the turn, but his shot rolled tamely through to the goalkeeper. (Half-time 0-0)

John Taylor replaced Trevor Benjamin at half-time and a lively, battling second half followed, with United enjoying a period of early pressure and forced several early chances in front of their estimated 500-strong following. The first chance came after just three minutes when Mustoe raced down the left and crossed for Martin Butler, but he met the ball with a glancing header and couldn't quite direct the ball. Michael Kyd and Butler had clicked together and in the 52nd minute Kyd found Butler wide on the right, but the former Walsall man's cross was poor, then three minutes later Wanless burst clear down the right but his cross was punched clear with Taylor poised.

However that proved to be just a sighter for the 'King of the Abbey' as just a minute later Kyd set Butler free to surge down the right before crossing the ball, and John Taylor (my hero!) was poised at the far post to strike it beyond James Walker in the Walsall goal. "Yellows, yellows" rang around the Bescot Stadium.

The action was end to end throughout the second half and United battled like dogs to compete with their second division opponents, and both sides played some attractive football while giving possession away a little too easily at times. Walsall forced their way back into the game after the early shock and after 63 minutes Watson broke through the offside trap and took the ball around Van Heusden who did well to force him wide, Watson's ball into the box was deflected goalwards but that man Taylor was there to clear off the line.

Four minutes later Butler found Kyd on the right but his cross was hacked clear for a corner, then a minute later at the other end a defensive mix-up let in Watson against Van Heusden but he hit the ball early and blazed well wide. United fans breathed a collective sigh of relief soon afterwards when, only two minutes after being booked for obstruction, Jamie Campbell dropped a Walsall player on the line in the 76th minute. Mr Cain had taken a lenient line throughout the game and luckily Campbell's anticipated early bath didn't materialise.

A minute later Andy Rammell broke clear but Ben Chenery put in a superb challenge and Rammell put the ball wide, just another example of the excellent defensive performance in the second half. The Us were tenacious and worked very hard as a team, and when Michael Kyd left the pitch to be replaced by Richard Walker in the 81st minute it was because he had run himself into the ground.

United had another let-off with six minutes left when Walsall had another goal chance disallowed. Darren Wrack collected the ball from a throw-in and his shot took a wicked deflection into the net, giving Van Heusden no chance. However referee Mr Cain's eye was caught by his linesman and the 'goal' was disallowed for a foul throw, with United awarded a throw-in instead.

Cambridge could have clinched the tie with just two minutes left, when Paul Wanless met Ian Ashbee's out-swinging corner with a towering header, but the ball went just over the bar. Then in the 91st minute Taylor jinked inside and rattled a cross off the top of the bar.

Golden goal extra-time followed and the home side spent most of the first fifteen minutes in United's half. However Wanless sent a header straight at the keeper in the 92nd minute and shortly afterwards Neil Mustoe connected with a Richard Walker cross only to see his shot tipped clear by the Walsall keeper, who then collected a calm headed return from one of his defenders. In the 96th minute Wrack got away but his cross was headed behind by Marc Joseph, and two minutes later Watson forced a great save from Van Heusden when it looked as though he was about to sneak the ball past the keeper until he stretched out a long arm.

There were very few chances in the second period of extra time and penalties loomed nearer. However there were two more notable chances, the first after 112 minutes when Mustoe picked out Butler and the striker gained yards on the Walsall defence before firing into the side netting. Then with 119 minutes on the clock Dean Keates hit a 30 yard speculative effort that bounced through to Van Heusden.

It was time for a penalty shoot-out and an interminable delay while the takers were organised. Eventually James Walker moved into the goalmouth and Martin Butler stepped up to take the first kick to an accompaniment of boos from the home supporters.

Breakdown of penalties:

Butler - sent Walker wrong way (0-1)
Thomas - scored despite Van Heusden getting a foot to the ball (1-1)
Wanless - scored straight down the middle (1-2)
Brissett - scored straight down the middle (2-2)
Taylor - hit the bar and instantly consoled by teammates
Watson - scored with a central shot (3-2)
Walker - scored despite 'keeper guessing right way (3-3)
Keates - sneaked inside post despite Van Heusden guessing right way (4-3)
Duncan - shot saved by Walker (4-3)

United's players went straight to their travelling support for a deserved ovation after doing themselves, the club and Division Three proud in another cup competition. Now they must re-group after 120 draining minutes on a heavy pitch and prepare for a vital game at Leyton Orient on Saturday.