Gainsborough edge past Hednesford on penalties after wild 4-4 draw

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Eighth-tier Hednesford’s hopes of making history were snatched away by Gainsborough, who staged a dramatic comeback to win their FA Cup first-round tie 5-4 on penalties after extra time ended in a 4-4 deadlock.

Hednesford were the lowest-ranked side remaining in the competition, and were looking to book their first trip to the second round in over 25 years, just a day after Steve King was sacked following what the club called “a breakdown in the relationship” with the former first-team boss.

Interim management trio Martin Hunter, Junior Lewis and Andy Turner took charge of the hosts, who took a fourth-minute lead through Manny Duku and the lead was doubled by Omar Holness in the 21st minute, before Dominic McHale added a third four minutes into the second half.

Declan Howe’s brace drew the visitors within one, and just as the hosts looked on course to wrap up victory, Will Lancaster forced extra time with an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Holness quickly restored Hendesford’s lead, but the sides were all-square once more when Javelle Clarke found the net in the second period of extra time to ensure the result would be decided by a shootout.

Dylan Wharton made three saves in the shootout to swing momentum in favour of Trinity, who were finally able to close out victory when Jordan Helliwell fired home the winning spot kick.