Joel Shortland sparked euphoric scenes as his late winner sent North Ferriby into the last 32 of the FA Vase ‘for the second time in four months’.
The 87th minute goal ensured Ferriby beat Seaham Red Star 1-0 in East Yorkshire in the behind closed doors third round replay – played because Ferriby accidentally fielded suspended Iwan Heeley in the original tie back in December.
Ferriby will now host another Northern League giant in West Auckland Town next Saturday.
Chris Bolder’s side were perhaps the better side overall and their strong fitness levels showed.
Visiting goalkeeper Andrew Jennison made an early terrific save from a trademark Jamie Forrester long range hammer strike.
Flurries of drama at both ends followed with no goals forthcoming so as the end neared it looked like a repeat of December’s penalty shootout was on the cards.
However, Ferriby had other ideas. Seaham lost possession needlessly deep into Ferriby’s half and that enabled substitute Danny Earl to sprint clear with the visiting defence stretched. One defender caught up with him and the ball ran loose on the edge of the 18-yard-box to Ferriby’s advantage as Shortland took control and slotted it home.