A late goal from Mike Taylor put Spalding United through to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup at the second attempt.
Shepshed Dynamo had held the Tulips to a 1-1 draw at the Sir Halley Stewart Field on Saturday, thanks to a late equaliser, but the tables were turned on Tuesday when Sam Warburton set up Taylor to secure a trip to Stratford Town on September 2.
Kieran Cummings had put the hosts ahead after 29 minutes but Taylor levelled after 40 minutes when he was first to react when Dan Sweeney’s effort ricochetted off the cross bar.
Unfortunately, within three minutes, Shepshed were back in front when Mason Lee struck to earn his side a 2-1 interval advantage.
Sweeney had an effort ruled out for offside but it was 2-2 after 62 minutes when Shaquille O’Neil-Brooks put through his own goal. It was left to Taylor to net his second to complete a 3-2 win.
The Tulips had held the half-time advantage on Saturday after Jordan Graham smashed the ball into the net on the stroke of the interval.
That looked to be enough to settle matters until a glancing header from James Shaw in the 88th minute brought the tie level to set up the replay.
Manager Elliot Sandy said he felt his team should have made their chances count to progress at the first attempt.
“It was a disappointing performance all over after two really good league performances and results,” he said. “I really thought we could come out today and play with freedom in the cup.
“We got the goal and really should have scored from three or four chances to tuck one away.
“Shepshed stuck in there and in the second half they were probably the better side and deservedly got the equaliser, although our defence did well overall.
“We need to work harder and project ourselves better.”
Saturday – Tulips: Breeden, Bucci, Warburton, Morley, Walker, Cartwright, Barker, Curtis, Sweeney, Graham, Hilliard. Subs: Carvalho, Taylor, Clifton, Sandy, Peters, Draper.
Attendance: 360.
Tuesday – Tulips: Breeden, Draper, Warburton, Walker, Stainfield, Cartwright, Barker, Clifton, Sweeney, Taylor, Carvalho. Subs: Curtis, Bucci, Sandy, Peters, Morley, Hilliard.
Attendance: 272.
