Pinchbeck United are through to the next round of the Thurlow Nunn League Cup, despite surrendering a 2-0 lead at Heacham on Tuesday.
JJ Ward gave then the half-time advantage and progress looked comfortable when new signing Taylor Jaine picked out Luke Cullen to fire in the second early in the second half. Jaine rejoined the Knights from United Counties League side Hucknall Town.
However, the Premier Division strugglers hit back to force a 2-2 draw and the tie went to a penalty shoot-out. It was 4-4 after the initial five kicks, with the Knights progressing after Ben Martin saved the hosts’ sixth kick. Pinchbeck’s scorers were Jaine, Nathan Stevens, Tom Hoyle, Charlie Brooks and Harry Cranfield.
Pinchbeck had enjoyed a victorious return to The Nest in Norwich on Saturday, wiping out memories of an earlier 3-0 defeat against Gorleston Reserves with a 3-2 victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers in Division One North.
Ward put the visitors ahead after ten minutes but it was 1-1 within a minute.
Two goals in five minutes just before half-time turned the tide in the Knights’ favour. Flynn Slater made it 2-1 and then Logan Tate converted from the penalty spot to earn a 3-1 half-time advantage.
The home side pulled one back in the second half but were unable to find another goal as Pinchbeck held out for maximum points.
Knights (v Dussindale): Martin, H Wallace, Kacirek, Howlett (Panton), Cranfield, A Wallace, Stevens, Ward, Tate (Vieira), Cullen (Hoyle), Slater. Sub: Brooks.
Att: 31.
Knights (v Heacham): Martin, Jaine, Kacirek, Melson, Cranfield, A Wallace, Stevens, Howlett, Tate, Cullen, Ward. Subs: Brooks, Hoyle, Panton, Vieira, Fieldhouse.
