Accrington need extra-time to get past Gainsborough Trinity

Charlie Caton’s extra-time goal for Accrington sealed a 2-1 victory which ended gutsy Gainsborough Trinity’s interest in this season’s FA Cup.

The League Two strugglers were matched for long periods by their part-time hosts, who ply their trade three levels lower in the Northern Premier League, and started out in the competition with a first qualifying round tie in August.

Hopes of an upset and further progress rose when 22-year-old sub Sisa Tuntulwana cancelled out Paddy Madden’s first-half opener for the visitors.

But, with the scores deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Caton went on to spare Stanley’s blushes.

Accrington forged in front from their first goal attempt in the 29th minute when an Isaac Heath left-wing cross saw Tyler Walton’s cushioned header find Madden for a routine three-yard tap-in.

However, Gainsborough responded strongly after the break.

Half-time sub Frank Mulhern almost made an instant impact when his header was well saved by Ollie Wright.

And, after Shaun Whalley’s curling effort grazed an upright at the other end, a packed Northolme was sent into raptures by Tuntulwana’s 76th-minute equaliser.

The South African striker beat Wright to Butroid’s inswinging free-kick from the left and headed into the vacated net.

However, Accrington won it in the fifth minute of extra-time with Madden turning provider, calmly setting up substitute Caton to net from four yards.