They didn't win but Hotels were calling their FA Cup quarter-final match against North Village a victory anyway.

One of three Second Division clubs still alive heading into yesterday's tussles, Hotels gave the First Division stalwarts all they could handle.

"It's a confidence builder for us,'' coach Robert Calderon said after the teams swapped second-half goals, followed by an extra-time pressure-cooker.

"We really wanted to acquit ourselves well today and I think we did that.'' But Hotels' collective heart skipped a beat seconds before the final whistle when Village's Sean Dill finished off a slick passing play with Kevin Jennings -- only to have the goal ruled offside.

It was one of several close calls that came towards the end of the first 90 minutes and second 30 as Village pressed for the winner.

Their team speed, partially neutralised by a sloppy pitch, forever loomed in the mind of the Hotels defence. Village frequently were able to spring a man wide, although these opportunities largely went for nought.

Calderon admitted he was thinking defence in an attmept to frustrate Village.

It worked, as referee Lyndon Raynor battled to keep emotions under control, issuing two yellow cards per team in the process.

One of the few times a Village player was left alone long enough to score came in the 60th minute, when Damon Wade's 10-yard shot skipped in front of 'keeper Stefan Dupres, ricocheting off his chest and into the corner.

That probably should have been enough but for some bad luck in the 77th minute.

Hotels' Chris Sabir took the corner and, from the right side, drifted a ball toward the near post. It hit a defender and slipped past keeper Dwayne Adams before landing in the back of the net.

Calderon moved midfield stalwart Dennis Robinson to centre-forward for the second half in an attempt to bolster his attack but it was Village who threatened.

North Village: D.Adams, K.Grant, A.Simons, M.Hansey, S.Dill, L.Wilson (J.Smith, 60 mins), N.Smith, R.Spencer, D.Wade (L.Raynor, 104 mins), E.Jennings, K.Jennings.

Hotels: S.Dupres, D.Sharrieff, W.Campbell, W.Augustus, D.Millett, W.Crockwell (C.Furbert, 105 mins), D.Robinson, C.Sabir, J.Weeks (C.Crichlow, 55 mins), C.Roberts, R.Hill.

Men of the match: Village -- K.Jennings; Hotels -- D.Robinson Referee: L.Raynor