St. David's 2

BAA Wanderers 1

BAA goalkeeper Paul Nicholson, whose saves over two matches kept his team in contention against First Division opponents, missed a last-gasp penalty last night as his team exited the FA Cup at Devonshire Rec.

The 90 minutes had elapsed in the first round replay when Wanderers were awarded a spot kick by referee Ralph Tumbridge after St. David's midfielder Sammy Robinson fouled Wanderers captain Chris Worsick in a frantic attempt by St. David's to clear the ball from a right wing corner.

Extra-time looked certain when Nicholson made the long run upfield to take the all important penalty. But even with most of the neutral fans behind the western goal rooting for the underdogs, Nicholson blasted his effort wide of Sidney Minors' left-hand post and St. David's breathed a sigh of relief, finally realising they were moments away from surviving a tricky tie.

The penalty would have normally been taken by Arthur Reilly, who scored from the spot for Wanderers on Sunday in the 2-2 draw, but he was already off the field, having been substituted in the 34th minute.

Wanderers, who had two players sent off on Sunday, had another ejected in the 17th minute when substitute Paul Morrison was shown the red card on the bench for swearing at the referee after BAA had a call for a penalty ignored when striker Gary Wilson went down inside the box.

St. David's finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Otis Minors used his pace to get inside the box before beating Nicholson with a low shot.

However, the lead was shortlived as Wanderers made it 1-1 four minutes later when Alan Glasgow hammered a shot into the roof of the net with Minors off his line.

Even though the younger St. David's side had the majority of the chances in the second half they failed to turn the advantage into goals as Wanderers played with plenty of spirit and determination.

Dejuan Paynter smashed a shot against the corner of the upright and crossbar early in the second half as St. David's enjoyed a good period of pressure.

The winning goal came in the 76th minute when Kevin Lambe scored into the roof of the net after a raid down the left flank, the ball going in just under the bar after Nicholson was caught off his line.

The draw for the second round of the FA Cup will be made on Friday at 2.00 p.m. at the BFA offices.