Every season the FA Cup produces unbelievable stories that will remain in the memories of people for years. Last night at The Paycare Stadium was one of those occasions. Sporting Khalsa won the tie and now face an away trip at Kettering Town in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. However, what preceded the final whistle epitomised what non-league football and FA Cup football is all about and why so many people have turned away from professional football.

After Saturday's televised game ended in a 2-2 draw no one could have predicted the events of the replay just four days later. A record attendance, four goals, numerous missed chances, a missed penalty, a sending off, extra time, an equaliser in the final minute of extra time and an unbelievable penalty shoot out.

Every single player, match official and management team member had already completed a full day's work, before a record gate of 1144 spectators witnessed two superb teams serve up a game of high quality, high intensity and high emotion. Coupled with great sportsmanship and friendship, the game was a credit to every player, and everyone involved with both clubs. No one could begrudge Sporting Khalsa the spoils, but neither would anyone deny Darlaston going through had the boot been on the other foot.

It is hard to do justice to the game but quite simply Khalsa had the better of the first half, Darlaston edged the second half and by the time, extra time came along everyone’s nerves were shot and the rest of the game pretty much a blur. An excellent Kieron Miller goal put Darlaston ahead on 47 minutes. The lead short lived as Toumani Sidebe equalised less than four minutes later. Khalsa then missed a penalty Will O'Sullivan making a superb double save to deny Sanderson- Ellis. Former Darlaston keeper Sam Arnold was sent off just seconds before the final whistle, following a tussle with Darlaston's teenage substitute Charlie Manners.

Everyone of the 1144 supporters were on the edge for extra time, Khalsa going ahead on 110 minutes, Sidibe netting his fourth goal of the tie. Darlaston threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Khalsa's defence and with just second of extra time remaining, Louis Baker popped up with the equaliser, a low drive past substitute keeper Sherdon Martinez to send the Darlaston fans wild with delight.

The penalty shoot out saw Darlaston miss all four penalties and Khalsa scoring two courtesy of James McGrady and Dilano Reid to progress to the Second Qualifying Round.

Darlaston Town would like to thank Gary Griffiths from 363 Photography for the image used in this article

Some social media comments can, perhaps reflect the game and spectators feelings better than I can. Here is a small selection-
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"It's an insult to the FA Cup when league teams field a, weakened side. Darlaston and Sporting Khalsa have bought respect to a competition that deserves it 1200 and 975 respective gates. Take note the big boys this competition is the best in the world. "

" During the past five days Darlaston town and Sporting Khalsa, served up a tasty, nail-biting treat for the 2,175 of non-league fans, who attended both games, to die for. This was an FA CUP tie that was played in the true spirit of the game by players of both teams.
One can only massively respect both squads for straining every sinew, leaving every drop of sweat out on the pitch, and in doing so, kept the bumper crowd on tenterhooks right to the very last second of this replay.

As the Khalsa players celebrated their penalty shoot out victory, not one spectator felt the need to run on the pitch. Instead, they gave both teams a prolonged round of applause for giving us such epic sporting entertainment".

"What really impressed me was the fitness levels of both teams. I had a bead on just watching, so for them to play in over 140 minutes of actual time is a credit to grassroots football”.

"It was a great night of non-league football. Passion commitment and no shortage of quality from both sides. It was a privilege to be there. My son and I spent under £10 each and we had great value for money. Great night for the club."

"Was delighted to have witnessed such a fantastic performance by all the lads last night. They battled and never gave up. Darlaston may have ultimately lost the game, but you certainly won the heart and respect of all the fans who came to support them."
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" What a bostin night. Unlucky Darlo.
Dean & all the Lads hold ya heads up, the amount of people at the ground, a few ode DARLO faces there showed you that we had a belief you could progress, unlucky lads. No shame in tonight performance.
The beautiful game.
All the best Khalsa in the next round."