But after just 16 minutes, the Sleaford side's debut in the competition looked as if it might also be their swan song, as they trailed by two goals due to defensive frailties.

However, as they had done last year in their first tie in the FA Vase, when they fell three goals behind but rallied to clinch a memorable win, they mounted a courageous comeback that saw them claim a place in the next round thanks to a dramatic injury time penalty.

For the good-sized crowd you couldn't have written a better script.

It had all begun to look so bleak for Town as first Ely took the lead in the eighth minute when a long throw into the box caused panic and Dean Blackman applied the finish. They went further in front after 16 minutes through Andy Pettit after a cross eluded Darren Glover.

It was vital that Town hit back as soon as possible and that they did through the ever dependable Paul Ward with the game just over half an hour old. A Matt Hodgkin corner found Ward unmarked at the far post and the Town midfielder duly hit the target with a header.

What was already a stiff challenge for Town became a real uphill battle when Jon Machin was sent off moments later.
But, with the momentum of the game swinging their way, Town were playing with greater confidence and soon levelled the scores.

A great through ball from Adam Fenton gave Mickey Stones the opportunity to run at goal and as the keeper advanced he slipped the ball passed him and into the net.

The sides were still locked together when Town boss Brian Rowland decided to make a double substitution 12 minutes into the second half. He brought on Matt Lunn and Miles Hunter to replace Jamie Shaw and Mickey Stones with the aim of using their pace to unsettle Ely's big centre backs.

The move almost paid immediate dividends when the lively Hunter latched onto a beautifully judged through ball from Hodgkin and tucked his shot under the keeper only to see his goal-bound effort desperately cleared off the line by the covering defender.

Hunter and Lunn gave the Ely defence plenty to think about but the game looked certain to be heading for a replay until the last minute drama.

Late in the game Pete Sutton came on for Hodgkin as Town threw everything into attack.

And it was Sutton whose mazy run was only halted when he was fouled inside the area. Darren Glover coolly stepped up and made no mistake with the spot kick to create a moment of history for Town as they proceed into the next round.

Town: Scott; Sidney, Jones, Glover, Fenton; Hodgkin, Ward, Machin, J Sedlan; Stones, Shaw. Subs: Lunn, Hunter, Sutton, Edwards, Kirton.

The Boss:

ALTHOUGH he was unhappy about two more defensive lapses, Town boss Brian Rowland was delighted with the character shown by his players in coming back from the dead.

He said: "Once again we gave away bad goals but, even when we were 2-0 down, I always felt we were in with a real chance.

"I knew we had speed on the bench and I didn't think their centre backs would cope with the pace of Lunn and Hunter. They both caused some serious problems for the Ely defence and Sutton, too, looked very quick and lively when he came on.

"But for me the man of the match was Paul Ward. He had an outstanding game in midfield."