As Tunbridge Wells' road to Wembley led the club further than it's ever been before, it veered westwards to the suburbs of Bath where Western League outfit Larkhall Athletic provided the next potential pothole. Sitting in a similar position in their league and on a good run of form themselves, it was clear that the Larks would provide a stiff test for The Wells. Set on the picturesque backdrop of Plain Ham, the occasion didn't disappoint! It proved to be an epic that will live long in the memories of those who travelled and played in it.

Larkhall drew first blood, winning and netting a penalty courtesy of Simon Gilbert after just 12 minutes, but Tunbridge Wells responded well and as the first period progressed they began to impose themselves more, eventually finding their reward. Just after the half-hour mark, Jason Bourne crossed for Josh Stanford to control on his chest and fire home the equaliser from an angle.

A long range effort then rattled the Tunbridge Wells bar before with two minutes of the first half remaining, The Wells got their noses in front. Jon Pilbeam got in behind the Larkhall defence, cutting back and finding Andy McMath who eagerly scored his 50th goal in Tunbridge Wells colours. There was still time for the referee to dismiss a penalty shout that might have seen The Wells extend their lead before the break when Pilbeam looked to have been fouled, but the half time whistle brought to a close a pleasing 45 minutes of action.

Not long into the second period, Larkhall were back on level terms when Chris Oladogba brought down one of their forwards and the referee pointed to the spot for the second time. The outcome was the same - Gilbert converted, but this time it sparked a period of play in which Larkhall began to get the upper hand. 20 minutes later, they scored again via the boot of Tom Welch.

With 15 minutes left, the management team brought on Joe Fuller to try and rescue the tie. It proved to be a decent move, and with ten minutes remaining The Wells won a corner that was duly swung in - and Andy Irvine was perfectly placed to nod home the leveller. The final minutes were end-to-end, but the game ultimately ended level ushering in 30 minutes of extra time.

Larkhall saw an effort disallowed, while The Wells had what they felt was a clear-cut penalty waved away before five minutes from time McMath was adjudged to have fouled when going in for a tackle and received his marching orders. Perhaps, with this game swinging up and down like a see-saw (and plenty of action in between), the fact that there was one, last trick up Tunbridge Wells' sleeve should not have come as such a surprise - but it did, and it epitomised everything that Cup football at its best (and worst for the team it goes against). Into the final minute of extra time, and with seconds remaining, Tunbridge Wells were on a final foray forwards. Larkhall seemed to have got the situation under control before the ball found its way loose to Jack Harris who took the time to control it with his back to goal before turning and pulling the trigger, sending the large travelling contingent, players and bench into raptures.

And so in the space of a minute, the fixture list changed from Larkhall at home for a 5th Round Replay to Hadleigh at home next Saturday for an FA Vase Quarter Final match. The road to Wembley continues with a twist back east. Both Tunbridge Wells and Hadleigh United will be squinting at the horizon where they might imagine they've had a first glimpse that Wembley might be within range.

"That was a dream way to win a game," said first team boss Martin Larkin afterwards. "It was great for the fans and the players - but not too great for Brad Sandeman and myself! It was the first time we have been away together so was a bit different all having breakfast together - but we enjoyed it and managed to get focussed which was good.

"We started well, but we fell behind to a 50-50 penalty - one of those you are unhappy if you don’t get, but surprised if you do get it. From that minute onwards though we were exceptional in the first half, attacking with pace and movement and we really should have scored three or four. Macca got his 50th goal for the club at a good time (although I'm not sure he should be claiming Courier Cup goals.!), and we really didn’t want half-time to come. All the same, after Pilbeam was pushed in the back with no penalty given we were happy with the half's work.

"The second half started well but we let them back in to it when Chris brought down their forward in the box. The equaliser gave them a lift and they started coming into the game a bit more, taking the lead. We needed a change and brought Joe Fuller on who got us playing again. Irvine’s equaliser was from a corner that we work a lot on and. Jack should have won it in normal time, but blazed over.

"During extra time their defender handled the ball in the box but again no penalty was awarded, and then Macca was sent off for a tackle that, if it happens anywhere else on the pitch apart from in front of their dugout would not even be a foul - but they erupted and the referee pulled out a red card. We felt more than a little agrieved as the whole incident happened seconds after Fuller was elbowed in the face without the referee pulling play up. Things didn't seem to be going our way, but I always thought we would
get another chance before the end and when it came we thought we had messed it. But Jack controlled well and then fired home.

"We showed great character to come from behind and then to win it with ten-men. We knew the prize was a home Quarter Final, and adding the exceptional away support at Larkhall to what will hopefully be a huge home support that will be a factor against what will be a strong Hadleigh side. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who travelled to
Bath to support us. I grew up following Ashford away in the early FA Cup rounds so I know how special it can be, and I think it’s safe to say the players delivered for these supporters on Saturday."