Road to Wembley - 9-man Magpies win replay

A late penalty save by Chico Ramos inspired 9-man Maidenhead to hold on for a replay on a day of drama which lived up to the legend of the FA Cup. On an afternoon that will go down in Magpie history, the men in their changed red and white produced a performance that was nothing short of heroic to hold their opponents, two divisions above, to a draw despite Stafford enjoying a numerical advantage for most of the match.

Both O'Connor and Lee were sent off but United still found an equaliser in the 53rd minute when DWANE LEE headed in from a corner. Stafford in front of a bumper crowd had taken the lead in the 13th minute when their captain WAYNE DANIEL scored an excellent solo effort.

Then late on the referee dubiously gave Stafford a penalty when the merest hint of contact from Sterling was enough for Grayson to give up his chance of a shot and tumble to the ground. With the referee signalling a foul he had no option but to award a penalty and dismiss the United captain.

Grayson then jumped up to take the spot kick but Ramos read the kick correctly diving to his left to stop the ball which was swiftly cleared to safety.

With two men spare Stafford inevitably laid siege to the Maidenhead goal, but the nine remaining Magpies took a deep breath, pushed out their chests and dug deep to withstand the onslaught.

Time and time again the men in red proved to have stout hearts and stern resolve as they committed themselves to ensure that they prolong their FA Cup run. Even when the defence was beaten Ramos was on hand to save the day, pushing away a good shot from Kevin Street.

As injury time dragged into its fourth minute Stafford again pressed forward but this time the referee decided enough was enough and blew for time to cue delirious celebrations from the Maidenhead supporters who poured onto the pitch to congratulate their heroes.

The replay will be at York Road, Maidenhead on Tuesday 21st.