AFC Emley made it through the first stage of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Cup.
The Huddersfield side followed up their 2-1 home win over Athersley Recreation in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup by beating First Division rivals Pontefract Collieries 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 extra-time draw at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.
Pontefract went ahead through Jordan Turner against the run of play after 24 minutes.
Jordan Coduri levelled on 53 with an impressive strike from the edge of the penalty box following a mazy run.
The match progressed to extra time and last season’s 73-goal striker Ashley Flynn put Emley into the lead after five minutes.
It looked as if the match was won but seven minutes from time, Turner scored his second.
Memories of losing on penalties in last season’s play-off final at Bottesford Town were banished as Kieran Ryan, Iwan Heeley, Flynn and Robbie Graham scored from the spot.
The last three had all missed against Bottesford.
Such are the vagaries of the competition, Emley now have a bye into the third round.
Maine Road, of the North West Counties League, lie in wait in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Unfortunately it has not been possible to arrange a supporters’ coach due to the late notice of the Saturday, August 20 tie in Manchester in the summer holiday season.
Emley kick-off their league campaign with a local derby at Penistone Church on Wednesday (7.45).
