League Two table-toppers Oxford United are through to the Second Round Proper of The FA Cup after Dean Smalley’s extra-time penalty earned them a 1-0 replay win at Gateshead.
Smalley’s winner, which was struck less than two minutes after James Marwood hit the post for Gateshead, ensured a memorable evening for the 98 travelling Oxford fans, and secured a Second Round trip to Wrexham on Monday.
Gateshead 0-1 Oxford United (AET)
FA Cup Second Round Replay
Wrexham host Oxford on Monday 9 December
Oxford, who had recovered from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw in the two sides’ initial meeting last month, endured a tricky evening at the International Stadium, with the hosts firing 24 shots over the course of 120 minutes.
Gateshead produced the first opportunity of the evening, but Josh Walker could only sky his effort over the bar after meeting Craig Baxter’s cross.
The visitors threatened shortly afterwards, with Scott Davies thumping the ball over following a neat lay-off from James Constable.
Marwood and Josh Walker also came close, but the two sides went into the interval on level terms.
Oxford came desperately close to breaking the deadlock within four minutes of the restart, but Jamie Chandler was on hand to clear Ryan Williams’ goalbound header off the line.
The visitors were thankful for Matt Bevans late on as the defender blocked John Oster’s effort from close range.
Ninety minutes failed to separate the two sides, and Gateshead appeared to take the lead in the tenth minute of extra-time.
Colin Larkin slotted the ball beyond Ryan Clarke but saw his strike ruled out by the linesman’s flag.
With six minutes left on the clock Marwood was desperately unlucky to see his acrobatic effort crash off the post.
And things were to get worse for Gateshead moments later as James Curtis clumsily felled Ryan Williams, leaving referee Paul Tierney with no option but to point to the spot.
Smalley stepped up and coolly sent Adam Bartlett the wrong way to book Oxford’s place in the next phase.
Gateshead: Bartlett; Baxter, Sirrell, Turnbull, Curtis; Clark, Oster (Tait 117), Chandler (Ramshaw 115), Larkin; Walker (Hatch 118), Marwood.
Subs not used: Magnay, Baird, Brown, Maddison.
Oxford United: Clarke; Bevans, Lynn, Davies (Smalley 68), Hunt; Newey, Williams, Rose (Long 99), Constable; Kitson (Marsh 105), Ruffles.
Subs not used: Crocombe, Shama, O’Dowda, Lee.
Ref: P Tierney
Attendance: 2,632
