A last-gasp Ben Herd free-kick was not enough for Hemel Hempstead as Sutton United won 2-1 to book an Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying clash with National League side Aldershot Town.
As Hemel Hempstead travelled to Sutton, the fans could be excused for having that déjà vu feeling with this Emirates FA Cup clash the third match between the sides in just nine days.
And after consecutive draws Sutton were finally celebrating as goals in each half from Ross Stearn and Dan Wishart finally settled this tie at the second attempt, with Herd’s late strike nothing more than mere consolation for Hemel Hempstead.
Emirates FA Cup
Third round qualifying
Hitchin Town 1-2 Enfield Town
Sutton United 2-1 Hemel Hempstead Tn
FC United 1-1 Buxton
Winning sides receive £7,500
Hemel Hempstead started the match the brighter with Sutton United goalkeeper Ross Worner tipping a Matthew Spring curler around the post.
Kyle Connolly, Jack Smith and Josh Hill then all went close for Hemel Hempstead before their manager Dean Brennan was sent to the stands after Jamal Lowe was booked for simulation.
And things went from bad for worse as Brennan’s side then went behind on the stroke of half-time with Stearn slotting home a rebound after a good save from Jamie Butler.
Kevin Amankwaah went close to adding a second after half-time as he cut in from the left only to see his shot hit the underside of the bar and bounce clear.
Sutton United manager Paul Doswell was then also shown a red card, but his side did double their lead as Wishart slotted home.
Herd hit a fine free-kick in injury time but it was too little too late for Hemel Hempstead as Sutton United booked a trip to Aldershot in the next round.
Elsewhere, Enfield Town came from behind to win 2-1 at Hitchin Town and set up a fourth round qualifying tie at Chesham United.
Hitchin had a Callum Donnelly goal ruled out for offside and Jonny McNamara hit the bar before eventually going ahead five minutes before half-time.
McNamara robbed Ryan Doyle and put the ball on a tee for Robbin Burns to fire home.
However, it was a different story after the break and the tie was level on 65 minutes as a free-kick was flicked on by Claudiu Vilcu for Harry Ottaway to score.
And on 77 minutes it was Vilcu’s turn to sore as he fired Bobby Devyne’s cut back in off the bar for the victory.
Meanwhile, FC United of Manchester and Buxton will have to go again on Wednesday after they could not be separated on Sunday at Broadhurst Park.
Buxton took the lead on the stroke of half-time as FC United failed to clear a corner, allowing Warren Burrell to pounce.
But the Bucks could not hold on as Tom Greaves bundled the ball home with 10 minutes remaining.
There was more drama to come as Buxton were reduced to ten men with five minutes left as Glenn Belezika was shown a second yellow card, but the visitors held on to earn a replay.
