Louis Dennis and Alex Gudger were the respective heroes as they inspired Bromley and Brackley Town to respective first-leg victories in the Buildbase FA Trophy semi-finals over Gateshead and Wealdstone.
In the all-National League encounter in Bromley, Gateshead’s Richard Peniket slotted home within the first 60 seconds as Steve Watson’s visitors flew out of the blocks and landed the first blow.
The home side equalised from the spot on 13 minutes – Brandon Hanlan keeping his cool to send his kick down the middle and out of reach of James Montgomery.
Both sides had chances after that but it was the Tynesiders who went into the break in the lead as Danny Johnson took advantage of some sluggish defending to round David Gregory between the Bromley sticks and tap home.
Louis Dennis curled home a peach of a strike early in the second half to haul the hosts level once more, before Hanlan rattled the crossbar as the momentum shifted back to Bromley.
And the hosts’ pressure got its rewards when neat play by Hanlan gave Dennis the space to pick his spot and fire past Montgomery and complete the comeback for the home side, who held on for the win.
In the clash between Brackley and Wealdstone, it was Alex Gudger who was the hero as he powered in a late strike to give the advantage to the hosts going into th second leg.
The opening period was a cagey and goalless affair, with Royals striker Bradley Bubb closest to breaking the deadlock, only to see his effort cleared off the Brackley line by Gaz Dean.
And with the second period similarly tense and tight, it became clear that one goal was likely to win it.
Gudger obliged in terrific fashion for the National League North outfit as he thundered in from Shane Byrne’s corner with five minutes left to send the home fans into raptures and leave Wealdstone, of National League South, with more work to do in the second leg.
