Bourne Town are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Vase after victory over Atherton Laburnum Rovers
Bourne Town are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Vase after a dramatic penalty shoot-out success in their fifth round tie at Atherton Laburnum Rovers.
The Wakes ran out 5-4 winners in a sudden death shoot-out with goalkeeper Dan Swan saving three penalties from their North West Counties League hosts.
Bourne had led 2-0 at half-time in Greater Manchester after goals from Zac Allen and Paul Malone in the opening period.
The hosts cut the deficit just before the hour mark and then equalised with 12 minutes remaining to send the tie straight to penalties where Bourne triumphed.
It is the furthest the club has ever been in the competition and Saturday's success was their sixth consecutive away victory on the road to Wembley.
Allen had gone agonisingly close early on before seeing a volley blocked after Malone had flicked on a long throw.
Bourne then broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Tom Siddons cushioned the ball into Allen's path and he rifled home the opening goal.
Siddons himself went close moments later with an overhead kick before the Wakes doubled their lead in the 29th minute.
Allen's corner picked out Malone who powered home his second goal for the club while playing under dual registration with Harborough Town.
Will Bird then went close for the Wakes before another Siddons lay-off found Robbie Ellis whose shot was turned away by a fine save from the home goalkeeper.
The Atherton custodian again excelled after the break to keep out a volley from Ellis before the home side started to come into the game.
They halved the deficit just before the hour mark when Tom Romano latched onto a ball over the top and, although his initial effort hit the post, the ball rebounded for the home striker to convert.
The hosts then levelled in the 78th minute when goalkeeper Swan saved well from a close range header but the rebound was turned home by Ryan Talbot to take the match to penalties.
Both sides missed their opening and third spot kicks as the game remained at 3-3 after the first five penalties.
Bourne converted both their penalties in sudden death before Swan completed a hat-trick of saves to send the Wakes into the last eight.
They are back in United Counties League action on Tuesday night with a trip to third-placed Lincoln United.