Nantwich Town earn FA Cup 1st round place after dramatic replay win at Kettering

A Harry Clayton winner and a last-gasp penalty save by Will Jaaskelainen saw Nantwich Town through to the FA Cup 1st round proper after a replay win last night.

On a night of high drama, the Dabbers overcame Southern Premier League high-flyers Kettering on their home turf Latimer Park in Northants.

Nantwich produced an incredible defensive display to keep out wave after wave of Kettering attacks in front of almost 1,000 supporters.

Before last night, Kettering had won all six of their home league matches in the current campaign, so the task facing third-bottom Nantwich was a huge one.

Jaaskelainen, on loan from League Two neighbours Crewe Alexandra, produced three or four fine saves in the first 20 minutes to keep the visitors in the match.

Then came the crucial breakaway goal.

Sean Cooke – son of manager Dave – crossed a ball into the box and the ever-willing Harry Clayton darted in front of defenders to head home into the far corner to send the Dabbers travelling army wild.

It gave Nantwich something to hang on to – and hang on they did.

Ben Toseland hit the post for Kettering, and Jaaskelainen made more fine saves before the break.

In the second-half, it was the same story as Kettering piled on the pressure, with another stunning stop by the keeper on 76 minutes.

Then on 89 minutes, a Kettering player took an easy tumble in the box and the referee point to the spot for what seemed like a soft penalty.

Man of the match Jaaskelainen made himself an instant hero by guessing right and diving to his right to palm away the spot-kick.

The Dabbers saw out the remaining minutes to record a famous victory and secure a 1st Round proper tie away at League Two Stevenage, to be played over the weekend of November 4-5.

Now they return to league action when they welcome near neighbours Witton Albion to the Weaver Stadium on Saturday in a bid to move away from the relegation zone.

(pic courtesy of Ian Garnett)