A GOAL just five minutes from the end of extra-time from Dean Kimberlin put Alvis Sporting into the quarter-finals of the Midland Football League Les James Cup following a thrilling 4-3 win at Fairfield Villa.
Holder Alvis were soon in trouble when Daniel Wilkes gave the home side an early lead, but Alvis regained their composure to equalise after nine minutes when Kiam Galdins netted from ten yards, following good work with Daniel Pidgeon.
The visitors went in front just before the break when Ben Cranage found Dildale Linton who scored from close range.
After 50 minutes, Pidgeon who had earlier hit the bar and had a shot cleared off the line, took advantage of a well flighted long, through ball from Charlie Cook to round the keeper and net the third Alvis goal.
Fairfield, who had generally been outplayed, rallied in the closing stages and Alvis, who had previously only conceded three goals in eight games, were rocked when goals by Peter Jenvey and a second goal by Wilkes took the tie into extra time.
The game which was typical of cup tie football, was finally settled in the 115th minute when Dean Kimberlin joyously celebrated his first goal of the season.
“It was unfortunate that we let a commanding lead slip, and the substitutions made possibly upset the balance of the team,” said Alvis boss Damian Cassidy.
“However, in extra time we ground out the result which meant we are still unbeaten this season.”
This Saturday Alvis return to Worcestershire-based Fairfield Villa for a Midland League Division Two fixture.