SLOUGH Town joint-manager Neil Baker believes the Rebels put in an amazing performance to beat Sutton United 8-7 on penalties in the FA Cup first round replay on Tuesday, writes Rob Stevens.

National League side Sutton took the lead inside nine minutes at Arbour Park as Harry Beautyman drove down the left and into the box before firing past keeper Jack Turner.

The visitors were unfortunate not to double their advantage when Charlie Clough volleyed against the crossbar in the 15th minute.

Slough thought they had equalised through man-of-the-match Lee Togwell in time added on at the end of the first-half, but it was disallowed for a foul in the build up.

The Rebels equalised with nine minutes remaining as James Dobson smashed a free-kick from the edge of the box through the wall, giving Sutton keeper Ross Worner no chance.

It was Dobson's ninth goal this season and fourth in the FA Cup campaign, and the winger went closest to scoring for the home side during extra time.

Both teams successfully traded penalties until, with the scores at 5-5, Turner saved from Sutton substitute Tom Bolarinwa.

That gave Slough centre back Sam Togwell the chance to win the tie but, he put his effort wide of the left-hand post.

The two sides continued to trade spot-kicks but, with the scores at 7-7, Dean Beckwith of Sutton sent his effort over the crossbar.

Left-back George Wells then stepped up for Slough and coolly slotted low past Worner to send the Rebels into the second round of the FA Cup for the second successive season.

Baker told the Observer: "It was a special night and anyone that was at Arbour Park will know that our lads gave absolutely everything.

"We started really well then Sutton scored, probably on the break, and then for 10-15 minutes they absolutely tore us to bits.

"If we had gone two goals behind then it might have been a problem but we hung in there and, after the spell we weathered, we exerted pressure and caused them problems.

"You think the equaliser might not come but, when we got a free-kick so close to the goal, if James could miss the wall he was going to score and he did that.

"It was deserved for what we had done in the second-half, and from then on I thought were was only one winner. I thought we were going to win the game in extra time.

"We looked more dangerous and maybe the trip to Gateshead played on Sutton a little bit. They had a long day on Saturday but our fitness looked really good.

"Sutton picked up one or two little injuries and from there we knew they would struggle a little bit. They would probably be content with either hitting us on the break or playing for penalties."

He continued: "To be honest, I thought we were the better side on the evening and fully deserved to go through.

"What a great game of football to watch, two sides that properly went for it, and I'm just so pleased that we're through.

"Sutton are a side that have only been beaten three times all season, so for us to go 120 minutes with them is just a brilliant feeling.

"It was an amazing performance from our lads and the coolness for the penalties was unbelievable, so I'm delighted.

"Jon [Underwood, joint-manager) and I have never had much luck with penalties and we thought what I cruel way it would be to go out.

"I feel for Sutton but one team has to go through and one has to go out, and fortunately it was us that went through."

Baker added: "The supporters have been absolutely amazing and different gear for a number of weeks now. It's just getting better and better and our lads keep on delivering."

Slough will welcome either Gillingham from League One or National League side Hartlepool United to Arbour Park in the second round on Sunday 2nd December.

Baker said: "If I'm honest, it's going to be a day to remember. We've got the opportunity to get into the third round of the FA Cup now and I can't wait for that.

"Arbour Park is going to be a busy place and anyone that was here on Tuesday will want to come back, so I'm sure tickets are going to be at an absolute premium.

"I would prefer Hartlepool because, at the end of the day, they're only one league above us as opposed to Gillingham who are three.

"We're still underdogs whatever but you would rather a side that's only one league above you.

"We told the boys in the changing room to dream big and they did that on Tuesday, so now we've got an opportunity."