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Wembley awaits Tunbridge Wells after their extra-time victory over Northern League side Shildon in the FA Vase

FA Vase 2011/12 logo
FA Vase 2011/12 logo

Tunbridge Wells booked their place at Wembley after winning a thriller in the northeast.

Perry Spackman scored the crucial goal, in extra-time, to send Wells into the final of the FA Vase.

The Kent Hurlimann League side travelled to Northern League Shildon with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg semi-final at their Culverden Stadium.

But the hosts wiped that advantage out inside the opening 23 minutes with goals from Jamie Owens and Chris McCabe.

A third goal, just after the hour from Sam Garvie, turned the tie around with Shildon then on course for a place in the prestigious non-league final.

But Martin Larkin’s side refused to give up and a goal from Andy Irvine with 18 minutes left levelled the tie on aggregate at 3-3.

Shildon came closest to winning the game in normal time, as substitute Billy Greulich-Smith headed a corner against the bar.

Neither side managed another goal in the 90 and with eight minutes left of extra-time Spackman headed home a cross to put Wells back infront.

There were nervy moments for the visiting fans late on, as Michael Tait had an effort ruled out for off-side.

Wells will now meet another Northen League side in the final, after Spennymoor came through their semi-final against Guernsey 4-1 on aggregate.

The final at Wembley is on Saturday, May 4.

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