The Lilywhites have progressed to The FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying, for the first time in 40 years. And they did so as relative underdogs, despatching Step 4 opponents Lincoln United.

Arguably the job should have been done already done during Saturday's fixture, in a performance where Skegness Town were the better team on the day, in a game of missed chances. So it is perhaps even more pleasing to have gone toe-to-toe with Lincoln United over 180 minutes, coming out as victors in a Tuesday night replay under the floodlights at their Ashby Avenue ground, in front of a large crowd.

Changes to the squad and starting line-up was necessary for our Rawlinson/King management duo, with Rayner-Mistry, Parker, and Radford unavailable. And matters became even more complicated with an injury concern to Parish during the warm-up, meaning he could only take a place on the bench. But skipper Conor Marshall did an outstanding job to cover for Rayner-Mistry's absence in the right back role, a position that Marshall is no stranger to. Boswell returned to the midfield, and Jackson returned to the starting 11 in his familiar centre half role.

The Lilywhites started the game brightly, and grew in confidence quickly. There was no shortage of chances either in the first half, with efforts on goal from Jordan Smith, Lucas Dakin, and Jack Boswell. Boswell's effort was particularly unfortunate not to hit the net, and United were thankful to their goalkeeper Heath, who managed to keep the ball out with a foot save.

Defensively the team were looking strong, and limiting chances for Lincoln to test Lovelace in goal. But it was unfortunately Lincoln United that took the lead on 41 minutes. Unfortunate because after a passage of play from United, Lovelace made an excellent save from a Scott Fenwick close range shot, but the ball looped up to Turey that was able to head it over the line to put the home team ahead.

Another chance went begging just before half time, and the first half finished with Lincoln 1-nil to the good, and one foot almost into the next round of The FA Cup. But Skegness Town would have a say in that matter, and you just sensed that this cup-tie was far from over, and there was a feeling that from the first half showing, that The Lilywhites had enough about them to cause a cup upset.

It was shortly after half-time that The Lilywhites got back level on terms. We started the second half equally as well, looking just as bright in our play. In the 48th minute we forced a corner kick, and the resultant low drive into the box was met by Nick Jackson, who was able to guide the ball beyond the United keeper for the equalising goal. 1-1 and everything left to play for, the comeback had been achieved, and The Lilywhites sensed a victory in their sights.

The lead could have been extended on 52 minutes, when Town dispossessed United in midfield and played in the energetic Lucas Dakin. Dakin was able to unleash a powerful shot on target which looked destined for the net, but goalkeeper Heath made an excellent save to keep the score level.

Centre forward Luke Horne was causing Lincoln lots of trouble. His imposing figure, strength, and energy was all on display; and quite clearly the United defenders were struggling with his presence. He capitalised on this on 57 minutes, seizing on an opportunity to gain control of a ball that quite clearly looked like the property of not one, but two Lincoln defenders. His effort to win the ball was a moment of brilliance, and as he forced his way into the penalty area, a chasing defender had no choice but to bring him down. Quite rightly a penalty was awarded, and Horne took ownership of the responsibility, despatching the spot kick to put The Lilywhites into a 2-1 lead.

Further chances for Dakin to extend the lead were thwarted on 66 and 69 minutes, Heath again saving from his first chance, and defender Henry Moore throwing himself to block the shot on the second chance.

At the other end of the pitch, Town looked extremely well organised in defence, working very hard to limit chances to allow the home team to get back into the game. It was real dogged and determined performance all-round.

On 89 minutes, with the game almost put to bed, Horne had a chance to put the game beyond any shadow of doubt, in a 1v1 situation with the Lincoln goalkeeper. Sadly though his effort went just wide of the post.

2 minutes of stoppage time ensued, and at the final whistle, there was no doubt that Skegness Town had registered a very deserving win to continue the journey in the magic of The FA Cup.

Line-up: Lovelace, Dilley, Houlston, Marshall (c), Jackson, Smith (84), Dakin, Adams, Horne, Boswell, Johnson (75). Subs: Millar (84), Collins (75), Parish, Robinson