OXFORD City and Banbury United are both into the final qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup – but they took contrasting routes.
While City thumped Tamworth 6-1, the Puritans had to hold their nerve after a 1-1 draw at Peterborough Sports, prevailing 7-6 on penalties.
It saw both sides scoop £5,625 in prize money on their way into fourth round qualifying on October 24, just one win away from the first round proper.
City were able to think about their arrangements well before the final whistle after a comprehensive display at Court Place Farm.
They started favourites, but while Tamworth play in a division below, they had started the season strongly.
The visitors were the first to have the ball in the net, on 31 minutes, after a long throw caused chaos, but it was ruled out for a foul.
Just two minutes later Lewis Coyle put City in front – and they never looked back.
James Roberts, fresh from his superb volley against Chelmsford City on Saturday, smashed in a second goal to give the hosts breathing space heading into half-time.
The former Oxford United won and converted a penalty 11 minutes into the second half.
Harvey Bradbury back-heeled a fourth goal just after the hour and he quickly struck again with a classy lob.
Josh Ashby hammered a sixth goal, before Jaanai Gordon claimed a consolation late on.
Banbury’s all-Southern League Premier Central Division tie at Peterborough Sports was far more tense.
Connor Roberts put the visitors in front ten minutes before the break, hooking in after a scramble in the box.
The lead was almost wiped out within minutes, but Mitch Griffiths hit the crossbar with a free-kick.
The Puritans stayed in front until the 80th minute, when Jordan Nicholson levelled for the home side.
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the game went to a penalty
shoot-out.
Both teams were flawless with their first five spot kicks – Jack Westbrook, Henry Landers, Ricky Johnson, Curtis Morrison and Giorgio Rasulo on target for Banbury.
Pablo Haysham and Sam Brown netted in sudden death, before Sports finally missed through Nicholson.
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