Luke Piscina's brilliant stoppage-time strike gave the Angels a deserved passage to the next round in a pulsating FA Cup replay, completing a spirited comeback from a goal down.

Piscina cut in and unleashed a stunning left-foot shot from the left side of the penalty area, which flew past a diving Sean Thomas in the Hastings goal and in off the far post to save players and fans alike the tension of extra time.

Tonbridge, still missing injured playmaker Nick Barnes, selected a 4-4-2 formation with Piscina given an advanced midfield role. Jay May came in up front, providing some physical presence to match a big and strong Hastings defence.

The visitors had the first chance, Rhys Whybourne firing over from a good position following a corner - but the Angels gradually began to exert pressure. May fired straight at Thomas from 12 yards, then Ray Powell's clip didn't quite have enough behind it to beat the 'keeper. Thomas was soon in action again, pulling off a fine save low to his right to keep out Piscina's drive midway through the half.

Tonbridge were playing the more composed football, and went close again before half time. May's effort curled just past the post and a sweet strike from Craig Roser flew just past the angle. The visitors' more direct approach was still a threat though, Sam Adams and Sean Ray going close with headers.

Hastings snatched the lead on 59 minutes when skipper Ray timed his run perfectly to meet a whipped-in corner and nod past JJ from close range. Dobla pushed Powell up front in place of May, and brought himself on in midfield. Darren Smith covered for "Razor" at full back as Tonbridge set about pulling the game round with some purpose. Danny Lye and Leroy Huggins went close, with Neville Southall's men content to keep it tight and look for the speedy Ade Olorunda on the break.

The equaliser came with 13 minutes left when John Beales won a corner at the far post, Lye nipping in to poke the ball under Thomas from close range. Piscina thought he'd put the Angels ahead soon afterwards - but Referee Holdness disallowed the goal after Powell's crunching 50-50 challenge on Thomas left the 'keeper injured, even though there didn't appear to be a whistle blown.

Nick Fogden nearly put through his own goal defending a corner as the pressure began to tell on the visitors. There was a lengthy delay for treatment to Steve Aris after a clash of heads with Olorunda, but Tonbridge kept going and were rewarded at the end, Piscina sending the Barmy Army wild with delight. Hastings nearly scored in a last desperate attack, but JJ plunged to his left to deny Ray and Tonbridge had done enough.

Report by: Tony Browne

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