John Sands struck in extra time to ensure Mildenhall Town's passage through to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on a frantic evening at Recreation Way.

Hosts Mildenhall led the replay 2-0 and then 3-1, but they were pegged back late in the game by Long Buckby to force the extra 30 minutes.

The writing looked to be on the wall for visiting Buckby after just two minutes. A neat move involving Ryan Foster and Sands released Chris Barrett who was hauled to the ground inside the area. Full-back David Cooper took responsibility from 12 yards and despite goalkeeper Olly Urqhart's best efforts he found the net.

Mildenhall were now in firm control of the tie and on 12 minutes they went close to doubling their lead. Sands had a shot well saved by the feet of Urqhart and when the rebound eventually found its way to Aaron Turner, he shot just over the crossbar.

Buckby's Chris Davies then cleared Nathan Clarke's header off the line but their luck eventually run out on 25 minutes.

Mildenhall left-back Luke Bailey picked out Sands with a pinpoint deep cross and from a tight angle the unmarked forward stooped to head past Urqhart for 2-0.

The visitors came out for the second half with more purpose and only a spectacular double save from Mildenhall stopper Josh Pope denied first Jon Crockett then Richard Bunting from close range.

Buckby continued to press and on 58 minutes Glen Walker handed them a lifeline. Davies sent a ball over the top which Walker latched onto before composing himself to beat Pope from 10 yards.

However, that lifeline looked to have evaporated just a minute later when Barrett finished off a swift move to restore the home side's two goal advantage.

Buckby refused to lie down though and only four minutes later they claimed their second of the night. Walker this time was the provider, crossing from the left for Bunting to head past Pope from 12 yards.

The away side were now in control but just when Mildenhall looked to have weathered the storm and secured a route through to the next round, Davies popped up. The winger twisted and turned inside the area before shooting low beyond Pope with just four minutes of normal time remaining.

Extra-time started in a similar fashion to first half, with Sands finding the net early on. Substitutes James Paterson and Danny Partridge linked for the latter to cross for Sands who powerfully headed past Urqhart to claim his 11th goal of the season already.

Buckby came again in search of another equaliser, with full-back Craig Kelly seeing his effort from distance superbly tipped over the bar by Pope.

As the second half of extra-time wore on Sands was denied a hat-trick by a low save from Urqhart, while up the other Pope spread himself well to deny Crockett on the edge of the box.

Mildenhall will now travel to Blue Square North outfit Ilkeston Town on Saturday 26th September.