A THUNDEROUS Dan Jacob strike plus a brace from striker Shane Tolley fired Saints into the fifth round of the FA Vase for only the second time in their history on Saturday.

FA Vase Fourth Round

Gresley 1-3 St Neots Town

A THUNDEROUS Dan Jacob strike plus a brace from striker Shane Tolley fired Saints into the fifth round of the FA Vase for only the second time in their history on Saturday.

The last time it happened was back in 2001/02 when they bowed out to Durham City – but the club will be looking to go one better this time – by getting through a mouth-watering last 16 showdown at King’s Lynn next Saturday.

Gresley, who were quarter-finalists last season, took a 47th minute lead through Micky Lyons, who got in behind the visiting defence to convert Richard Butler’s through pass.

Jacob squared the game after 67 minutes, collecting the ball in his own half and beating two defenders before unleashing a 25-yard shot, which ended up in the top corner, despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Gary Hateley, who was off his line

Leading scorer Tolley gave St Neots the lead with nine minutes remaining, intercepting a short back pass from Butler to find the net.

And he sealed their passage to the last sixteen after 88 minutes, converting at the far post after good work by Stefan Moore and Jacob – his 37th goal in just 24 games in all competitions this season.

Delighted Saints boss Dennis Greene said afterwards: “It looked at one stage like it wasn’t going to be our day.

“Their keeper made some great point-blank saves and it looked like we weren’t going to get back into it.

“But, once we got the equaliser, you just felt that we weren’t going to lose.

“Credit to Gresley, because they’ve got a lot of heart and some good players.

“But overall we were worthy winners in my opinion, because I think we dominated the majority of the possession and chances.”

Looking ahead to their upcoming double header against King’s Lynn, a league match at home on Saturday – followed by the Vase trip the week after – Greene said: “It’s exciting times. When you’re involved in football as a player – and as a manger – these are the matches that you strive to be involved in.

“The two matches will be the equivalent of playing in the Blue Square Premier, with big crowds and a lot of quality on show.

“The games could go either way. Whoever plays the best and takes their chances will win.”

Greene’s side were scheduled to be back in UCL Premier Division action at home against Yaxley last night (Tuesday).