LINCOLN CITY and Sutton United were the toast of Non-League last night after the National League duo booked their places in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Imps beat Championship side Ipswich Town thanks to a stoppage time goal while two late strikes saw Sutton overcome League One outfit AFC Wimbledon.
Lincoln, who were live on the BBC, put in a fantastic performance following the 2-2 draw at Portman Road last weekend.
They had to wait but got their reward in added on time as former Grimsby Town winger Arnold raced clear past a tired Ipswich defence, coolly rounding keeper Dean Gerken and slotted the ball into an empty net.
Imps boss Danny Cowley, whose side will host Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round, said: “You can have great days like this if you put so much work in like we have done. I thought we competed really well and worked every minute so hard. We pressed from the front and actually thought we had a great control in the game even against a Championship side like Ipswich.
“What a brilliant finish from Nathan. Not an easy finish when the whole of Sincil Bank is hoping he sticks it in. It’s a great night and an amazing feeling for the club.
“It’s a great night and an amazing feeling for the club. We need to continue this moment. I’ll let the boys enjoy it but we’ve now got to turn to Dover on Friday. It’s great for the club.
“For me it’s not about money. It’s about moments like this and putting smiles on people’s faces. That has been the great thing about this journey we’re on.”
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There were more Non-League celebrates in south west London as Sutton recovered from Wimbledon’s earlier opener to seal a late 3-1 victory.
Dons defender Paul Robinson was sent off after 15 minutes and the U’s eventually made their extra man pay. Roarie Deacon’s stunner levelled the scores with a quarter of an hour left before late Maxime Biamou and Dean Fitchett goals put the tie to bed.
Sutton will now welcome Leeds United in the fourth round and boss Paul Doswell said: “I’m so pleased for my chairman, our directors who are all volunteers, for the 1,000 fans here and for the players.
“Without being over-emotional about it, we have got a good chance against Leeds on our pitch. No one likes playing on it apart from us it seems. If they make seven or eight changes against us I think we will have a chance.”
