Wingate and Finchley fought back from two goals behind to secure an extra-time 3-2 victory against Royston Town to progress to the FA Cup Qualifying Second round.

Having been forced into Tuesday’s replay after the first match between the two sides ended 1-1, Town established an early lead as a first minute cross was deflected into his own net by Ajet Shehu.

Royston continued to attack and they doubled their advantage within the quarter hour as another cross was not dealt with by the Wingate defence and Ryan Ingrey headed the home side into a commanding lead.

Wingate struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Leon Smith did have an opportunity to pull a goal back after a through pass from John Docker, but the striker could on send his effort at the Town goalkeeper.

Royston looked likely to add a third before the visitors hit the woodwork as David Laird, who scored Wingate’s goal in the first meeting between the sides, shot against the post.

The Blues performance was much improved after the interval and they pulled a goal back six minutes after the restart.

Sam Berry whipped in a free-kick and Smith rose highest to head home from ten yards out.

The hosts were rocked by the strike and Wingate continued to attack. They managed to get the equaliser midway through the second period as Anderson Pinto curled a strike into the bottom corner.

Both sides had chances to grab a winner in normal time. Royston rattled the post before Lewis Jones fired wide.

The teams couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes and at the beginning of extra time, Docker saw a volley saved.

The deciding goal arrived in the 101st minute. Pinto proved to be the match winner as he smashed a strike from 18-yards into the net.

Pinto was dismissed soon after but his goal saw Wingate through to the second qualifying round where they will face Bury Town.