SPENNYMOOR TOWN are heading to Wembley after seeing off Rochdale in a penalty shoot-out in their FA Trophy semi-final at Spotland.
Moors will compete in the Trophy final for the first time in their history after emergency goalkeeper Rohan Luthra saved Tarryn Allarakhia’s penalty to secure a 5-4 shoot-out win.
The spot-kick success came after Aidan Rutledge’s stoppage-time goal had tied the scores at 2-2 to send the game to penalties.
Spennymoor were always a threat against their National League opposition and almost took the lead towards the end of the first half when Corey McKeown lofted a long-range effort over Rochdale goalkeeper Killian Barrett but against the inside of the post.
Rochdale opened the scoring at the start of the second half when former Hartlepool United forward Devante Rodney fired home from close range from a corner.
However, Moors equalised two minutes later when Fin Shrimpton received Rob Ramshaw’s through ball and slotted home.
Rochdale reclaimed their lead in the 54th minute when Aidan Barlow converted from the penalty spot, and the hosts almost extended their lead when Barlow forced Derby loanee Luthra into a smart save.
Barlow struck the crossbar in the closing stages as Rochdale looked to cement their victory, and the home side looked destined for Wembley when the game entered stoppage time.
However, Matty Dolan delivered a looping ball into the penalty area and substitute Rutledge found the net to send the game into extra-time.
With more than 1,000 travelling supporters roaring them on, Spennymoor’s players were superb during the shoot-out, with Reece Staunton becoming the fifth visitor to score when he beat Barrett.
That meant Allarakhia had to score to send the game into sudden death, but Luthra saved his effort with his right arm to secure arguably the biggest win in Spennymoor’s history.
Moors will meet National League side Aldershot Town in the Trophy final at Wembley on May 11 as they look to replicate their FA Vase success from 12 years ago.
