Hastings had the more positive start of the two sides and on numerous occasions went close to gaining the lead. However, Harrogate stayed strong and went into the break all square. This good work was undone however, as a soft penalty was given against Harrogate just a minute into the second-half. Matt Bloomer brought down Zac Attwood and the referee quickly pointed to the spot. Lee Carey then stepped up to calmly slot the penalty home and give Hastings a 1-0 lead.
The Arrows then dominated the rest of the game and bravely defended up until the 90th minute, when their defence was finally broken. A left-footed corner was whipped in by Harrogate's number three, Dave Merris. The 'keeper then pushed the ball into the feet of Tom Platt who calmly volleyed the ball into the back of he net to send the Harrogate coaching staff into ecstasy and take the tie to extra-time.
The game then went to penalties after the two sides couldn't be separated by an extra half an hour of play. The first two penalties were confidently slotted home however Harrogate missed their second spot-kick and Hastings seized the initiative to take a 2-1 lead. Then, with the score at 4-4, Hastings had the chance to win the shoot-out, however Danny Ellis skied his penalty over the crossbar. This meant that Lee Elam would have the chance to bring Harrogate back into contention in the shoot-out but he also sent his penalty high over the cross bar. Once again, Hastings had the chance to win and this time Dee Okojie struck the ball into the top left corner of the net to send Hastings' fans into raptures. They will now face Middlesborough away, in round three of the FA Cup.
Final Score: Hastings United 1-1 Harrogate Town (aet) - Hastings win 5-4 on penalties.
Attendance: 4,028
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