DARLINGTON hero Joe Wheatley described his goal as unbelievable after scoring a dramatic late leveller in Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Walsall which ended 2-2.

After Osagi Bascome’s free-kick into the penalty area, Wheatley prodded home at close-range in the seventh minute of added time to earn a replay and put Quakers into the hat for the second round draw, which takes place this evening.

The goal sparked pandemonium among the 1,229 visiting fans at the Bank’s’ Stadium, with some supporters spilling onto the pitch, while goalkeeper Liam Connell leapt into the supporters and received a booking from the referee for excessive celebrations.

“I think I ended up on a fan’s shoulders, it was unbelievable,” said Wheatley, after scoring his first goal since December last year, and only his third in 71 appearances.

“In the box anything can happen, you saw how many people were in there. Justin Donawa was in front of me and I don’t know how he missed it, but I was there and I’m over the moon.”

Darlington trailed 2-1 after Walsall scored twice to turn the tie around in the closing stages, despite having a man sent off when Quakers were 1-0 up.

Midfielder Wheatley added: “They were chucking everything at us and didn’t score, then they went down to ten men so you think that’s it, we’ve won, but before you know it you’re 2-1 down.

“You always have to be positive, but they’re a League Two team so we probably thought they were going to see it out. But we got the goals and it was unbelievable.”

Wheatley did not start any of the first eight matches of the season having undergone surgery in the summer on a hernia problem, but is now an integral part of Alun Armstrong’s side.

He added: “I had a hernia last season and played with it but struggled, then in the summer I had it taken out. When I came back I still didn’t feel right.

“It took longer than I expected to get back, but these are the moments that matter.

“It’s my best moment, it’s only my third goal. To score with nearly the last kick is a dream.

“Hopefully the replay will be on TV, lets see if they put us on.”