West Auckland manager Gary Forrest says that he won’t mind another away tie after an extra time goal against Sunderland RCA put them into the last 16 of the FA Buildbase Vase.

A late goal by former Spennymoor midfielder Lewis Dodds put West on course for a third final at the expense of their Northern League rivals, and now Forrest is eagerly looking forward to this lunchtime’s draw.

“We went with a game plan,” he said. “We have worked hard on it over the last week and the lads carried it out excellently. I thought we deserved the win but credit to RCA because they worked tremendously hard. Both teams gave their all, some big tackles, some real heart and soul football. Yet still people prefer to watch the premiership.

“I don’t mind if we’re drawn away from home in the next round – personally I’m used to playing away in the Vase.”

It was a proper blood and thunder cup tie. West’s Alex Francis nearly scored early on, but he was denied by RCA keeper Scott Pocklington, while Michael Charlton hit the post at the other end with Shane Bland saving the follow up.

In the second half, Ross Preston fired just wide for RCA, and in extra time West’s Adam Burnicle was denied twice.

The game went from end to end throughout the rest of the 90 minutes and into extra time, until sub Lewis Dodds – who came on midway through the second period of extra time -- fired the winner from a few yards out in the last minute to clinch West’s first win over RCA in three matches this season.

West will be joined by Hebburn in today’s draw, as they beat Shepshed Dynamo 2-1, but Newcastle Benfield went down 3-2 at home to Northwich Victoria, after being 3-0 down at half time.

Also in the draw are Sholing, who beat West in the final five years ago.