After Scott Metcalfe put the visitors in front with 14 minutes gone, Gardens levelled through Wisley Baltazar, before United went on to triumph and earn a home tie with Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division outfit Great Yarmouth Town in the next stage.

Speaking afterwards, head coach Kane Dougherty said: “It was what I expected, a full-bloodied cup tie.

"You've got to feel for them a little bit as they really did put us under pressure, especially in the second half when Smythy got sin-binned and Vinnie (Baker) came off injured.

"We changed shape and then we got hold of the game. On another day, we could have easily lost that, as there was plenty of action going on.

“We’re just delighted to get through to the next round. We weren't at our best, but you've got to give credit to them as well, that was a really tough game.”

Star man Liam Brooks was also of the same opinion, as he continued: “It was a very tough game, they were very good, hats off to them, they probably should have gone through, but in cup games you have to ride your luck and Smythy got the winner in the last minute.

"When we changed shape and went three at the back with our wingbacks, we got control of the game, got our foot on the ball, were able to beat their press and create some chances, as before that they were opening us up and creating too many chances.”

United weren't able to follow that victory up in the SSML Premier Division in midweek, losing 4-0 at Baldock Town.

They are back in action at the weekend, travelling to Kings Langley in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy, also visiting Arlesey Town in the league on Tuesday evening.

» Langford enjoyed an excellent 4-3 victory at Burton Park Wanderers in their SSML Division One contest on Tuesday night, Callum Beer, Leonardo Cimmino, Sam Winwood and Isaac Babalola on target.

The Reds had lost 3-1 at Irchester United on Saturday, Beer netting, as Langford host Letchworth Garden City Eagles at Forde Park this weekend.

» Biggleswade United Women ran out 3-0 winners over Garston Ladies in their Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division clash on Sunday.

Amy Josland opened the scoring on the half hour, before late goals from Chloe Mattingley (70) and Megan Herbert (78) sealed the points.

Freya Taylor-Burton and Gracie Applin both netted doubles as Stotfold Ladies thrashed Evergreen Eagles Women 6-1 away from home in Division One, Amy Jack and Amelia Klausner also on target.

This weekend, United head to MK United Women in the League Cup as their Development side entertain Wheathampstead Wanderers Women in the Chris Renshaw Cup.