They trailed until the 88th minute but equalised through Michael Fitzgerald’s header from a corner kick, before Ball expertly redirected a shot on goal in the third minute of added time.

The hosts had taken the lead on six minutes when James Hammill finished off a move after the Stripes had initially cleared a corner ball.

In sodden conditions, both sides looked wary of making a mistake early doors until former Stripe Joel Kane slipped the ball in behind for Hammill to slot home.

The travelling supporters, including nine from Sweden, were all on their feet two minutes later as Max Clayton’s delivery was taken by the wind, over Harry Paul Campbell in goal, off the inside of the far post and trickled back across the goal line.

In the 35th minute, an all-too-common mishap with the wet ball allowed the hosts in on goal but the strike went over the crossbar.

Five minutes later AFC slipped in on goal behind a high defensive line, with onrushing keeper Joe Bickerstaffe being rounded outside his area but some astute tracking back forced the winger’s shot wide.

With moments left in the first, Joe Barker raced onto a long ball and squared it inside but Josh Briggs’ attempt went over.

Six minutes into the second half, Briggs attempted to finish off Nathan Corness’ run down the right flank but a defender was on the line to deflect.

In the space of eight minutes later in the half, the hosts missed chances to extend their lead.

Down the other end, after one header from a corner was sent narrowly onto the roof of the net, Stripes captain Fitzgerald was on target next time as his attempt looped over the goalkeeper.

Inspired to find another, Mike Smith’s side did just that as substitute Ball anticipated a shot from distance after a recycled corner and perfectly flicked the strike with his back to goal, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and putting his side’s name in the hat.

The Stripes will be in FA Vase action at home to Boldon CA on Saturday as they attempt to top their best ever run in the competition.