Notts County youth team suffered FA Youth Cup heartbreak on Tuesday evening, as Peterborough United progressed with a 2-1 victory following a dramatic half an hour of extra time.
The young Magpies showed an incredible determination to win the game but a late header booked Posh’s place in the second round of the tournament.
The initial 90 minutes proved frustrating for both outfits, who were restricted to half chances on the whole.
Notts had appeared the favourites, when away skipper Joe Burgess was dismissed in the 67th minute following a last-man foul on striker Alex Kenlock, after his introduction from the bench.
Despite the extra man, Notts were unable to find a way past the organised visiting rearguard and the game was taken into extra time.
Then, in the 99th minute, Posh moved in front from a long-range effort after Harry Andrews had raced out of his box to hack the ball away from Jonathan Edwards.
Robert Duggan collected and, from 40 yards, managed to find the vacated net with a hopeful effort.
This seemed like a decisive goal in a match with few chances but, in fact, it was quite the opposite, as the Magpies looked a much bigger threat.
Captain Brad McGowan came closest with a downward header that bounced narrowly wide and it appeared that Posh were going to hold out - until the 117th minute.
Notts equalised in spectacular style, when Reece Fyfe skinned the Posh left-back and slammed home off the under-side of the crossbar to spark enthusiastic celebrations on the touchline.
Even though only three minutes remained and penalties appeared a certainty, it was not to be for the Magpies.
Extended periods of treatment for cramp in the away camp led to a lengthy period of injury time and it was deep into this additional play that Edwards guided Tom Conlon’s right-wing free-kick into the far corner with a superb header.
There was to be no more drama after this point but the home fans showed their appreciation for the teams, who had put everything into the performance.
FULL TIME | Notts County 1-2 Peterborough (after extra time)
NOTTS COUNTY STARTING XI | Andrews, Richards, Guy, Sapong, McGowan, Geldenhuys, Hodge, Kelleher, Bange, Dwyer, Golding.
SUBS FROM | Fyfe, Myers, Symons, Palmer, Kenlock.
PETERBOROUGH UTD STARTING XI | O'Reilly, Burgess, Carter, Conlon, Ward, Marshall, Coulson, Anderson, Phillips, Carthey, Duggan.
SUBS FROM | Henry, Luto, Friend, Edwards, Moore-Azille.
Look out for reaction, photos and highlights on the official site and Magpie Player soon.