THIS, the 10th match in Northwich Victoria’s latest FA Cup run, was the most dramatic.

The lowest-ranked side left in the competition, a decade on from their previous third-round appearance, will probably not get as close to a return there.

They led against Football League hosts thanks to goals from Jimmy Ball and Richie Bennett.

But Northampton then scored three goals in four minutes, all of them during the closing stages, to avoid a history-making home defeat against part-time opponents.

They got lucky, and know it.

“First and foremost, huge respect to the opposition,” admitted manager Chris Wilder at full time.

“They are playing well below their level - they were excellent. As of 4.40pm we were on the receiving end of a big shock.”

Embarrassing teams from a higher level in front of their own fans is nothing new for Northwich this season.

In four ties this term, at Hyde, Marine, Chorley and Boreham, they progressed away from home.

And Jim Gannon’s men were on course for a repeat after Ball fired low and hard just before the break after the Cobblers failed to clear Brian Summerskill’s corner.

The visitors doubled their advantage when Bennett reacted quickest to steer in a close-range header when Summerskill’s chipped finish – after he picked the pocket of David Buchanan – rebounded off the crossbar.

Town, who saw off League One Coventry City in the first round, needed a stroke of fortune to start their recovery.

Nicky Adams’ shot took a decisive deflection off Vics full back Scott Duxbury, leaving goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe with no chance to make a save.

A minute later, Jason Taylor’s skimmed header from Adam’s curling free kick crept into the far corner of the net.

Relieved, their rally did not stop there.

Substitute Ricky Holmes dribbled inside Duxbury on the right before landing a cross on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s head, and he diverted it with force past Springthorpe.

The plot almost twisted again before full-time, but Northampton custodian Adam Smith reacted instinctively to block Alex Byrne’s attempt after substitute Josh Amis flicked on Duxbury’s long throw.

It was galling for Gannon, the former Stockport County manager.

His brave face afterwards couldn’t mask his true feelings.

“The players won’t feel it, and they won’t know it now, but they have achieved a great thing,” he reflected.

“It is very difficult to take, and some of the boys are still a bit stunned by what happened.

“We have played above ourselves for the majority of the game, and I think maybe the professional difference told in the end.

“When things settle down they will notice how far we have taken a strong Northampton team and they’ll be proud of themselves.

“There was a bit of fatigue in there as everyone saw in the final ten minutes but what can you say? I just feel so sorry for the lads because they deserved to take something from the game.”

Northampton | Adam Smith (GK), Moloney, Diamond, Cresswell (Hoskins 68), Buchanan, Taylor, Byrom, D’Ath (Holmes 59), Potter (Richards 46), Adams, Calvert-Lewin Subs not used Ryan Clarke (GK), Lelan, McDonald, Watson Goals Hoskins 83, Taylor 85, Calvert-Lewin 87 Booked Cresswell

Vics | Springthorpe (GK), Byrne, Michael Clarke, Astles, Duxbury, Ball (Ali 82), Krou, Summerskill, Howard, Williams (Sanogo 75), Bennett (Amis 75) Subs not used Dane Smith (GK), Roddy, Cook, Burnett Goals Ball 44, Bennett 63 Booked Duxberry

Referee Paul Tierney

Attendance 3,837

Additional reporting by Sam Elliot