Moors trailed 2-1 deep into second-half stoppage time with the Rochdale fans poised to invade the pitch when Aiden Rutledge equalised, then they held their nerve in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out to reach Wembley for the second time in their history.
Goalkeeper Rohan Luthra, who was drafted in from Derby County as an emergency signing on Tuesday because of injury to regular Brad James, was their shoot-out hero as he superbly saved Rochdale’s fifth penalty to send the travelling ‘Moors Army’ delirious.
Spennymoor will now attempt to complete a FA Vase and Trophy double after winning the Vase in 2013 when they were in the Northern League. They have now gone one stage further in the Trophy than in 1978 when, as Spennymoor United, they lost in the semi-finals to Leatherhead.
“What a game, what emotions,” said Lee. “We were in the game first half and had a great chance through Corey McKeown, and at half-time we felt as if we could try and hurt them in the second half.
“Three goals early in the second half changed that. When we conceded that first goal, we went at Rochdale quick and ended up getting a goal back, which was fantastic. Then we sat back again and invited them on. I’m not sure if it was a penalty so that was frustrating.
“To get the equaliser in stoppage time – wow! – and that helped us take the momentum into the penalties. The lads have stepped up unbelievably to take them, especially with all that noise around them. And what a save to win it for us.
READ MORE:
“Rohan only came in on Tuesday, and now he’s the hero who has taken us to Wembley. Apart from the Rochdale fans running on the pitch and swinging punches at people, what a celebration it was.”
Lee, who took charge of the club just over a year ago, revealed he scattered the ashes of his late father, Tony, who was also manager of Spennymoor in his time, on the Spotland pitch.
“My family were on the pitch with me,” he said. “My mam was in the stand, so was my brother, and my dad’s ashes were on the pitch. His ashes will be going on Wembley as well.
“I’ve never seen so many fans with tears in their eyes after the penalties. To see the celebrations and to know that we’re going to Wembley is amazing. You’re in the game for these moments, and we’re going to enjoy this one.”
Rochdale were on top in the opening stages of the game, but Moors nearly snatched the lead just before half-time with an effort by Corey McKeown which beat the Rochdale keeper, but hit the crossbar.
The game really livened up at the start of the second half. Rochdale took the lead on 48 minutes from a corner, which was turned in by former Hartlepool forward Devante Rodney.
However, Moors levelled almost immediately when Rob Ramshaw split the Dale defence perfectly for Fin Shrimpton to score with a low shot.
Rochdale soon responded with a penalty, for a foul by Ben Beals which Moors protested about. Aidy Barlow sent Luthra the wrong way from the spot.
The hosts nearly made it 3-1, but Luthra made a good save from Barlow, quickly followed by an even better one from Harvey Gilmour.
Rochdale piled on the pressure looking for a third, but deep into stoppage time, Matty Dolan crossed into the area for Rutledge to guide a header into the net and send the travelling Moors fans wild.
Seconds later, the referee blew his final whistle and set up a penalty shootout. With Moors going first, Glen Taylor, Dolan, Will Harris and Rutledge were successful with their first four penalties, as were Rochdale.
Reece Staunton made it 5-4, before Moors keeper Luthra managed to block Rochdale’s fifth penalty from Tarryn Allarakhia with his outstretched arm to send Moors to Wembley, where they will face Aldershot on Sunday, May 11.
