SHEFFIELD FC were singing in the rain last night - and counting the cash as well - as they moved to within one game of the first round of the FA Cup after a splendid replay success in front of a good home crowd.
They defeated unbeaten Unibond Premier Division high-flyers Guiseley 2-1 in their third qualifying round replay thus ensuring they backed up Saturday's remarkable comeback from three down at half-time to draw 3-3..
Chris Dolby's side now go to Blue Square North side Blyth Spartans in the fourth qualifying round a week on Saturday.
As the rain swept down, Guiseley controlled the opening stages but Sheffield went in front with their first real threat. through Micky Goddard
Guiseley levelled through Steve Burton but parity lasted just six minutes as Sheffield restored their lead, Asa Ingall heading in and would have clinched it but clean-through Andy Gascoigne was twice denied by 'keeper Piotr Skiba.
The win earned Sheffield £7,500 to the £9,000 accrued from previous rounds.
Alfreton won their replay 3-1 at Ilkeston and now travel to Retford in the fourth qualifying round.
A much-changed Stocksbridge Park Steels lost 4-3 at Retford in the Presidents Cup second round.
Mark Ward gave Steels the lead from 35-yards but a Chris Owens double had Retford 2-1 ahead and despite having Dan White sent-off for a second booking on 50 minutes, Retford went 4-1 up with a Mick Godber double.
A Matt Fisher own goal and Ward's stunning 25 yard free-kick ensured a tense last six minutes.
In the Unibond Premier Division, Frickley drew 2-2 at Whitby whilst Matlock beat North Ferriby 3-2 at Causeway Lane but Buxton lost 3-0 at home to Hednesford Town
In the NCEL Premier, Maltby Main lost 2-1 at leaders Mickleover despite a Rob Brannigan equaliser five minutes from time.
Armthorpe suffered a third defeat on the trot, 3-2 at home to Selby.
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