The Salts produced another strong performance, and the team looks much improved. We battled against Balham for 90 minutes, creating the better chances but unable to break through their resolute defence.

On 70 minutes, Carl Oblitey and Kionte Gillfillian-Waul replaced Jason Bloor and Craig Dundas. Five minutes later, Nick Bostan came on for Ethan Nelson-Roberts. Toby Young picked up a yellow card. On 80 minutes, Callum Wilson replaced Ethan Brazier, followed by Jack Torbett coming on for Stefan Aiwone in the 85th minute.

With the game still goalless, it went to penalties. Skipper Adam Green stepped up first and scored, with Balham responding in kind. Callum Wilson and Carl Oblitey both converted their penalties, as did Balham. Luke Miller then scored before keeper Sami Nabbad made a crucial save. That left Ali Fofahan with the decisive penalty, which he calmly slotted home to secure a 5-3 victory for the Salts.

A huge celebration followed, and the Salts now face an away trip to Step 4 side South Park in the semi-final next Tuesday.