Didcot Town booked their place in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time with victory over ten-man Brentwood Town.

But they had to do it the hard way after falling behind to goals from Craig Reid and former Oxford United striker Jamie Guy.

Mark Janes and Jack Longford levelled before the break, and after Josh Banton was sent off early in the second half, Didcot confirmed their progress, thanks to Josh Dutton-Black and Jack Powell.

After ten minutes, dreams of the next round could not have been further from Didcot’s minds.

Reid fired the visitors in front, audaciously lobbing goalkeeper Leigh Bedwell from 30 yards.

Just two minutes later, Guy slotted home to make it 2-0.

However, Didcot have made a habit of coming from behind over the course of their cup run and on 15 minutes Janes’ low drive slipped beneath goalkeeper Jack Norton at his near post.

And five minutes before half-time it was all-square when Longford headed home Jamie Heapy’s cross.

Reid thought he had restored Brentwood’s lead before the break, but Adam Learoyd cleared off the line.

The pivotal moment came six minutes into the second half when Banton was sent off for aiming an ill-judged headbutt at Powell.

After that the result appeared to be a formality, but the hosts had to wait to make the breakthrough.

Luke Carnell was denied by Norton, before Learoyd had a header cleared off the line.

  • Highlights from the game, via Didcot Town's official Youtube channel

But finally the Railwaymen got themselves in front with ten minutes to play when Dutton-Black rifled a low shot into the bottom corner.

And they made it safe two minutes from time.

Graham Edney squared for Powell, who applied the finishing touch, sparking scenes of wild celebration.

Didcot Tn: Bedwell, Heapy, Organ, Ballard, Carnell, Learoyd, Longford, Self, Janes (Powell 17), Francis (Edney 64), Dutton-Black. Subs not used: Deabill, Woodley, Collins, Thompson, Gannon.

Attendance: 347.