Newton Aycliffe FC have made it to the final of the Durham Challenge Cup for the first time in their history thanks to a thrilling semi-final win at South Shields.
The Mariners are top of the Northern League Division 2 and boast former Sunderland star Julio Arca among their ranks.
It was Arca who made it to the score sheet first calmly firing a penalty past James Winter after 15 minutes. Five minutes later Dennis Knight scored another of his spectacular long range free kicks which gave former Aycliffe keeper Scott Pocklington no chance.
Aycliffe took the lead after 52 mins with an excellent first time strike from Zak Boagey outside the box.
South Shields pressed hard for an equaliser and the goal came with ten minutes of normal time left. A powerful header from a corner found the Aycliffe net.
Extra time saw efforts at both ends but no goals from two tired sides but was most notable for a straight red card for Arca.
The penalty shoot-out got off to a good start for Aycliffe with Winter saving the first effort. John Campbell, Stuart Banks and Zak Boagey all scored winning the shoot out for Aycliffe.
An historic win for Aycliffe who now play Whickham in the final, expected to be at Easter.
Aycliffe now return to league action with an away game at Washington on Saturday and a home game against Whitley Bay on Tuesday night.