Shots kicked off last season at a former Premiership ground (Bradford) and they did so again this season...at Molineux, the home of the once mighty Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The home side may have been relegated last season, but they kicked off this one with a new manager and a new stand, The Stan Cullis Stand. They will have begun this season with renewed hope, but there was little sign of those hopes being fulfilled in a match in which they were matched by their League Two opponents throughout. Wolves had not won at home in a competetive match since December 2011, so were desperate to end that run against Shots and played what was pretty close to their strongest side.
However, following their win at West Ham in the same competition last season, Holdsworth's side were never going to be overawed by this occasion and they acquitted themselves superbly throughout this match, defending well when required and creating both more and the better chances.
Rankine, Reid, Mekki and Vincenti all had efforts on goal in the first half, whilst Wolves best effort came from Kevin Doyle, who should have done better when heading EBanks Blakes cross wide.
The home side's best spell came at the start of the second half and they took the lead on 53 minutes, Ebanks Blake turning sharply and shooting across Young from an acute angle. 1-0 Wolves.
However, Shots kept their nerve and their shape and ten minutes later they were level. Michael Rankine rose high at the far post to meet Josh Paynes corner and sent a bullet header past Ikeme in the Wolves goal. 1-1
Shots survived knocks to both Brown and Young, before deservedly taking the tie to extra time. In the first extra period, Rodman twice and Payne had efforts on goal, the first of which was following an incredible run by Rodman, from within his own half. However, the quality of his finish didnt quite match that of his excellent dribble and he curled his shot harmlessly wide.
Wolves dominated the second period and had four attempts on goal - Young was in mean mood though and Shots held on for penalties.
Time after time, players from both sides thumped home, or placed brilliant, unstoppable penalties, until finally, in sudden death, young Jordan Roberts had his spot kick saved and Wolves went through, 7-6.
However, Shots can be mightily proud of a superb effort from which they will take great heart and confidence.
Attendance: 11,555
Shots: Young Herd Lancashire (Payne) Bradley Tonkin Mekki (Rodman) Brown Morris Vincenti (Roberts) Reid Rankine. Subs not used: Williams Madjo Connolly Bergqvist
Wolves: Ikeme, Zubar, Stearman, Johnson, Ward, Davies, Doumbia, Henry, Forde, Doyle, EBanks Blake
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