These cancelled out two fine first half goals from James Rowe which had given AFC a deserved interval lead.

This was the third time in as many seasons that a penalty shoot-out has been AFC's downfall. It was particularly hard on Nicky Smith's side as they played 100 per cent better than they did in the first game when they were fortunate to get away with a draw.

Despite being forced into changes due to unavailability AFC played superbly, particularly in the first half, and the home side could not have complained if they had been trailing by more goals at the break.

In the first game Lowestoft's Jamie Godbold caused AFC all sorts of problems, but this time he was well marked by Sheridan Driver and was much less effective.

The bumper crowd of 598 at Crown Meadow saw AFC make a fine start with two good chances in the first seven minutes after Lowestoft had been cut open with defence-splitting passes.

The first fell to Jamie Ricks who shot straight at keeper Andy Reynolds, and Rowe, with an even better opening, scuffed his shot narrowly wide.

Defensively the home side were looking very shaky but they created an opening after 14 minutes when Russell Stock weaved his way into a shooting position but hit the side netting.

Five minutes later AFC opened the scoring when Ricks released Rowe in space. Despite being at an angle, Rowe chipped the advancing Reynolds for a fine finish.

A minute later there was a chance at the other end but Liam Jones was quick off his line to block at the feet of Gary McGee.

It was no surprise when AFC doubled their lead after 30 minutes. This time a superb crossfield pass from Gareth Heath found Rowe, who slipped his marker to rifle an unstoppable shot past Reynolds.

AFC had been at their best in the first half but they almost gave a goal away at the start of the second when a poor clearance from Jones went straight to McGee, who chipped goalwards only to see the keeper get back to collect under the bar.

The second half became a much more even affair but the home side were finding the AFC defence in defiant mood, and very little was getting through to Jones.

For long periods it looked as if AFC had done enough, but that all changed with 13 minutes remaining after home skipper Darren Cockerill had moved from defence to an attacking role.

He reduced the deficit with a looping far post header when he climbed to get on the end of a deep cross.

Lowestoft were now buzzing but when they were awarded a penalty four minutes later it looked very harsh on AFC. Steve Joyce was adjudged to fouled Dale Cockerill who went down under the challenge. It looked as if Joyce had got the ball, but a spot kick was awarded and Darren Cockerill levelled.

Both sides went all out to settle the tie in the remaining minutes but defences held firm to send the game into extra time.