LONDON: Terrible Tottenham needed three goals in extra time to wreck Tamworth’s dream of achieving one of the greatest giantkillings in the 154 years of the FA Cup.

Manager Ange Postecoglou’s job hung in the balance as the part-timers from the fifth tier matched the Europa League contenders in front of 5,000 local Lambs’ fans until 11 minutes into the extra halfhour. Then midfielder Nathan Tshikuna defleted the ball over his own line in a goalmouth scramble after a Brennan Johnson  cross. Tottenham’s superior fitness then proved decisive and they added further goals from substitutes Dejan Kulusevski and Johnson.

Tamworth had played with energy and without nerves from the kickoff while disjointed Tottenham were unrecognisable from the team who deservedly beat Liverpool by 1-0 in Thursday’s League Cup semifinal first leg.

A relieved Postecoglou said: “Tamworth made it hard for us. It was all about staying calm. We knew we would finish strong and you could see they were tiring a bit. Tamworth did really well and should be proud of their efforts.”

Lambs’ manager boss Andy Peaks said: “We’re disappointed because we were so close to causing a massive upset. It was unbelievable from our boys because we were in the game right until the end.”

At least Tamworth goalkeeper Jasbir Singh will always have happy memories of the day: his partner gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday night.

The only survivors from outside the top four divisions are now Dagenham & Redbridge from east London. The Daggers are expected to go the same way as Tamworth at second-tier Millwall on Monday.

Fourth round draw:

Fourth round draw:

Man.Utd v Leicester

Leeds v Millwall or Dag & Red

Brighton v Chelsea

Preston or Charlton v Wycombe

Exeter v Nottm Forest

Coventry v Ipswich

Blackburn v Wolves

Mansfield or Wigan v Fulham

Birmingham v Newcastle

Plymouth v Liverpool

Everton v Bournemouth

Aston Villa v Tottenham

Southampton v Burnley

Leyton Orient or Derby v Manchester City

Doncaster v C Palace

Stoke v Cardiff.

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