In a game which ebbed and flowed throughout both normal and extra time, the visitors eventually snuck through to the next round after sealing a dramatic 6-5 win on penalties at the ESA Sports Ground.

The well-supported Tuffley - who are flying high in the Hellenic League Division One West table - made a strong start and nearly took the lead through former England Schoolboys and Southampton man Shayne Bradley.

However his second-minute header from a pinpoint Mark Ford corner was blocked as it travelled towards the Eversley goal.

And the visitors kept up their early assault, forcing another chance which Steve Bick put wide 10 minutes later, after Eversley goalkeeper Chris Bowles missed a Bradley cross to leave the goal at Bick’s mercy.

Another opportunity arose for the visitors almost immediately after, but midfielder Warren Mann fired wide from the edge of the box for Rovers.

However, Eversley soaked up the initial pressure and then took the lead against the run of play, courtesy of a stunning 30-yard free kick from Matt Neems in the 27th minute.

Yet it was not long until the impressive Tuffley side regained parity, as Mann set up Brett James just three minutes later, and his composed finish left Bowles with no chance.

Chances came and went at both ends in the remainder of the first half, and Bowles then produced a magnificent save from a Marcus Foxwell free kick to keep the scores level in the 75th minute.

And neither side was able to break the deadlock as the 90 minutes closed at 1-1.

In what turned out to be a rivetting extra 30 minutes, it took just two for the visitors to take the lead, as Bowles spilled Bradley’s free kick and Ashley Davies was on hand to put his side in front for the first time.

And they extended their lead shortly after, before an heroic comeback from Sam Waters’ men saw them score twice in the last seven minutes to force the game into a tense penalty shootout.

But a further miracle did not come to pass for Eversley & California, as the hosts were eventually defeated 6-5 in a nerve-racking finish to an epic afternoon.

Tuffley - who brought a coachload of fans to Halls Way - have been rewarded for their success with a trip to South West Peninsula League Premier Division side Plymouth Parkway in the first round proper of the FA Vase.

Eversley & California will hope to return to winning ways when they travel to Ash United in the Combined Counties League Division One this coming Saturday (3pm ko).