Thomas pounces in extra-time as Saints come from behind to beat Woodlands
But an injury to Ben Tennant took the gloss off Saints win as the youngster was taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle. However, a second visit on Sunday left Tennant in more optimistic mood, with confirmation of muscle nerve damage, rather than a break, that will keep him out for six weeks.
Both teams had early chances with Brad Rees denied by the home keeper and Kieran Conway keeping Saints in the match with a good one-handed save shortly after.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWoodlands took the lead in the 21st minute and Saints were denied a quickfire response when Chris Wilson-King shot too close to the keeper when well placed.
Saints came out for the second half with all guns blazing and, within a minute of the restart, Aaron Donaldson was denied and Simon Hicks also had a good scoring chance before Conway pulled off another save for Saints.
It should have been 1-1 when Oli Manoochehri was clean through but he dragged his shot horribly wide.
Another chance went begging as Manoochehri failed to get his head to a Chris Wilson-King cross from a short corner.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut Saints got their reward when, with just two minutes to go, Andy Wilson-King equalised to send the match into extra-time.
After a goalless opening period, Hicks headed over from a corner, Thomas had a shot deflected wide and Gaggini also headed too high, before Thomas struck from the edge of the area with time running out to secure Saints an away tie at Coventry United in the next round.
Tomorrow, Saints return to Midland Combination Premier action when they host Earlswood Town (3pm).