Tooting & Mitcham nudged through to the First Round of the Ryman League Cup after a last gasp 3-2 win over Bracknell Town at Sandy Lane.

A late winner from Nigel Webb broke spirited resistance by the men from Berkshire.

Manager Ian Hazel gave a debut to youth team skipper James Horton at left-back and also gave starting places to Luke Ferguson and Noel in place of Steve Lawson and Neil Hams.

The visitors took an early lead when Dave Osgood smartly volleyed past Tony Webb.

But Tooting hit back and levelled the contest eight minutes later when Webb netted from the penalty spot.

Conrad Kane, recalled in place of the on-loan Matt Gray, smacked the Bracknell bar moments later as Hazel's men upped the tempo.

Despite some intense pressure, Mickey Rootes edgedTooting back into the lead just eight minutes before the break.

The interval seemed to do Bracknell the world of good as they came all out guns blazing in the second period.

And the scores were quickly level as Simon Teague's lob left the visitor's keeper stranded off his line.

Just as extra-time looked a certainty, Webb popped up to score the decisive goal courtesy of a thunderous drive which flew in off the bar.

Tooting will find out who they will face next when the draw is made next week.

Meanwhile, Hazel and his players face a testing FA Trophy First Round clash with Dr Martens Premier League outfit Salisbury City tomorrow.

The Tooting boss said: "It will be a testing game for the players. This is one of our most important games of the season."

Tooting's reserves, who beat Ashford Town 1-0 last Saturday thanks to a Michael Corbett goal, make the short trip to Croydon Athletic this weekend.

Saturday will also see the foundation stone ceremony at Tooting's new ground, which is due to take place at midday.

November 6, 2001 15:30