Jorge Grant strike snatches last-gasp win for Notts County

Posted Saturday, December 02, 2017 by PA

Jorge Grant's last-gasp strike broke the hearts of non-League Oxford City as Notts County sneaked into the FA Cup third round after a thrilling 3-2 victory.

The minnows twice bounced back to level but were cruelly denied a replay by Grant's last kick of the game.

Kevin Nolan's side took the lead in the 31st minute when City failed to deal with a Carl Dickinson centre and captain Richard Duffy bundled home from close range.

But it was not long before the near-300 visiting fans were in delirium as a fine counter-attack finished with Zac McEachran playing in Rob Sinclair to fire home.

Parity lasted just three minutes however as a rejuvenated Notts poured forward and, after Terry Hawkridge was tripped in the box, veteran forward Jon Stead - who hit a post just before the equaliser - dispatched the penalty.

Yet City levelled again after 72 minutes, Matt Paterson finishing sublimely from a McEachran cross.

The Magpies piled forward in stoppage time and after substitute Jonathan Forte's header was parried, Grant smashed home to deny City a famous replay.