Everyone thought it was all over...

Non-League notebook

There was a nasty shock for the players of Witney Town as they celebrated in the social club at the Hand stadium, Clevedon, on Tuesday after achieving what they thought was an away- goals victory over the home side in a Dr Martens League Cup tie. More than half an hour after the referee had signalled the end of extra time, both teams were summoned back on to the pitch to take part in a penalty shoot-out.

Clevedon Town had drawn 1-1 at Witney in the first leg of the first-round tie and the score was the same after 90 minutes after Tuesday's second leg in Somerset. Each team scored a goal in extra time, leaving the aggregate score tied at 3-3 and both sides - plus the officials - believing that Witney were the victors, having scored more goals away from home.

Back in the changing rooms, however, the referee, Martin Perry, checked the competition rules again and realised that the away-goals rule applied only after 90 minutes, and not after extra time. So, at 10.30pm, having changed back into their dirty kit, the two teams - in a virtually deserted stadium - contested a penalty shoot-out, which Witney won 4-2. "There was a lot of confusion after the game," Perry said, "and the secretaries of both clubs seemed unaware of the rules."

Despite their eventual victory, Witney were still not happy. Brian Constable, their chairman, said: "Mr Perry should not be allowed to referee again. This kind of thing only happens in village football - not in a semi-professional league."

The latest managerial casualty in the GM Vauxhall Conference is Gary Johnson, the former Cambridge United manager, who has parted company with Kettering Town. The club captain, Steve Berry, takes over in a caretaker capacity.

Whitby, Consett, Wisbech and Newcastle Town are all looking forward to taking part in the first round of the FA Cup but before then they must turn their attention to the FA Carlsberg Vase, which stages its first- round ties tomorrow. Whitby entertain Crook and Newcastle Town are at home to Lye, while Wisbech go to Royston and Consett travel to Blackpool Rovers. Godalming & Guildford have the most glamorous journey - to Jersey to take on First Tower United.