IT TOOK the drama of a penalty shoot out to settle this keenly contested quarter final tie but Town won thanks to an inspired showing from keeper Andy Cotton who saved three successive penalty kicks from the visitors.
Manager Paul Johnson chose to leave regular starters Michael Harness, Richard Jackson and Tom Phillips on the bench but the 11 players in the starting line-up fully justified their selection.
Danny Daubney had to retire injured midway through the first half with Michael Harness replacing him but Town continued to press and both Matty Low and Luke Shelbourn went close.
Town deservedly took the lead on the half hour when Tommy Chalk cut in from the right before firing a low shot into the bottom corner for his third goal in recent weeks.
It was 1-0 to Town at half time and at the start of the second half they pushed forward in search of a second goal, but with ten minutes remaining Humbertherm drew level.
There was little to choose between the sides in extra time and penalties seemed inevitable.
After six penalties it was 3-3 with Ollie Johnson, Chris Johnson and substitute Tony Edwards scoring for Town but when Richard Jackson's effort went just wide Humbertherm took the advantage despite Andy Cooling replying for Town.
The visitors needed to score their final penalty to go through but keeper Andy Cotton pulled off a fine save to keep Town in the game.
He then repeated the feat after Jack Baxter had seen his effort saved but when Luke Shelbourn restored Town's advantage, Andy's final penalty save proved decisive and Town progressed to a semi-final against Lincoln United Reserves at Ashby Avenue.
Town visit Boston Town Reserves on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.
Town side: Andy Cotton, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Matty Low (Tony Edwards), Jamie Lamming (Richard Jackson), Jack Baxter, Danny Daubney (Michael Harness), Tommy Chalk. Subs: Tom Phillips.
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