The score-line did not reflect the flow of the game, long periods of which Ramsgate more than matched their opponents from two divisions above and for much of the second half a replay looked the most likely outcome until a late flurry of goals sent Saints through to the final qualifying round.

Brackley enjoyed the better of the first half with chances on goal and far greater possession yet it was the visitors who almost took the lead, Saints’ keeper Jonny Maxted saving with a superb finger tip dive from Benedict Bioletti on 34 minutes.

Danny Newton had twice fired wide but found the net on 38 minutes set up by Scott Pollock to put the National League North side deservedly ahead going into the break.

The Rams came out for the second half on the front foot and were level inside 3 minutes, Joe Taylor netting from close range despite a hint of off-side. The side from Kent enjoyed periods of good possession and took the game to the home side without creating clear cut chances, Taylor closely marshalled by Saints’ captain Gaz Dean.

With a replay beckoning Pollock pounced on 84 minutes to put Brackley ahead again as Dean’s header invited the shot that Pollock executed fiercely. Newton added a third poking in from close range after excellent work by substitute Morgan Roberts before Shane Byrne scored a fourth in added time, again after a mazy run from Roberts to see Saints into the hat for the next round.

“Ramsgate were excellent, they came here looking to play and have a lot of wind in their sails which shows the level of the non-league game,” Gavin Cowan said. “Credit to our lads as well for maintaining concentration because on these days it can be tough, sometimes the harder you try the worse it gets. Regardless of level this is the FA Cup, we didn’t panic and just over-ran them in the end.”

Brackley Town: Maxted, Craig, Newton, Pollock, Bates (Roberts 70), Lyttle, Lilly, Dean, Hall (Abbey 80), Lowe (Cross 87), O’Sullivan (Byrne 59). Subs unused: Joyner, Worby.

Ramsgate: Hadler, Judd, Leader, Ellul (Carlse 17), Clifford, Deacon (Elito 66), Gard (Jackson 90+3), Jadama, Paxman (Ajayi 66), Taylor, Bioletti (Walters 66). Subs unused: McGill, Newcombe.

Referee: Ben Robinson Assistants: Jack Birch and Graham Hill 4th Official: Karl Donaghey

Attendance: 513

PIC by Pete Keen