Oldham Athletic took one step closer to Wembley last night, defeating Barnsley 4-2 on penalties, a result which delighted manager Lee Johnson.
Dominic Poleon and Danny Philliskirk fired Latics into a half time lead but a last minute goal from Sam Winnall equalised the game and sent it to spot kicks.
After Winnall missed his penalty and Paul Rachubka saved Kane Hemmings', Rhys Turner fired the winner to seal Latics a passage through to the quarter final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Although Latics conceded a two goal lead, Johnson took the positives from a dominant display.
He said: "We are through but win or lose, I was going to be happy because I thought we were tremendous against a good Barnsley side. I thought we moved the ball well and we had threats all over the park.
"Wilkinson and Poleon were threats and Philliskirk worked his socks off and deserved his goal. Dayts was good getting into the pockets and Jones played well. Tidser has not played much but he was brilliant. Dieng looked like he had never been away and I was pleased. They only had three or four chances of note but we had double figures I would say.
"I'm disappointed to have drawn the game but this one was about getting through to the next round of the competition. We passed them off the pitch and I'm delighted with my teams performance."
The gaffer reserved special praise for Conor Wilkinson who worked tirelessly throughout the game."Conor is walking around like his world has ended but he did fantastic for me," the boss commented.
"He's a young lad and has raw talent. He pressed well and has taken everything on board that we have asked of him. He missed a penalty but his general play was superb."
With two league games still to play against Barnsley, the 33-year-old is expected two tough encounters against the South-Yorkshire side.
"We've got to play them twice more now so they will know what we are about. I thought they had a spell where they got into us but we were brave and stayed patient. We've got to make sure we kill games off more but generally I am pleased," said Johnson.
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.