Wick narrowly avoided a penalty shoot out on Saturday afternoon to move into the next round of the Isuzu Vase thanks to last gasp Josh Irish winner.

On a blisteringly hot afternoon at Crabtree Park, the Dragons were matched by their step lower opponents for most of the afternoon.

A very open first half resulted in chances for both sides, the home team having the best of them with David Crouch and George Bingham both denied the opening goal by visiting keeper Matt Funnell.

Town looked dangerous coming forward but the Wick backline had enough to keep them at bay and a blank half time score line.

The second half was particularly scrappy with both sides struggling to get control on a very bobbly pitch and chances were non-existent.

Just as it seemed the lottery of penalties was upon those watching Funnell, who had been excellent all afternoon sweeping behind his defence, missed a through ball leaving Irish with the simple task of side footing into an empty net and a trip to Southern Counties East Premier Division side Punjab Utd in the next round.

The Dragons are back in action on Bank Holiday Monday as they head to Pagham (ko 11am).