Stockport 1 Gillingham 2

RIVAL managers Andy Hessenthaler and Carlton Palmer were united in their acclaim of Tommy Johnson's extra-time goal in a million that sent Gillingham through to the third round of the Worthington Cup last night at Stockport.

Substitute Johnson settled a gruelling tie after twisting his manager's arm to give him a game as the match headed for a penalty shoot-out.

Hessenthaler explained: “Tommy was on at me all the time to get him on. He kept promising, get me on and I'll you the winner. He was as good as his word with an absolutely fantastic goal. If we score a goal as good as that during the rest of the season, I'll be surprised."

Stockport player-manager Palmer commented: “Tommy Johnson has made a living out of scoring goals like that. After the match, my goalkeeper, Lee Jones, came to me and apologised for letting it in. I told him he didn't have to apologise because he had been beaten by a world class goal that no goalkeeper would have stopped.”

Johnson said modestly of his first goal for the club: “I just turned, looked up and hit it. It's been frustrating for me what with the all the injuries I've had since I came to the club.

“I've not be able to show the supporters what I can really do so maybe those who were here will tell the rest that I'm not a bad signing."

The Worthington Cup third round draw will be made between 2 and 2.30pm on Gillette Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports 2.