November 2011

The big German saved spot-kicks from Andrew Tutte, Ashley Grimes and Brian Barry-Murphy as the visitors won the shoot-out 4-2.

“When a game goes to penalties it's always going to be a bit of toss-up but when you have a 6ft 5ins German in goal it's a little bit different!” said Brown.

“He was superb for us and fully justified his place in the side.”

Preston took the lead when Adam Barton sent a rising drive beyond David Lucas but Rochdale levelled when on-loan Manchester City striker Harry Bunn turned two defenders and slammed a low shot past Stuckmann.

Dale boss Steve Eyre was “very proud of the players”, adding the performance was “was full of endeavour, quality, passion and drive”.

Manager Paul Dickov tipped Italian signing Luca Scapuzzi to take a starring role for Oldham after the youngster helped his new club to a 3-1 victory over Crewe.

Scapuzzi scored one goal and made another just a week after arriving on loan from Manchester City.

“Luca is a top, top player and we are lucky to have him here,” Dickov said. “You don't start out at AC Milan and then sign for Manchester City without being a very good footballer.”

Crewe assistant manager Steve Davis, who has since been appointed first-team manager, admitted his side ran out of steam, saying: “In the last 20 minutes we couldn't cope with Oldham.”

Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson conceded “it's one that got away” after his side crashed out following a 6-5 penalty shoot-out defeat to Bradford at Bramall Lane.

Manager Les Parry labelled Tranmere`s exit following a last-gasp 4-3 defeat to Chesterfield as “a massive, massive disappointment” with Spireites boss John Sheridan adding: “Our work ethic and never-say-die attitude was there to be seen.”

Brentford boss Uwe Rosler heaped praise on striker Mike Grella as his four goals inspired a 6-0 southern section win over Bournemouth.

Grella added a second-half hat-trick to his first-half header and goals from Sam Saunders and Shaleum Logan completed the rout.

“It’s a reward for Mike, who has worked hard in training and been very patient,” Rosler said.

Swindon goalkeeper Phil Smith put his penalty heroics down to preparation as his three saves earned a 3-1 shoot-out victory over AFC Wimbledon after it had ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Smith saved from Lee Minshull, Ricky Wellard and Chris Bush to send Paolo Di Canio’s men through to the regional semi-finals.

“I had discussed with Domenico Doardo, our goalkeeping coach, and we had a good idea where the penalties were likely to go,” Smith said.

A reflective Dons assistant manager Stuart Cash added: “It's a learning curve for us with nine players under 23 years of age but they will be better players if they learn from the mistakes.”

Southend were “far too negative” for manager Paul Sturrock’s liking, despite advancing past Oxford thanks to Ryan Hall’s solitary strike.

Boss Lawrie Sanchez hailed his “professional” Barnet side as they overcame Cheltenham 2-0, Mark Marshall and Charlie Taylor netting.