March Town continue their cup exploits by beating higher-league Cambridge City in the Cambs Invitation Cup

March Town progressed to the semi-finals of the Cambs Invitational Cup by knocking out defending holders Cambridge City 9-8 in a tense penalty shoot-out last night.

It was a tense game that went to spot-kicks after the tie finished 1-1 after normal time.

The Isthmian League North side took the lead through Junior Mubiayi after 12 minutes before Danny Emmington levelled the scores with a 73rd-minute penalty for the Hares.

March held their nerve from the spot against their higher-league visitors, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half, by converting all nine of their kicks before City were the first to miss from the spot.

The Hares will now host UCL Premier Division South neighbours Histon in the semi-finals on February 25 - 10 days after the league meeting between the two sides at Robingoodfellows Lane.

Ely City and Newmarket Town will meet in the other semi-final, but the venue at which the final will be staged has yet to be announced by Cambs FA.

The Hares have enjoyed something of a renaissance in cup competitions this season.

As well as making the semi-finals of this competition, Ash Taylor's side are also through to the last four in their defence of the Hinchingbrooke Cup while they have made it through to the last 32 of the FA Vase where they will host Daventry on January 11.

March are without a game on Saturday with their next match being against 13th-placed Yaxley on Boxing Day (3pm).

March: Gill, Burrows, Brumby, Henderson, Emmington, Whyatt (Gillies), Saunders, Biggs (Foy), Allen, Escorcio (Cotton), Cowie (Williams).