A dull, lifeless FA Cup quarter-final tie needed something magical to save the crowd from extra time and, as he so often does, Carlos Smith stepped up to provide that magic.

A beautiful curling lob from the best part of 35 yards with just eight minutes left was enough to propel the Hornets into the final four and separate the two teams in a match that seemed destined for 30 minutes more blustery frustration.

Smith?s strike was his second of the game, edging his side ahead after young Jason Smith had cancelled out his 52nd minute opener, and was a decisive blow from which the FA Cup specialist Zebras were never going to be able to recover.

The mixture of a strong wind and two sides playing a listless, lethargic and passionless style of play made these game anything but a spectacular with the first half limited to just three genuine chances, Smith and PHC veteran Sammy Swan dragging shots wide when through on the break and Seion Darrell forcing a sharp save from the PHC ?keeper.

Devarr Boyles obviously had plenty to say in the break as the Hornets came out in stinging mood and within seven minutes they had what can only be described as a deserved lead.

Smith found space on the edge of the box thanks to an easily-dissected PHC defence and made sure, slotting home across the goalkeeper into the far corner.

Now in full control, it was going to take an error for the home side to get back into the game but that is exactly what happened.

Chasing a long ball over the top in the wind, young sub Jason Smith looked likely to be second to the ball but Town ?keeper Cymande Davis inexplicably hesitated and remained on his line long enough for Smith to poke the ball home.

The game was meandering into additional time until Smith made his mark and saved everyone?s day.

They?ll need to do better in the next round if they want a chance at more silverware.S. Smith, J. Mallory, C. Dowling, S. Lewis, M. Waldron, B. Bean, O. Shakir, Q. Hunt, D. Wilson, K. Lambe, S. Swan (J. Smith 55 mins). C. Davis, G. Gibbons, K. Mundy, V. Hill, D Lawler, S. Tuzo, O. Steede, A. Thomas, M. Parsons, S. Darrell, C. Anderson.K. Mundy (Town)J. Smith (PHC) C. Smith (Town)Lyndon Raynor.