Kenny Thompson left home on Sunday without his boots and with no intentions of playing in North Village's FA Cup quarter-final match against Wolves.

If he hadn't been persuaded to change his mind by a couple of his Village players it might easily have been Wolves and not Village in the semi-final of the competition.

Thompson's contribution as a second-half substitution was significant in the 5-2 extra-time win by Village.

First he was fouled for the penalty which enabled Village to pull back 2-2.

Then the coach then netted the third and fourth goals in extra-time to put Village in firm control. Michael Hansey, another Village sub, scored the fifth early in the second period to seal the tie and put Village into the semi-final draw along with Vasco, Devonshire Colts and Devonshire Cougars.

At this stage of the competition last season Village lost to another Second Division team, Hotels, and within a week coach Wendell Baxter resigned.

Now, thanks to Thompson's heroics, Village have something to look forward to in the competition they last won in 1989.

Some would argue that, at age 33, Thompson still has plenty to offer the First Division. The former Bermuda international showed it by using his experience and know-how to direct Village from midfield. Thompson plays in the Commercial League with the North Village Rams -- netting a hat-trick on Saturday -- but Cup rules allow him to play for the Red Devils which is technically from the same club.

"My being included was a last minute thing,'' Thompson admitted afterwards.

"A couple of the players asked me to suit up. I knew I didn't have the legs so I asked Jamal (Boyles) and Donald (Whitfield) to hold back.'' With what he described as one of his best goals, Thompson struck with a brilliant free kick in extra-time to put Village back into the lead for the first time since the 19th minute. He could hardly contain himself as the ball hit the far top corner of the goal.

"I was really excited about that one,'' he said.

In regulation time Wolves made it difficult for their hosts, who were unsettled by the Second Division team's sheer aggression. As was the case last year against Vasco in the quarter-finals, Wolves were not intimidated by their favoured opponents as Khari Sharrieff again led them with two goals.

"I expected Wolves to come with a lot of enthusiasm,'' said Thompson. "It was an exciting week for them, they got promoted and were looking to reach the semi-finals for the second straight season. For the better part of the second half we controlled the game but they were better on the counter-attack.'' Thompson admits the youthful Wolves team, with their loyal support, will be a welcome addition to the First Division next season under his former Somerset Trojans and Bermuda team-mate Dennis Brown. Even in defeat they were celebrating.

"It will be good for them to be in the First Division, their fans brought an excellent atmosphere here with their banner behind the goal,'' said Thompson.

"Dennis Brown has done an excellent job and he has a strong organisation behind him.

"I am in the same position here at North Village where the players have shown excellent commitment and a committee that is backing me 100 per cent.''