North Village survived a potential FA Cup upset as they came from behind to see off spirited Commercial League outfit MR Onions at Bernard Park.

With just five minutes remaining it seemed as though the game was destined for extra time before goals from Keith Jennings and Vincent Minors spared Villages' blushes yesterday.

The top-flight side had taken the lead courtesy of a Robert Wilson goal after half an hour before MRs fired back through David Martin on the stroke of half time.

With Onions starting the second half the brighter Martin then struck again although Village hit back immediately after a shot deflected off the unfortunate Andrew Starr.

Despite the setback the tenacious tackling visitors continued to cause Village problems and were more than holding their own until the final ten minutes when the hosts' superior quality began to show.

Village skipper Ralph Bean carved his way past two weary looking defenders before delivering a inch perfect cross for Jennings to hammer home with stooping header, and in the final minute the Rams sealed victory when Vincent Minors slotted home after rounding Onions goalkeeper Adam Hopkin.

Village coach Shaun Goater heaped praise upon MR Onions who he said had given his team a 'real awakening' with their physical brand of play. "As I anticipated it was a very hard fought game and they ran us right to the end," said Goater. "I knew MRs were organised and committed and they made it a difficult game for us.

"I was concerned throughout the game and they showed they are not top of the Commercial League for nothing. It was an awakening for our players as MRs are a far more physical side than the teams they're are used to facing week-in week-out in the Premier Division."

Onions captain Eoghan O'Dwyer said he was proud of his team's battling display.

"I thought our defence was superb and I'm very proud of all of our players. We gave 100 percent and at 2-1 we were starting to think we could cause a real upset. But in the final 15 minutes we looked tired and they stepped it up."