Burton Albion knocked out the holders, Hednesford Town, in the Fourth Round of The FA Trophy in partnership with Carlsberg, with Clough junior playing an incisive second-half role in a 2-0 victory.

Father Brian never won an FA Cup competition throughout his career – something that by his own admission frustrated him.

But then, he was never able to get on the pitch himself to kick-start his team if it was misfiring.

A limited Hednesford, reduced to ten men when Matt Turner was sent of for a second bookable offence on the hour, still seemed to have the resources to force a replay before Clough came on to boss the game in midfield for the last half hour.

And within minutes of bringing himself on, his team were ahead, Robbie Talbot netting with a close range header from a Chris Hall cross.

Typically, Clough was not claiming any credit for Burton Albion’s awakening from their slumbers.

"This was the boys’ third game in a week and they were feeling it," he confessed. "The sending off was the turning point for us."

Others would disagree. Keeping the ball on the ground and distributing with the swagger and accuracy that was in keeping with a former international, Clough transformed the Brewers, who for the last quarter found their shape and poise.

Hednesford found it too hot to handle. Another red card came their way – this time to Mark Branch - and the writing was on the wall long before Aaron Webster converted a twice taken penalty.

"Preserving our Conference status has to be our number one priority," said Clough.

"But this is a great competition and we’re getting into some sort of form. It would be quite something to win it."

Cup minnows Eastwood Town will be in the fifth round draw following a 1-0 win over Hayes, a Peter Knox header separating the sides. Eastwood, of Unibond Division 1, are the lowest ranked team left in the tournament.

Another of the minnows – Walton and Hersham of Ryman Division 1 – will also be in the mix following a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Southern League Premier Stamford.

And on paper at least, Nationwide North Hucknall Town produced a shock, a Mark Smith header after a defensive mix up giving his team victory over Conference basement side Northwich Victoria.

Conference teams by and large had a good day though, stamping their authority on matches against lower league opponents.

Gravesend and Northfleet edged brave Histon 2-1, thanks to an inspired performance from caretaker manager and skipper Steve McKimm.

McKimm was on the bench at the start, a heavy cold ruling him out, but after watching his side fall behind he brought himself on and this signalled the turnaround. Strikes from Jay Saunders and Manny Omoyinmi rocked the visitors who faded in the latter stages.

Last years losing finalists, Canvey Island, were stretched at Aylesbury, but proved their Cup pedigree with a battling performance and a 1-0 victory – Jeff Minton, a second half substitute, providing a much needed cutting edge up front and easily converting Mario Noto’s cross on 78 minutes.

Morecambe managed a 2-1 away win at Nationwide North Lancaster City after withstanding an early onslaught and falling behind to a Ryan Elderton strike. The equaliser came on 20 minutes through a Gary Hunter knock-in and the Conference side were well in control by the time Carlton poked in the winner from close range.

Hereford United eased through with a straight-forward 3-0 win over valiant Hyde and Woking stormed through by the same margin at Alfreton Town.

Crawley Town needed a last gasp equaliser at Cambridge City to force a replay while Conference North Altrincham clinched a win against Barrow when Colin Little headed a 93rd minute winner.

The side no one will want in the draw – Exeter City – produced a storming performance at Tamworth, Devine, Taylor and Edwards all on target in a 3-0 win.