Luke Garbutt’s stunning free-kick earned Salford City a meeting with Manchester City after a pulsating 3-2 win over Swindon Town in the Emirates FA Cup third round.
At Peninsula Stadium, Ryan Graydon got his first two goals for the Ammies in either half before Swindon responded as Ollie Palmer and James Ball restored parity.
An inch-perfect free-kick from Salford skipper Garbutt restored his side’s lead and ensured his side made history with a first-ever place in the fourth round.
The final tie of the round of 64 promised goals with both league meetings ending 3-2 in favour of the Ammies, including just last weekend at the Nigel Eady County Ground.
A wounded Swindon, who sit two places above their opponents in League Two, were the stronger team in the opening exchanges.
However, Graydon scored on his home debut for the Ammies in the 11th minute as Ryan Berkoe sent in a deep cross that the forward headed past Connor Ripley.
Swindon searched for a response through Michael Olakigbe, who gave goalkeeper Matty Young a scare as his dipping shot landed on the roof of the net.
The hosts took their advantage into the break, and that was extended as Graydon bagged his second goal of the night.
The move started at the opposite end of the pitch with a Swindon chance before Kelly N’Mai streaked away to set up Graydon.
This time Swindon got a near-instant response as Palmer headed home to reduce Salford’s cushion to just one goal.
And minutes later, the Robins were level as Ian Holloway’s half-time substitute Ball tapped in from close range.
Salford restored their lead with a fabulous free-kick from captain Garbutt, who curled the ball round the wall and past Ripley.
The Robins looked to have gone level with minutes remaining of normal time as Ryan Tafazolli had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be disallowed.
Swindon were unable to find another equaliser to see Salford set up a revenge match against Manchester City, after an 8-0 defeat in the third round last season.
