Mike Williamson’s side went ahead on the stroke of half-time as Jake Cooper headed them in front before a stunning half-way line equaliser from Shane Byrne straight from kick-off.
The score was 1-1 after 90 but a stunning penalty shoot-out performance from Brad James saw the Heed through to the semi-final.
Scroll down and click through the pages to read Dominic Scurr’s player ratings from the match:
1. Brad James - 6
Didn’t have an awful lot to do except pick the ball out of his net after being beaten by Byrne’s stunning equaliser inside 90-minutes. Questions usually get asked of the goalkeeper when they get beaten by a strike from the halfway line but it was hard to blame James for that one. Had a nervy moment in the second half but was saved by a goalline clearance. Was the Heed’s hero in the shoot-out with three saves from the spot. Photo: Charlie Waugh
2. Alex Nicholson - 6
Was in and out of the game but a great forward run into the box earned his side a penalty that unfortunately wasn’t converted. Photo: Charlie Waugh
3. Elliot Forbes - 8
Strong in the air and on the ground. Developing nicely into a modern ball-playing centre-back after starting the season as a midfielder. Photo: Charlie Waugh
4. Mike Williamson - 7
Managed the Heed’s back line effectively against a threatening Brackley attack and made some crucial interceptions and tackles at the back. Photo: Gateshead FC