WEYMOUTH manager Bobby Wilkinson likened his side’s dramatic FA Trophy win at Dover Athletic to “basketball” after watching the Terras win 4-1 on penalties following an epic 4-4 draw.

At a soaked Crabble Stadium, Weymouth went 2-0 down in 15 minutes courtesy of Iffy Allen and George Wilkinson but went into the break level at 2-2 after Ezio Touray’s double.

Weymouth pushed on in the second half as Brandon Goodship, arguably man-of-the-match, netted from close-range before setting up captain Tom Bearwish for an emphatic fourth goal.

However, spirited Dover gave themselves hope with Nick Dembele’s goal and then dramatically equalised in the 95th minute as Zidan Sutherland tucked away Jared Thompson’s parry.

READ MORE: Dover Athletic 4-4 Weymouth (Terras win 4-1 on pens) - report

Thompson was the hero in the shootout, though, superbly saving twice while Weymouth were impeccable from the spot as Anthony Cheshire’s penalty wrapped up the win.

“What a game that was, really enjoyable to be a part of,” he told Echosport.

“I was pulling my hair out at some times and celebrating at times. I said to the boys after, all you want to do in the cup is get to the next round.

“It was a game of basketball, a typical cup game in horrendous weather. The pitch was drenched and to concede in the 95th minute, we could’ve folded.

“That just shows you what this group’s about. We’re showing a lot of togetherness right now.”

Wilkinson was pleased with Weymouth’s reaction to going 2-0 down.

“What we’ve been teaching the lads this year is that it happens, it's how you react,” he said.

“We said now we dig in and show everyone who are. We get in 2-2 and it was incredible what the boys did. Brilliant character and desire.

“I have to say Brandon was unplayable at times. I’ve been playing him in a different role, Tom in a different role. That’s working.

“Tom’s been playing on the right of a four and Brandon’s been the left of the four with two proper midfielders. It’s freed them up a bit.

“It was so entertaining. It really was an unbelievable cup tie. I’m pleased for both of them to get on the scoresheet.”

Wilkinson also highlighted the spirit shown by Dover to stage a fightback of their own.

“Credit to both teams because they both went for it,” he added.

“We said on the bench we weren’t going to sit in. One thing about my teams is that with five minutes to go we (usually) take it in the corner and manage the game.

“But we were still trying to score! I said: ‘go for it, lads’.

“If we had to do it on penalties, we’ll do it on penalties. Every penalty was outstanding.”

Wilkinson also revealed the determination shown by Jared Thompson to make amends for Dover’s fourth goal.

He said: “Yes, he made the mistake for the fourth goal. He came in and said: ‘Lads, my fault. I’ll make up for it now’ and he’s made two brilliant saves.

“Like I’ve said, the togetherness of this group is really special at the moment. They deserve a lot of credit because the conditions were horrendous.

“Very wet, it hasn’t stopped raining the whole game. But we dug in. You want to be in the hat.

“Yes, we did it the hard way, but who cares? It’s made some money for the club, so I’m pleased for everyone at the football club.”

Weymouth, flush with £3,750 for winning, discover their third-round opponents tomorrow (3.15pm) on talkSPORT2.