The final whistle of Sutton United’s 1-0 FA Trophy victory over Truro City last Saturday wasn’t so much met with a roar but a huge sigh of relief.

A late goal from Craig Dundas not only secured United’s passage through to the next round but it also ensured the players’ Christmas party went ahead while sparing the U’s the huge inconvenience of a Tuesday night trip to Cornwall for the replay.

Last, but by no means least, the Sutton striker’s goal also netted his side £6,000 in prize money.

With both side’s squandering chances and the U’s facing the prospect of a 500-mile midweek round trip to Truro, manager Paul Doswell brought Dundas on with 28 minutes remaining and the burly striker had a huge impact.

It didn’t look like being Sutton’s day when, in the driving rain, Dundas fired over when it looked easier to score late in the game.

As time ticked away Truro almost snatched it when centre-back Ed Palmer saw his free-kick smack the United crossbar but the U’s made the most of their reprieve.

With time almost up and some supporters nervously thumbing through London to Cornwall train times on their mobile phones, Dundas latched on to a defence-splitting pass from Craig Eastmond to keep his cool and bury his shot past goalkeeper Tom McHale into the net.

The U’s are aiming to go far in the Trophy this season and a replay would have been a severe test those aspirations. So, when referee Carl Brook blew his whistle for one final time shortly after the goal, the relief at overcoming a potential banana skin was felt all around the ground.

United have been installed as favourites for the Trophy and their reward in the second round is a home game against Hendon on Saturday, January 13.

The U’s have a busy National League schedule over the festive period which starts with a home game against in-form Tranmere Rovers this Saturday (December 23, 3pm).