Teacher Warren Bagnall has been awarded top marks for his match-winning cup heroics.

Bagnall, 26, from Brighton, came off the bench on Tuesday night to score a dramatic last-gasp winner for Crawley and set-up a second round clash with Dagenham on December 7.

The Hazelwick physical education teacher's close-range finish against Tiverton secured an incredible 3-2 win for the hosts, who trailed 2-0 with 26 minutes remaining.

Nic McDonnell grabbed a brace and Bagnall netted to send the record 3,907 Broadfield Stadium crowd, including dozens of his pupils, into ecstasy.

Bagnall was mobbed by his pupils at the final whistle and has been revered by the schools' 1800 kids all week.

"It has been absolutely amazing," he said. "It seems like everybody at school was at the game. It started off with my form all cheering me in the morning and the IT department designed a banner to congratulate me.

"All the kids have been asking me about it but there are only so many times you can describe one goal. It is a bit embarrassing in a way because Nic McDonnell played really well and scored twice but I've stolen the limelight."

Bagnall says his brief cameo role is the highlight of his football career.

"I had some good times at Lewes but to score in the first round of the FA Cup in front of 4,000 people is the biggest thing I've done. It's the stuff of dreams."

The pacey marksman is pushing for a recall for tomorrow's FA Trophy match at Cambridge City and hopes to tie down a regular place because injuries and the form of McDonnell and Dave Stevens, have limited his chances.

Crawley's match with Dagenham in the next round is all-ticket. For more information contact the club on 01293 410000.