The seventh-tier Dorset part-timers are into the second round for the first time in their history after a 2-0 victory at the Wyatt Homes Stadium.

They led early through Yang Seung-woo’s stunning strike, with Cameron Munn deflecting in Jackson King’s shot 11 minutes from time to seal the win.

Sills said: “I was almost overcome with emotion at the end there. We had a game plan and the boys believed in it. For the whole club, it couldn’t be better. It’s going to take a bit to sink in.

“It was fully deserved, I thought. We were great value for it and the celebrations can now start and continue for a little while. Well, until work tomorrow morning!

“I’m going to savour this, enjoy this moment, and whoever comes next — hopefully we’ll be at home — they will know they will be in for a tough ride. It’s standalone history. The club have never been this far.”

Crawley sit bottom of League Two and sacked their manager Colin Kazim-Richards two weeks ago.

Experienced ex-Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell remained in interim charge for this tie and the 67 year-old saw his side deservedly beaten by a team 57 places below them in the football pyramid.

Sills said the result is a great advert for the game’s most famous competition.

“This is the stage of the competition where the romance is still alive and kicking,” Sills said. “Clubs like us, others that can cause an upset, will create lifelong memories. I loved it ever since I was a player at 18 years old.

“It’s hard to come up with excuses not to go to work tomorrow when it’s live on TV,” he joked.