Saints coach Stewart Henderson revealed that some extra work on the training ground was the secret to success against Torquay.

The list of spot kick takers was decided prior to the game, so Saints were well prepared for the shoot out.

"At 4pm this afternoon we had a little practise and decided if it came to penalties who was going to take them," he explained. "As it turned out, it did come to penalties and we were ready."

The hosts had done their homework on their opponents too, as they adjusted to beating the ample frame of the Gulls' shot stopper.

"They were absolutely perfect penalties. They were tucked away lovely because Scott Bevan is a big lad to beat and you have to decide whether to go low or high but they were well taken.

"The whole shoot-out was of a high quality and the save from Kelvin was very good too."

The match ended with penalty drama, but Saints gave themselves enough of a scare during the ninety minutes, as they had to come back from a two goal deficit to take it to spot kicks.

"It was harder than we expected and we made it difficult for ourselves," Henderson conceded.

"If you're in the competition you're looking to win it and give one or two other players an opportunity, but you want to progress to the next round.

"We started well but then conceded a soft goal which put us on the back foot and gave them some encouragement, but at the end of the day we're through, we're in the hat, and that's all that matters.

"We made changes at half time and they worked for us," the Scotsman added.

"Papa did very well again and took his goals well and he'll be pleased with that. The beauty of him is you're not sure what to expect and probably the opposition don't but from the first game he's played he's showed promise.

"We scored two goals and had other chances, hit the crossbar and when it came to penalties we showed great composure.

"At the end of the day getting thorough was the most important thing."

A crowd of 9,319 witnessed the second round game, and the large turn out of support was hugely appreciated by the veteran coach.

"You have to take you hat off to the fans - to get that attendance in this competition is fantastic.

"All credit to them for coming out and I'm glad in the end we haven't disappointed them."