Three Kings claimed victory in a seven-goal thriller, progressing to the Chatham Cup semifinals by holding its nerve against Caversham as the shadows closed in at the Caledonian Ground.
Caversham held 1-0 and 2-1 leads and had opportunities to put the game beyond reach in normal time.
But Three Kings got the equaliser, then, after both teams had scored in the first half of extra time, the Auckland club grabbed a fourth to avoid a penalty shoot-out.
"We were all set for penalties," Marshall told the Otago Daily Times, producing from his pocket the scrap of paper that listed the names of his first five penalty-takers.
"But I'm pleased we got that last goal."
Three Kings started shakily and should probably have been trailing by two or three goals at half-time.
But the Auckland club dominated the second half, split the Caversham defence with ease and took the two simple opportunities it was offered in extra time.
"We had a plan and we stuck to it from a defensive point of view," Marshall said.
"Caversham are a very good side, no doubt about that. The rotation policy they use on attack can cause a lot of teams some problems.
"We worked on keeping our shape and I thought we stuck to our principles well. In the end, I was disappointed we didn't go on and win by a few more goals."
Three Kings built much of its play around the trickery and invention of pint-sized Brazilian playmaker Luis Delmonte.
His pace and footwork melded beautifully with the angled runs of Jacob Mathews and Nick Robson up front.
At the back, Three Kings settled down after a rocky first quarter, with goalkeeper Greg Walters a composed presence behind the towering figures of Hugo Littlejohn, Jesse Scott and Jesse van Kekum.
If Caversham had sustained its electric start, the Dunedin club would have won in a canter.
Robbie Deeley made his intentions clear with two early long-range strikes from midfield, Darren Overton was busy and creative in the centre of the park and Dave Dugdale looked full of pace and vigour up front.
Dugdale opened the scoring after 32 minutes following a goal-mouth scramble and, after Alejandro Blanco had converted a penalty for Three Kings, got Caversham's second after some beautiful passing movements.
Defender Chris Jenkinson scrambled in a goal to make it 3-3 after the first 15 minutes of extra time but Caversham's defensive leaks would ultimately prove the difference between the sides.
Goalkeeper James Waggett could hardly be blamed, though.
Waggett, the young Englishman whose rollercoaster week had included an appearance in court on a drink-driving charge, made several fine saves, including a sensational effort when Delmonte had a one-on-one in extra time.
It will create some stir if Three Kings, a second-tier Auckland side, goes on to win the Chatham Cup.
The club's naked ambition is reflected in the fact it has retained just three players from last year.
It has recruited heavily and success has followed.
In other cup semifinals on Saturday, Manurewa beat Nelson Suburbs 3-1 and Miramar beat Waitakere City 3-1.
Forrest Hill and Wellington Olympic were battling for the final place yesterday.
Three Kings United 4 (Alejandro Blanco (pen), Jesse van Kekum, Jacob Mathews, Luis Delmonte), Caversham 3 (Dave Dugdale 2, Chris Jenkinson) after extra time.
Half-time: Caversham 1-0.
Full-time: 2-2.
