Sutton United's incredible run to the fifth round of the FA Cup might never have happened had it not been for a timely intervention by one of the team's unsung heroes.

While the likes of Roarie Deacon, Nicky Bailey, Craig Eastmond and Jamie Collins have quite rightly earned plaudits for their performances this season, it was a tackle made by a hard-working defender with less than 20 minutes to go of United's FA Cup third round replay at AFC Wimbledon which proved a pivotal moment.

The U's were 1-0 down at the League One side when Darius Charles beat Sutton's Dean Beckwith to the byline to cross invitingly for Chris Whelpdale who seemingly had the simple task of tapping the ball into a gaping goal from just six yards out.

Enter Dan Spence. Our hero.

Somehow, Spence stuck a foot out to beat Whelpdale to the ball and clear the danger when the Dons' midfielder looked odds-on to increase his side's advantage.

The events which followed Spence's crucial tackle are quite remarkable.

The U's scored three late goals through Deacon, Max Biamou and Dan Fitchett to win the tie, banking the club nearly £70,000 in prize money and earning widespread media coverage.

The victory also earned Sutton a crack at Championship side Leeds United at Gander Green Lane.

The game was shown live on BT Sport who paid the club nearly £150,000 for the privilege and the U's won 1-0 to net another £90,000 in prize money.

Sutton then landed a dream home fifth round tie against Premier League giants Arsenal which will be shown live on BBC1 on Monday night, netting the club a further £250,000 and more global exposure.

On the back of their success, the U's are set to secure yet more money through sponsorship, such as the one-off deal with Sun Bets.

It could be said that Spence made the tackle that earned his club more than £600,000.

The modest defender is rightly proud of his contribution but is just happy to help out: "It's nice to get some recognition because defenders don't normally get the glory that some of the attackers do.

“Making a tackle like that may not grab the headlines but inwardly I feel like it's as good as a goal because you've saved a goal and you've done something good for the team.

“If that helps us towards getting a win then that's perfect.

"It does get recognised by people within the changing room, but getting the win is the main thing."

Released by Reading in 2009, Spence, 27, spent time in Spain playing for Glenn Hoddle's Academy and also had spells with Woking, Salisbury City, Mansfield Town - for whom he made a Wembley appearance in the final of the FA Trophy in 2011 - Hayes and Yeading and then Eastleigh.

He was part of the Hampshire side’s Conference South title-winning team of 2013/14, while Sutton finished runners-up, just five points behind.

Had the U's not contrived to lose at home to the two eventually relegated clubs - Tonbridge Angels and Dorchester Town - then they would have been champions.

During the summer of 2015 Spence followed what in recent years has become a well-trodden path from Eastleigh to Sutton.

Since his arrival the classy defender has been an integral member of United's title-winning team and a crucial part of the side's headline-making FA Cup success.

Spence is clearly loving life at Gander Green Lane.

"I'm at a great club now and it’s run properly," he says. "We've got a great bunch of players here and we're proving that each week.

"Hopefully we can pick up our league form a bit as that's been suffering with the FA Cup run.

“Obviously at home we're doing alright but we need to improve on our away form, I am sure we can do that if we stay together and keep believing."

Spence has caught the eye with a string of fine performances for the U's but his time in Sutton's famous amber and chocolate colours has been blighted by injury, reducing the number of appearances he has made for the club.

"Taking a few weeks out with an injury is probably the hardest part of being a footballer.

“It's really difficult, but I just remain as focussed as possible and do what I can to get back into the team and help the boys.

"I'm feeling good at the moment, so touch wood I stay fit and keep putting in the performances."

Like everyone else, Spence is enjoying life in the Sutton FA Cup bubble and is looking forward to doing battle with Arsene Wenger's Gunners.

"The last few weeks have been hectic as the FA Cup run has obviously taken centre stage," he said. "But we want to progress in all competitions, so we have had to battle hard.

"The Arsenal game is a big one for me because, although I wouldn't describe myself as a die-hard, I've followed them since I was young.

"It's amazing to get a Premier League team down here at Sutton. Everyone is buzzing. Gander Green Lane is going to be rocking.

"There are no expectations of us now, we've got to the fifth round and done so well to do that.

"Whatever the result, I am sure we'll do ourselves and everyone else proud."