However, the visitors nudged ahead for the first time when Bjorn Christensen slotted the ball into the net from a penalty kick in the 103rd minute.
The 2-2 reply from Gisborne Thistle was stunning two minutes later.
"A defender just drove a screamer from about 35m out. It was a fantastic goal and all you could do was applaud it," said Greatholder.
The 3-2 winner came from veteran Wanderers striker Jared Bloor, midway through the second spell of extra time.
Again Greatholder lamented his troops creating numerous chances but lacking the hunger to clinically put the ball away into the net.
"It was very similar to our game last week so we didn't have our shooting boots again," he said but was quick to praise Gisborne for making it difficult.
He said with David Landers adding to Ure's experience, the hosts had scored two sublime goals while keeper Baple also frustrated.
Greatholder said the fitness of his youthful side came through at the end on a pitch that was cut up but had held up well after rain for the best part of the week.
Having bowed out to Central League big boys Western Suburbs last year, the Wanderers are likely to face Central Districts campaigners Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers, North End, Palmerston North Marist, Wairarapa United or Napier Marist when the names are drawn out of a hat by tomorrow.
