By Matt Bishop
After a weekend of FA Cup shocks, there is potential for more this evening as nine replays take place with a spot in the FA Cup first round proper up for grabs.
Ossett Town earned a money-spinning replay against National League strugglers Solihull Moors on Saturday, despite playing the last 15 minute with ten men after Corey Gregory was sent off.
Gregory proved to be the hero, as it was his goal shortly before half-time that hauled Ossett level at Damson Park, but he was so nearly the villain after catching Moors man Kristian Green dangerously high.
Nevertheless, the Evo-Stik Division One North side held on to the 1-1 draw, and will host League Two Wycombe Wanderers if they pull off a famous victory this evening.
Now we just need to go and win tomorrow… Ourselves or @SolihullMoors will host @wwfcofficial #EmiratesFACup First Round pic.twitter.com/r4VmRFCmR8
— Ossett Town AFC (@OssettTownAFC) October 16, 2017
National League heavyweights Leyton Orient and Dagenham & Redbridge also face a replay tonight, after their tight 0-0 stalemate on Saturday afternoon.
Before the tie, Orient assistant Ross Embleton viewed their clash with the Daggers as the ideal chance to turnaround the club’s stuttering form, and they could have won but for the crossbar denying both Macauley Bonne and David Mooney.
Nevertheless, John Still‘s side also had their chances, but the wily boss was more than satisfied with the draw, telling Sunday’s NLP: “I’m not disappointed at having a replay because it’s cup football and a local derby, which makes it interesting.”
Whoever wins tonight’s clash at Brisbane Road will face a trip to League One strugglers Gillingham.
Concord Rangers came within a whisker of producing a brilliant shock against National League high-flyers Woking at the weekend, but were denied by Jason Philpott’s scrappy 80th minute equaliser.
Despite having a league between them, both sides started confidently before Steve Cawley broke the deadlock for the visiting Rangers in the 33rd minute.
As the Cards looked for a way back into the game, Adam Flanagan’s men looked to be standing firm, but Phillpott’s late finish meant both sides will do it all again tonight for the right to host Bury in the first round proper.
Emirates FA Cup 1st Round Draw – the details – https://t.co/AXzeWmY8e3 #buryfc @EmiratesFACup
— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) October 16, 2017
Ebbsfleet left East Thurrock‘s FutureFuel Stadium breathing a huge sigh of relief on Saturday after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with their South Division neighbours.
The Fleet have already drawn nine times in the National League this term, and after failing to make the most of some early pressure, Daryl McMahon’s men were happy to settle for another stalemate.
East Thurrock dominated possession in the second half, and so nearly won it at the death when top-scorer Sam Higgins was clean through, only to be denied by the impressive Nathan Ashmore.
Whoever wins tonight’s replay faces the prospect of a mouthwatering tie against Darren Ferguson’s Doncaster Rovers.
Enfield also came within seconds of producing a stunning shock at Maidstone, as in-form Zavon Hines missed two penalties.
After Hines was penalised for feinting in the run to his spot-kick, Simon Thomas headed the Bostik League Towners into the lead – before former West Ham youngster Hines saw his second penalty of the day saved.
The Stones finally hauled themselves level on the verge of half-time, thanks to Alex Wynter’s header, but they found themselves behind again after the break when Darren Purse showed how to score a spot-kick.
With seconds remaining, Enfield were on the cusp of a great upset, but Joe Pigott slammed home a 95th minute equaliser to set up tonight’s replay and give his side a chance of playing Cheltenham in the next round.
Elsewhere, Kettering Town and Nantwich Town face a replay tonight, after their entertaining 1-1 draw on Saturday, with League Two Stevenage awaiting the winner.
Billericay Town will face Brackley Town again, after they also drew in exciting fashion. Shane Byrne struck an 89th minute leveller for Brackley to make it 3-3, with fellow Non-League side Leatherhead up next for tonight’s victor.
Chorley travel to Boston United after a dire 0-0 stalemate, with League One play-off hopefuls Fleetwood up next for winner, while Bromley host Dover after they also drew 0-0 – Rochdale await the winner.
Well that was exciting!
Now the dust has settled, which game is tie of the round? ???? #EmiratesFACup #NonLeague pic.twitter.com/S5zYGRfhu7
— The Non-League Paper (@NonLeaguePaper) October 16, 2017
