BICKERSTAFF SPOT ON TO FORCE REPLAY

IN A typically pulsating cup tie ten-man Hitchin came from behind to force a replay and keep their FA Cup hopes alive.

The Tanners began in earnest forcing two successive corners that provided missed chances for Shaun Ocojie.

After a fairly even 25 minutes Hitchin’s Jay Dowie received a straight red card for dangerous play against Tanners’ skipper Elliot Benyon.

Hitchin were un-phased and defended well under pressure but fell behind after 52 minutes following a corner, where after the ball struck the foot of the post Travis Gregory seized on the rebound to put the visitors ahead.

The drama was heightened five minutes later when Hitchin’s Jack Green was brought down in the box and Josh Bickerstaff converted the spot kick to draw level.

Leatherhead made several forays along the left flank which produced crosses and shots that brought the best out of man of the match goalkeeper Michael Johnson, whose saves proved vital.

Leatherhead did not maximise their numerical advantage seeming to lose their earlier impetus and despite late efforts from both sides a draw was the final outcome.