facupround-up
Southern Premier Division side Hereford proved the magic of the Cup is still alive as a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood ensured they are still in the hat for the third round draw.
A strong and spirited performance by the Bulls saw them secure a replay on a frustrating day for Uwe Rosler’s men and the Highbury faithful at their home fortress, although they will have left with the feeling it could have been a lot worse.
Eighty-nine places separate the two sides, but on the day you could not tell as Hereford upset the applecart to take the lead in the 23rd minute and send their 977 fans into raptures.
Town had failed to clear their lines and Calvin Dinsley, a man who had only got the nod to start 30 minutes prior to kick-off after a late injury to Rob Purdie, was the hero as he curled the ball past Chris Neal.
It looked like an upset could be on the cards as Fleetwood’s Ash Hunter, Wes Burns and Kyle Dempsey all wasted good chances, with Garyn Preen’s deflected effort just dropping on to the top of the net.
But fortune shone on Fleetwood as Lewie Coyle’s cross bounced off Devante Cole’s chest and past Martin Horsell to level.
The luck was with Town once again just before the break as Ash Eastham twice cleared John Mill’s efforts off the line after Billy Murphy’s free-kick had caused chaos in the box.
Fleetwood forward Hunter rattled a post with a late effort, but Hereford got their just rewards with a replay.
Carlisle earned another crack after a 1-1 draw at Gillingham.
Luke O’Neill curled home an excellent freekick from the edge of the area to give the Gills side the lead, but Danny Grainger’s penalty levelled for the Cumbrians.
Jake Hessenthaler came close to a second for the Gills, while Tom Eaves planted a late header wide.
Morecambe missed out on a potential third round tie against the big boys as they succumbed to a 2-0 loss at League One highfliers Shrewsbury.
First-half goals from wingers Alex Rodman – who hit a post after two minutes – and Shaun Whalley, from the penalty spot, sealed progress for the Shrews.
Danny Newton scored twice as Stevenage booked their spot in the hat by thrashing Swindon 5-2.
Alex Samuel and Matty Godden had the hosts 2-0 up, before Amine Linganzi and Matthew Taylor – direct from a corner – got Swindon back on level terms.
But further efforts from Tom Pett and Newton saw Boro cruise home.
Jorge Grant netted in the fifth minute of injurytime as Notts County scraped past Oxford City.
Richard Duffy put County ahead, before Rob Sinclair levelled only for Jon Stead’s penalty to give the advantage back to the Magpies.
Back came City and Matt Paterson restored parity, before Grant broke their hearts.
Magnus Okuonghae’s first-half effort put Maidstone on track for a shock win at MK Dons, but sub Kieran Agard’s double, along with goals from Aidan Nesbitt and Peter Pawlett, ensured their was no upset.
Christian Doidge thought he had bagged Forest Green an injurytime winner against Exeter, but Jayden Stockley levelled in the fourth minute of added-on time.
Bradford beat Plymouth 3-1, while Jordan Green’s lastminute goal earned Yeovil a replay after a 1-1 draw at Port Vale.