Redditch United 1 Shirebrook Town 1

Substitute Lee Ross saved Redditch United's blushes with a late equaliser against Derbyshire cup minnows Shirebrook.

But it was a disappointing testimony to the home side's dismal display that, in the end, they were relieved to force a replay against a side playing their football two leagues below them in the non-league pyramid.

Injuries may have left Reds with a makeshift defence but a cricket score still looked likely early on as their visitors struggled to come to terms with the pace and trickery of widemen Matty Hall and Alex Cowley.

But hopes of an easy passage into the next round were forgotten when, on five minutes, Shirebrook striker Simon Johnson eased past defender Richard Field who opted to pull him back rather than allow the young striker a clear run on goal.

Craig Cantrell stepped up for the penalty but saw his kick saved by the feet of goalkeeper Richard Anstiss. The rebound fell kindly for the Shirebrook winger but his header soared over the bar.

But Shirebrook's disappointment was quickly forgotten when the makeshift Redditch defence was again found wanting just six minutes later. Chris Wall found the lively Johnson who knocked the ball past a statuesque Neil Manton before placing his shot past Anstiss.

The remainder of the half belonged to Redditch but a series of good saves from giant goalkeeper Matt Hales kept them out.

On 25 minutes he denied Martin Myers and, from the resulting corner, Jimmy Quiggin saw his shot turned around the post by the 6'6" stopper.

A minute later, Hales again came to Shirebrook's rescue when he kept out a Richard Burgess effort from close range.

More Hale heroics followed in the second half as he palmed away a Nicky Clark effort on 50 minutes.

After Johnson had been denied by Anstiss, following a rare Shirebrook attack, Reds finally levelled the scores on 77 minutes. Hall clipped in a low cross from the left and Ross turned his shot past Hales from six yards.

The introduction of half-time substitute Clark had given an extra boost to the Valley Stadium side and they then searched for a winner.

Cowley sent an effort screaming over the crossbar while Ross and Myers also went close in the closing minutes.

But, after being pinned in their own half for much of the game, Shirebrook almost stole the match in injury time when Danny Kerley jinked his way past Field and Manton before being denied by an outstanding Anstiss save.