Bashley FC leave it late to force replay at the Glen Mex Stadium tonight

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

Calne Town FC 1

Bashley FC 1

BASHLEY came from behind to score an equaliser with just six minutes of regulation time remaining to force a home replay tonight (Tuesday) at the Glen Mex Stadium.

A late second-half penalty saved the day for slow starting Bashley, who trialled Hellenic Premier League's Calne Town from the 22nd minute before Lewis Ross converted from 12 yards in the 84th minute.

Bashley started the game strongly with an early attack on the home goal but looked ill at ease with absences and casualties necessitating changes. The impact of the selection adjustments became apparent when an ill-timed back-pass gifted Matty Jenkins with the opening goal.

After that, things did not improve, with Bashley limited to hopeful balls through the centre with the hosts looking most likely to score.

Bashley started the second half with a renewed sense of purpose, and for the first time, it was the Lilywhites on the back foot. In the hopes of reigniting Bashley's engines, new signing Ryan Hamm, who is still recovering from the effects of Covid-19, came off to be replaced by Harry Bunce, who is recovering from a recent injury, joining Bue Bennett in a Lilliputian front pairing.

The engine was firing, and Bashley laid siege upon the home goal. The chances came and went due to a combination of a packed defence and bad luck, and manager Paul Morris brought on Brendan Willison to strengthen the aerial challenge. However, it was not a head but a hand that brought success. Time appeared to stand still as Lewis Ross ran up to slot the ball into the net, and Bashley's relief was audible.

Within minutes, Calne repeated the same offence, which prompted the linesman to flag for another penalty. However, the referee had other ideas. His decision sparked vocal protestations from players and spectators alike.

The game ended soon afterwards with a great save from the hard-pressed home keeper Craig Edwards.