Cup stalemate

Rovers gave a debut to Eugene Libertucci in midfield for this game in the only change from the previous game, Luke Heneghan returned to the bench and there was also a substitute’s role for new boy Dan Akubuine after finally gaining his international clearance.

In a fairly tepid first half, Seb Simpson saw a header blocked from a Ben Shepherd corner, while at the other end Charlie Mitchell hit the side netting from a very tight angle for the hosts and Adam Morris tested Martin Conway with a quick free kick. Little else of note happened in the first period, which was mostly played seven feet above the ground.

Early in the second half, Mark Goodman found space in the Rovers box, but volleyed over from a superb cross before Kofi Quartey was denied by Conway in a one on one situation. Ben Acquaye saw a goal bound shot hit Shane Bush rather than the net for Rovers. It was the hosts, however, that took the lead, a right wing cross found the unmarked Frankie Jones who was able to head home from close range. Then came the game’s first real moment of controversy. Nathan Tshikuna was kicked in mid-air from behind in the penalty box while trying to control a bouncing ball. The young winger fell to the ground in agony, while the referee gave the free kick to Chalfont, citing that Tshikuna’s foot was high and that the man coming through from behind was in control of the ball. Acquaye stung the fingers of Dennison shortly afterwards before Rovers levelled. Tshikuna, recovered from an earlier off the ball stamp on his calf, threaded an inch perfect ball to Josh Crawley. The forward unleashed a half volley across the goal into the opposite corner beating Dennison all ends up to equalise – Crawley’s fifth goal in five appearances this season, incidentally Tshikuna’s fifth assist of the campaign as well. Late on Morris saw a free kick tipped over for the hosts and Crawley had a one on one smothered by Dennison as both sides traded final chances.

The draw means a replay at Hillgrounds on Tuesday night and both teams into the hat for Monday’s second qualifying round draw. The replay nudges the League Cup tie with AFC Dunstable back by a week to the 18th.