George Cater comes under pressure. Pic: Dave Birt

Chasetown FC earned a replay in the FA Cup after an action packed 1-1 draw with Worcester City.

George Cater comes under pressure. Pic: Dave Birt
George Cater comes under pressure. Pic: Dave Birt

The Scholars were almost ahead inside thirty seconds as Chris Baker burst into the box and guided the ball just wide of the upright.

But the visitors suffered the blow of losing goalkeeper Curtis Pond to a head injury after a collision with striker Dave Reynolds in the sixth minute resulting in lengthy treatment for both players who were both substituted, meaning Josh Allen made his debut between the sticks.

Chasetown opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a long range effort from Will Whieldon that flew over goalkeeper Matt Gwynne.

But Worcester equalised in first half stoppage time. Mark Danks struck the Chasetown crossbar and substitute Aaron Brett fired home the rebound.

The hosts were reduced to ten men when Brad Birch was sent off for a late challenge on Scholars full back Chad Degville.

Chasetown took advantage of the extra man and should have regained the lead when Muzzy Nduna burst into the Worcester area and teed up Grant Ryan who dinked the ball over Gwynne but inches wide of the post.

George Cater was next to test Gwynne with a shot to his near post that he held at the second attempt under pressure from Ryan.

Chasetown turned the screw and Nduna headed just wide from a right wing cross.

The referee then reduced Chasetown to ten men with Jimmy O’Neill receiving a second yellow card for a foul.

The Scholars almost won it in injury time. Whieldon’s corner made its way through to substitute Luke Davies whose goalbound volley was spectacularly stopped by Gwynne.

The replay will take place tomorrow (August 22).