Luke O’Brien, who was later sent off, in action during Shaw Lane’s 1-1 draw at Walsall Wood in the FA Vase. Photo: White Rose Photos
Craig Elliott was happy to bring Walsall Wood back to Barnsley for the replay after below par Shaw Lane Aquaforce’s 1-1 stalemate in the FA Vase fourth round tie.
The Wembley dream remains alive after Shaw Lane held out for a draw after playing the entire 30 minutes of extra-time with ten men because of Luke O’Brien’s red card.
Aquaforce conceded almost straight from kick off at the start of the game, but recovered and Shane Kelsey equalised from the penalty spot.
The replay is scheduled for Tuesday night at Shaw Lane and Elliott told Non League Yorkshire: “I’m disappointed because we didn’t play well and it was our worst performance of the season.
“For the biggest game of the season so far, we didn’t turn up.
“Apart from the end of the first half, we wasn’t at it.
“We conceded after about 30 seconds and never got going.
“The lads do deserve credit for grinding the draw out as we must have played with ten men for almost 45 minutes.
“After the sending-off we thought should go for the win, but we settled for the draw and the lads agreed.
“I’m delighted to get a replay. But, it is not over yet by a long way as I think it will go right to the wire.
“It will be as difficult as yesterday.”
Shaw Lane goal-scorer Shane Kelsey battles his forward at Walsall. Picture: Walsall Wood
A defensive mix-up opened the door for Walsall with Corey Carruthers helping to supply Ben Wood for the deadlock breaker.
Walsall put their visitors under pressure for 20 minutes so Aquaforce had to hold their nerve.
Shaw Lane had lots of chances towards the end of the first half.
A Kelsey goal was ruled out after the striker was deemed to be offside.
Lee Morris had an effort cleared off-the-line before Joe Thornton was brought down and a penalty was awarded.
Kelsey converted the penalty.
The second half was close again, but Shaw Lane’s position was put in the balance with the red card.
Elliott described the decision as harsh as he felt it wasn’t an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and that there was also plenty of covering defenders.
But, referee Lisa Rashid had a different opinion and O’Brien walked for pulling down Evans close to the finish of normal time.
From there on it was a containment exercise for Shaw Lane, who were content at taking a replay and a second bite of the cherry.
The replay takes precedent over the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division so if Tuesday night is postponed because of the bad weather, the match will be played next Saturday.
It means Steve Istead and Gary Stohrer will definitely miss the replay regardless of when it is played because of their one match suspension due their red cards in the Tadcaster victory.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Gathercole, Stohrer, O’Brien, Istead (Darley), Holt, Denton, Fox, Thornhill (Foster), Kelsey, Morris (South), Thornton. Subs unused: Callery, Conway.
Referee: Lisa Rashid
Attendance: 169
The full album of photos by White Rose Photos can be seen HERE and HERE