Lee Morris scoring his second penalty in the 2-2 draw with Glossop in the FA Vase quarter-final tie
Shaw Lane Aquaforce lived to fight another day on their exceptional FA Vase run after hanging on in the controversial 2-2 draw with Glossop North End in the quarter-final tie at Sandy Lane.
Glossop defender Kelvin Lugsden forced extra-time with a late header, but his presence on the field at that particular time was subject to debate.
Lugsden was lucky to escape with a yellow card for bringing down double goal-scorer Lee Morris outside the six-yard box as the striker prepared to shoot after just seven minutes.
Even Craig Elliott, a manager who has rarely criticised a referee in his managerial career, lambasted the fact that the defender was not red carded.
Morris converted the penalty, but Glossop were pegged them back when Lugsden’s brother Kieran equalised.
Defender Lugsden put himself in the firing line again in the opening exchanges of the second half by handling a cross which allowed Morris to score his second from the spot.
Glossop were the stronger side as the game wore on and Lugsden’s equalising header was one of several chances the visitors had in the closing stages.
The torrential rain started at the same time as extra-time and few opportunities were carved out and the sides will meet again at Glossop for the replay next week to decide who will reach the semi-finals.
Kieran Lugsden celebrates after drawing the scores level at 1-1
Aquaforce were far from at their best, but it would been disappointing for them to go out largely because of a hugely contentious refereeing decision.
Like Tadcaster, Shaw Lane have been wonderful ambassadors for the Toolstation Northern Counties East League because of a fantastic run of results in the competition.
Elliott’s men have jumped through some of the toughest obstacles possible – such as West Auckland and Shildon – to get to the quarter-finals and Glossop presented another mammoth task.
Aquaforce may be the top goal-scorers at step five, Glossop have the best defence having conceded just ten goals in the North West Counties Premier Division.
Elliott decided to abandon his side’s attractive style of play and match Glossop up which meant a place on the bench for Joe Thornton – the star man in the last round against Flackwell Heath.
At first, it appeared the change in system was working in the game played at the home of Handsworth Parramore because pitch problems at Shaw Lane.
Morris was barged to the floor by Lugsden as prepared to shoot. Referee Adrian Holmes, with the help of his assistant, believed otherwise and felt Morris was going away from goal.
Several minutes of argy-bargy followed with goalkeeper Gregory Hall leading the protests. Morris kept his nerve during the delay and sent the ball into the top corner, beyond Hall’s reach.
Matt Bowler helped provide the way back for Glossop with a long ball downfield which flew over the home defence. Goalkeeper Ben Gathercole came racing out, but it was too late as Lugsden’s lob was flying over his head.
Referee Adrian Holmes gets surrounded after awarding Shaw Lane their second penalty
Lee Morris looks at the net after scoring his second penalty
Eventful day: Lee Morris (left) got two penalties for Shaw Lane, while Kelvin Lugsden scored once, conceded two penalties and arguably should have been sent off
Glossop celebrate Kelvin Lugsden’s equaliser
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott said Kelvin Lugsden’s equaliser was “hard to take”
As the sunshine came out for the second half, Shaw Lane drew first blood again. Central defender Kelvin Lugsden handled a Shaw Lane cross and gave referee Holmes little option. The official was then surrounded by a dozen angry players and striker Thomas Bailey was yellow carded for taking his protests too far.
Morris again had to wait patiently and this time he went low and hard with Hall going the wrong way.
Glossop, backed a large following, came strong as the game reached its close. The pressure was mounting for Shaw Lane as the visitors forced a succession of corners and eventually Lugsden headed home one of them from close range.
Lane needed the final whistle and fast as Glossop were throwing everything at that.
Edward Moran was inches away from being Glossop’s hero after he was unable to connect with Carey’s low cross at the back-post.
Gathercole then had to make a save from Sam Grimshaw at the death to ensure extra-time.
The rain began to come down heavily and this affected the two tired sides in the additional 30 minutes and little action was created.
Shaw Lane were glad of the second chance which is set to be a blockbuster next week.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott:
“It was two committed teams, who were desperate not to lose.
“I think they were the better team, being honest. I think we contributed to that by not playing well ourselves and not doing things we have been doing all season.
“Maybe the occasion got to us? Maybe we scored too early? I think mentally the decision (not to send Lugsden off) by the referee got to us because we felt hard done by.
“I think they edged it so I take a replay.”
On the decision not to send Lugsden off: “It has had a massive bearing on the game.
“I’m not a manager who shouts for people to be booked or sent off, but it is a very clear decision.
“Mozza was about to volley it in the net so I don’t know what a clear goal-scoring opportunity is?
“I think even their bench was resigned to him being sent off and then when he got the equaliser it was a double blow. It is hard to take.
“It was a clear sending-off. Mozza was about to volley the ball into the net and the lad had to go.”
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Gathercole, Stohrer, O’Brien, Foster, Holt, Denton, Istead, Thornhill (Patterson 110), Fox (Thornton 67), Morris, Kelsey (South 80). Subs unused: White, Haggerty.
Glossop North End: Hall, Bowler, Russell, Kelvin Lugsden, Young (captain), Parker (Richardson), Morris (Hind HT), Carey, Bailey, Kieron Lugsden (Grimshaw 90), Moran. Subs unused: Browne, Turner.
Referee: Adrian Holmes
Ref Rating: 6/10
Attendance: 334
Man of the match: Kieron Lugsden (Glossop North End)