A last minute goal from Alex Benjamin rescued a draw for South Shields at Chester le Street in the FA Cup as the game finished 1-1.In the sunshine at Moor Park, manager Gary Steadman gave a debut to new signing Dan Kirkup and played a new look 3-4-3 formation, starting with striker Tony Burnell who impressed from the bench in the midweek game against Norton and Stockton Ancients.
Dan Kirkup makes his presence feltIn a game with few incidents it was the home side who were to take the lead. A through ball set Sam Renwick away one on one, but Carmichael came racing out to meet him and tripped the number 9. Carmichael was booked for the offending challenge and Chester Le Street awarded a free kick., which Jo Jowson put straight into the top left hand corner of Carmichaels goal.
Shaun McAvoy flicks the ball into the boxMidfielder Yanis Galas had the first chance of the second half with a stinging drive from 25 yards, but his attempt was marginally over.
Galas on the runBen Johnson created a chance for Chester le Street, when the pacy number 10 collected the ball from a throw, made a darting run into the box and hit a low shot at Carmichaels near post, but it was a strong save by Carmichael to deny the home side from doubling their lead.
The motley crewAs the game entered the closing stages, Shields began to look a lot brighter, creating chances and searching for the all important equaliser.
Benjamin gets the block inA corner by winger David Colvin found the head of Tony Burnell, but Barlow in the Chester le Street goal was able to easily get his has hands to the ball.
Keeper gets there just ahead of AlexA strong run down the right by Barry Smith before putting in a dangerous cross created a chance for David Colvin, but he couldn't connect and the ball went out for a goal kick.
That final touch evadesMcAvoy put in a dangerous cross which was met by Alex Benjamin, but his attempt was just wide.
Off the lineShields then won a corner in the 85th minute, which was taken by David Colvin. The cross led to a scramble in the box and striker Stephen Ramsey got his foot to the ball and tried to push it goalwards, but Barlow was able to get his hands to it.
Fine saveShields were to be rewarded for their pressure in he closing minutes of the game when a fine cross by substitute Tony Coe fell to Alex Benjamin who smashed the ball home from a within the six yard box.
The equaliserThe replay will be played at Filtrona Park this coming Tuesday, replacing The Mariners fixture at West Auckand Town.
