FA Trophy: Gudger pops up to earn Saints a replay

Saints had to come from behind at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League outfit to earn a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s third qualifying round tie.

Now they face a replay at St James Park on Tuesday thanks to Alex Gudger’s stoppage-time equaliser. That came moments after Adam Baskerville had given Mickelover the lead in a tie which only came to life in the five minutes of added-time at the Don Amott Arena.

Saints had the better of the opening exchanges but, for the first time in cup competitions this season, failed to take their opportunities and make the vital breakthrough. Steve Diggin had an early effort cleared off the line before shooting wide while Matt Lowe and Shane Byrne both fired over in the first half.

Mickleover came into the tie after the restart with Lewis Belgrave firing wide and Zach Thomas twice failing to test Laurie Walker from good positions. Substitute James Armson saw a late effort cleared off the line by Clinton Morrison but chances were hard to come by in the closing stages.

Mickleover finally broke the deadlock in stoppage-time through Baskerville. But straight from the restart Gudger equalised when he went on a mazy run before firing home.