Oxford 2-2 Bristol Rovers: Rovers snatch replay with late penalty

Antony Evans' late penalty snatched a replay for League Two Bristol Rovers against League One Oxford United in the FA Cup first round.

Matty Taylor's close range finish against his former club put Oxford ahead after 11 minutes but Rovers gradually settled into the game from then on.

Paul Coutts' shot from just outside the box was well saved by Simon Eastwood on 23 minutes., before Connor Taylor's header was cleared off the line by Mark Sykes from the resulting corner.

Sykes and his team mates could do nothing to stop Rovers equalising just before half time, however. Nick Anderton dispossessed Oxford left back Steve Seddon before the ball fell for Sam Finley, who placed the ball into the corner.

Although Rovers started the second half brightly, it was Oxford who retook the lead on 51 minutes. Marcus McGuane gave Rovers goalkeeper James Belshaw no chance with an accurate finish.

McGuane's goal was the trigger for a spell of dominance for Oxford. It should have been 3-1 moments later but Gavin Whyte somehow headed wide when it was easier to score. Oxford's pressure continued and Taylor almost scored his second goal, but his attempt to lob Belshaw came back off the bar. Shortly afterwards, Taylor hit the post again.

Rovers never gave up, and almost drew level after 84 minutes when Aaron Collins was put through one-on-one with Eastwood.

The visitors did equalise just three minutes later. Evans sent Eastwood the wrong way from the penalty spot after substitute Jamie Hanson brought down Collins.

Despite a late spell of pressure, Oxford could not find a winner. The two sides must play again at Rovers' Memorial Ground for a place in the second round.

The turning point was Karl Robinson's triple substitution on 71 minutes with his team 2-1 up. The upheaval saw the League One side lost momentum and allowed Evans to grab Rovers a draw.

Although Oxford had the clearer chances, their failure to take those opportunities means they will have an unwelcome extra game just as their league schedule gets busier.

Rovers will see a draw against higher ranked opposition as further progress following last week's victory over early promotion contenders Harrogate Town in League Two.