Daventry Town are still in the FA Cup, after struggling to overcome a resilient, skilful and hard - working Ashford Town at the Robert Parker Stadium on one of the best playing surfaces I have seen for a long time, at this level!
Daventry took the lead after 27 minutes, Kieran Fitzgerald moved into space from the left hand side of the field and hit a rasping shot which took a slight deflection, sending the ball high to the keepers left.
`The Ash Trees` first effort came from the dangerous striker Mark Bitmead whose shot was held at the second attempt by young Daventry keeper Ben Heath.
Ashford continued to threaten in the early stages, another fine move between several players ended with forward Joe Hughes turning swiftly to fire his shot over the crossbar and `Trees` Tommy Brunton running in on a corner kick met the ball perfectly only to send his shot past the post.
Daventry created a number of chances themselves, a smart through ball from Joe Power found the feet of Josh O`Grady who hit a fine shot, straight into the safe hands of keeper Tyler Tobin.
A half - hearted appeal for a penalty by the `Trees` bench for an alleged push on full back Tom Hill, was waved away by an indifferent referee!
A superb save from Daventry keeper Ben Heath prevented Bitmead opening his account after a fine through ball from Dan Fleming set up the striker with a clear path on goal, only to be prevented from scoring by Ben Heath with a superb block save, turning the ball away for a corner.

Daventry started the second period with an early effort from Ryan Howell, firing a shot narrowly over the crossbar and Fitzgerald put another shot past the post.
Mark Bitmead put a shot wide of the target and Max Webb fired high over the bar as they looked to get back on level terms.
`The Ash Trees` deservedly equalised early in the second half, a defence splitting pass from substitute Conor Moody fell at the feet of the impressive striker Mark Bitmead who continued his stride to thump the ball low under keeper Ben Heath.
Bitmead came close to giving `Trees` the lead minutes later, only to watch his free kick tipped superbly onto the post by the ever alert Ben Heath.
Josh Cole put a shot past the post after Kieran Fitzgerld had taken the ball from a defender in a promising position and Josh O`Grady hit a free kick narrowly past the post, shortly before Dan Fleming struck the bar and post after working the ball in from the bye line.

Daventry Captain Ollie Wikinson was cautioned for arguing and Mark Bitmead took the free kick, sending his shot against the post for the second time from thirty yards!
Daventry Manager Darran Foster made a double substitution with fifteen minutes remaining, to try and change the direction of the game and to some extent it worked, the height of striker Mitchell Piggon enabled Daventry Town to win far more balls in the air and Barry Deacon settled the midfield and produced several good moves going forward!
Piggon particularly made his strength and height count, putting a shot over the crossbar from wide left after shrugging off several challenges, late in the game.
Daventry had survived a difficult second half with the home side hitting the woodwork three times and scoring a well worked goal to earn a replay at Communications Park.
Daventry received three yellow cards and Josh Cole was sent off for the second time already this season after receiving two yellow cards in the last thirty minutes of the match, a disciplinary issue Daventry Town Manager Darran Foster will need to address in the coming weeks.
The Referee also found time to speak to the Daventry bench, as frustrations began to boil over, mainly because of some curious refereeing decisions!
By the final whistle Daventry were fortunate to still be on level terms and will look forward to the replay as a second chance to take them into the first qualifying round, an away trip to Premier Division Hitchin Town.

Jim Davis – Football Writer

Match Facts:
Ashford Town (Middlesex) 1 Daventry Town 1
Saturday 30th August 2014
Competition: Southern League Central Division Location:The Robert Parker Stadium, Stanwell, Middlesex.
Daventry Town: Ben Heath, Ashley Deeney, Ollie Wilkinson (Capt), Nathan Haines, Martin Hutchcox, Joe Power (Barry Deacon 75mins), Josh Cole, Ryan Howell, Jamie Calvin (Mitchell Piggon 75mins), Kieran Fitzgerald, Josh O`Grady,
Subs: not used – Tommy Berwick, Jamie Gould, Jack Waldren
Goal scorer: Daventry: Kieran Fitzgerald 27minutes, Ashford Town: Mark Bitmead 58minutes
Cards: Red: Josh Cole Yellow: Martin Hutchcox 60mins, Jamie Calvin 68mins, Oli Wilkinson 84mins,
Man of the Match: Ben Heath
Attendance: 100

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