A late Tommy Berwick penalty gave Daventry Town a 2-1 victory over Ashford Town as a Jack Mullen headed goal for `The Ash Trees` threatened to take the match into extra time.
Town earned a replay after struggling to overcome a resilient, skilful and hard - working Ashford Town at the Robert Parker Stadium last weekend, having to settle for a 1-1 draw despite taking the lead after 27 minutes through Kieran Fitzgerald.
The Brackley Town dual – registered player scored his goal after hitting a rasping shot which took a slight deflection sending the ball high to the keepers left.
Daventry survived a difficult second half with the home side hitting the woodwork three times and scoring a well worked goal to earn the replay at Communications Park.
Daventry received three yellow cards and midfielder Josh Cole was sent off for the second time 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.
Fitzgerald was on target again in the replay, knocking in a Tommy Berwick free kick close in on keeper Tyler Tobin to give Daventry Town the lead just after an hours play.
Daventry had started the match in impressive style, Josh Cole surging forward to beat two players before firing over the bar and Ryan Howell providing a wonderful pass through to Mitchell Piggon, who had the ball taken off his boot as he was about to strike the ball.
A superb late tackle from Josh Cole prevented a promising `Trees` breakaway and the referee waved away a strong appeal from the Ashford bench after centre forward Dan Fleming appeared to have been bought down in the area.
Ashford were relying on breaking forward at speed, a tactic which almost reaped rewards on a number of occasions.
Josh Cole slipped and lost possession of the ball allowing winger Jack Beadle a clear run on goal, only for the winger to place his shot high over the bar with several team mates in more promising positions.
A thunderous shot from Beadle moments later bought a wonderful save from Daventry keeper Ben Heath.
The injured regular keeper Richard Morris will struggle to get back in the side if the young former Northampton Town keeper continues to impress.
The second half started just as brightly for Town, Ryan Howell watching his goal bound shot cleared from off the line as Daventry started to impress and Ashford not as fluent as they had been in the first half.
Ashford equalised soon after the Fitzgerald opener, a cross from the left found an unmarked Jack Mullan, who rose high to power his header past the exposed Ben Heath.
As supporters began to consider extra time and perhaps even a penalty shoot - out, Daventry were awarded a penalty for a trip on Ryan Howell, with just five minutes remaining.
Substitute Tommy Berwick stepped up and thumped the ball past keeper Tyler Tobin giving Town a precious lead and ultimately the tie! Daventry had another opportunity to secure the tie for certain when Mitchell Piggon broke free on the right and passed the ball inside for Josh O`Grady whose shot was superbly saved by Tobin.

Daventry go into the FA Cup first qualifying round, an away visit to Premier Division Hitchin Town on Saturday 13th September. Daventry supporters will be looking to get revenge for their play –off final defeat at Hitchin Town in 2011 by 2-0, a date forever written in the memories of Daventry Town supporters.

Match Facts:
Daventry Town 2 Ashford Town (Middlesex) 1
Tuesday 2nd September 2014
Competition: Southern League Central Division Location: Communications Park
Daventry Town: Ben Heath, Ashley Deeney, Ollie Wilkinson (Capt), Nathan Haines, Martin Hutchcox, Barry Deacon, Josh Cole (Tommy Berwick 50mins), Ryan Howell, Mitchell Piggon, Kieran Fitzgerald, Josh O`Grady,
Subs: not used – Jamie Gould, Jack Waldren, Joe Power, Jamie Calvin
Goal scorer: Daventry: Kieran Fitzgerald 63mins, Tommy Berwick Penalty 85mins
Cards: Yellow: Barry Deacon 67mins,
Man of the Match: TBC
Attendance: 128

This weekend Daventry Town return to league action hosting Royston Town on Saturday (6th Sept) then travel the short distance across the border to Warwickshire neighbours Rugby Town on Tuesday (9th Sept).

Jim Davis
Sports Writer