However, Blues wasted a host of chances and missed a penalty. In addition, former Blues’ keeper Richard Froggatt was in inspired form for the Romans with a string of outstanding saves and although the visitors were reduced to ten men with 20 minutes remaining, they forced a replay after netting the equaliser just three minutes from time.

After the game Blues’ boss Lee Casswell said, “I’m obviously glad to be still in the competition after failing to finish the job despite creating so many chances.

“However, their keeper was in inspired form and we failed to take the chances we created and they ended up getting a goal late in the game.

“We played some good football but they seemed to be more galvanised after having a man sent off mid-way through the second half but on another day we would probably have scored six or seven times.

"All credit to Rocester, they stuck to their task and scored a fine equaliser near the end.

"Gricey scored his fifth in six games and is on fire at the moment and if we play like that again in the replay I'm sure we will get through.

"We are bedding in a few new players at the moment, but we are getting there and are still in the cup.

I thought James Askey played very well, Ant Danylyk was back to his usual self and Dan Cope was very clever with his chances – he will always create openings for himself”, he added.