CANICE Carroll’s header eight minutes into stoppage time ensured Oxford City earned a replay and a place in the draw for the first round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Home side Scarborough Athletic took the lead after just four minutes, via a Frank Mulhern header, and doubled that advantage eight minutes into the second period when Dom Tear struck.
The Hoops hit back almost instantly though when Fulham loanee Olly Sanderson finished when through on goal.
Carroll then produced late heroics at the death in the fourth qualifying round fixture, when he nodded in Zac McEachran’s ball across the box.
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Ross Jenkins made three changes to the side which won 3-0 at home to AFC Fylde in the Vanarama National League, with Andre Burley and Josh Parker away on international duty.
They were replaced by Tafari Moore and Sanderson, while Rafferty Pedder was not permitted to play by parent club Queens Park Rangers, so Alfie Potter started in his place.
It was a nightmare start for City, who were under pressure early on.
Chris Haigh tipped over a deflected shot, and from the resulting corner, Mulhern headed home from a couple of yards out.
The Hoops had their first effort on goal with 21 minutes played, when Lewis Coyle’s effort from the edge of the six-yard box was blocked on the line.
Coyle then saw a low strike late in the first half drilled wide of the post.
The home side doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second period when a blocked Mulhern shot fell to Tear, who slammed the ball past Haigh.
City responded well though and halved the deficit just three minutes later.
McEachran slipped the ball through for Sanderson, who kept his cool and lifted his effort over Joe Cracknell.
Haigh was then called into action with 20 minutes to go when he used his feet to block a Mulhern effort.
As the game looked to be slipping away from the Hoops in stoppage time, Carroll made sure the clubs would battle it out in a replay.
Nya Kirby’s shot from outside of the box was deflected over the bar, to give City one final chance.
With Haigh sent forward, the ball was delivered deep where McEachran controlled expertly and delivered back across goal where Carroll rose highest to head home and salvage a replay.
The clubs must battle it out again at Court Place Farm on Tuesday evening.
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