Character, shrewd tactical decision and a slice of luck combined to keep Wootton Bassett Town’s FA Cup run alive, as they forced a replay with Hamble ASSC with hard fought 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Dave Turner’s side could have been dead and buried at half-time, as their Wessex League opponents flew out of the blocks.

However, poor finishing limited them to just the one goal, which was bundled in by James Musselwhite on 26 minutes after a corner was only half cleared.

Prior to that, James Roden had scuffed wide whilst unmarked before hitting the bar.

Then, with the break looming, a fine save from Adam Miles to deny Jamie Barron and a Matty Bown goalline clearance that kept Lloyd Webber out, kept the deficit to a minimum.

After a flat opening half performance, Bassett came out fighting in the second period, and a brave switch to a five man midfield certainly paid dividends.

Enjoying much more possession in the centre of the park after sacrificing a defender, they began to threaten the hosts’ defence and were rewarded for their persistence with twenty minutes to go, when Jon Beeden was bundled over in the box.

The youngster dusted himself down before drilling the penalty emphatically into the back of the net.

With the possibility of another ninety minutes looming, both sides went for broke and had chances to win the game.

For Hamble, substitute Paul West cut inside from the left and opened fire from 30 yards, but his low effort could only rattle the near post.

Deep into injury time, Sean Bailey had the chance to make himself Bassett’s hero when set free on goal by Ryan Banks.

However, the midfielder struck straight at Jay Webb when he should have done better.

Bassett will now host Hamble on Tuesday night in a first qualifying round replay.

REACTION AND REPORTS IN THIS THURSDAY'S GAZETTE AND HERALD