Oxford United 2-2 Bristol Rovers: Pirates earn replay with late equaliser

Antony Evans' late penalty earned League Two side Bristol Rovers a replay as they twice pegged back Oxford United in a thrilling FA Cup first round tie.

Matty Taylor tapped in the opener, but Sam Finley smashed in a half-volley to bring Rovers level before half-time.

Marcus McGuane curled a shot into the far corner to restore the lead and the Us then hit the woodwork three times.

And the hosts were made to pay late on when Evans stroked in a penalty after Jamie Hanson fouled Aaron Collins.

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Oxford, who sit sixth in League One and chasing a fifth straight win, were quickly ahead when Sykes got behind the Rovers defence and slid a pass to the unmarked Taylor for his sixth goal in eight games.

Joey Barton's side responded well, going close to a quick reply when Evans' low drive grazed the post, while Us keeper Simon Eastwood tipped Paul Coutts' shot over the bar and Sykes cleared Connor Taylor's header off the line before Finley's equaliser.

Chasing a two-goal cushion after McGuane's neat finish, Oxford hit the woodwork three times in six minutes as Sykes smashed a shot against the bar, before Taylor hit an audacious looping volley against the post and then struck another effort against the upright.

Rovers hung in and their late pressure was rewarded with Evans' equaliser, but Oxford almost snatched a stoppage-time winner when Elliott Moore's header forced a fingertip save from James Belshaw.

Oxford United boss Karl Robinson:

"If we'd taken our gilt-edged chances it could have been 4-1 or 5-1. We're playing some great stuff at the moment and feel we can create chances at will.

"What Jamie Hanson did was stupid and unacceptable. One human error led to the penalty. It was a lack of concentration that led to their second goal.

"But there were also four or five human errors with the great chances we missed."

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton:

"It was a really good cup tie. I enjoyed the game as a spectator. In the first half we were really good, we just needed more composure in the final third.

"We showed real character after they scored their second to keep pushing on. I think we deserved a replay although they hit the woodwork a few times.

"We've got them back to our place and we'll see what happens - it's the FA Cup. We've got a real camaraderie in the group with our road warriors."