Bishop's Stortford 1 Gravesend & Northfleet 1

A STOPPAGE time equaliser by Nationwide Conference South side Bishop's Sortford denied 10-man Gravesend & Northfleet a place in the semi-final of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Dave Rainford finally broke the Fleet resistance in the third added minute after the visitors’ defence had held out resolutely since Justin Skinner was dismissed after just 18 minutes. Skinner brought down a Bishop's Stortford striker and was deemed to be the last man by the referee.

Skinner’s dismissal came just a minute after Gravesend had gone in front. Andy Drury, who was impressive throughout the match, put in a teasing cross which Roy Essandoh could only guide onto the post, but Manny Omoyinmi was in the right place to slot home the rebound.

Despite being a man down, Fleet remained in control of the game in the first half. Leading goalscorer Steve Morrison came closest for the home side, but his shot hit the side netting.

The visitors suffered an early blow in the second half when Lee Protheroe was forced off with an injury.

But it was still Gravesend who created the better chances and Steve McKimm nearly made it 2-0 after 63 minutes when he just failed to convert another Drury cross.

But Fleet were always likely to tire as the game wore on, and Bishop's Stortford began to throw everything at Liam Daish’s men in the match’s final quarter before getting their reward at the death.

The replay will be at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday night.