THEY had to wait until almost the end of the draw, but Chelmsford City drew a winnable FA Cup tie against Basingstoke Town if they can beat Aldershot in the replay.

By Derek Davis

THEY had to wait until almost the end of the draw, but Chelmsford City drew a winnable FA Cup tie against Basingstoke Town if they can beat Aldershot in the replay.

The Clarets drew 1-1 at Melbourne Park to be in the see-through ball for the draw.

Mike Gatting drew City to be the home side, then fellow cricket legend Graham Gooch, who coaches Essex County Cricket Club in Chelmsford, handed them a fellow non-league club.

Speaking immediately after the draw Gooch said: “It is always good to see Chelmsford do well and if they can get through against Aldershot at least they have another home draw and the chance to play one of the big boys in the next round.

“We used to train at Chelmsford City's New Writtle Street ground before they knocked it down to make way for a big gym and some housing.

“I still follow their fortunes and we sometimes train at Melbourne Park as a team in pre-season. Unfortunately I will be in Australia at the time, otherwise I would have liked to have seen them play.”

A Ben Chenery own goal meant Jeff King's side needed the replay after Jeff Minton had given them the lead from the penalty spot.

Chelmsford drew Barnet at home in the rehearsal before the live draw on BBC 1, at Soho Square, but will be delighted to get Conference (south) side Basingstoke who beat Chesterfield 1-0 to reach the second round proper.

King said: “Both sides had chances, but I'm not going to criticise as we played a decent team and many of our players put on a decent performance.”

Shots boss Terry Brown admitted he was relieved that his Conference side, that beat Haverhill in the previous round, secured a draw against Ryman League outfit Chelmsford.

He said: “Chelmsford dominated for long periods, so I'm pleased we got through, on another day it could have been a different result.”

The draw at Soho Square went without incident and Sir Trevor Brooking who fronted proceedings made a joke about the mistake which led to King's Lynn eventually having to play away. They were handed a home draw this time and will entertain Oldham Athletic, after pulling Swansea in the rehearsal.