Football: Hudson denies brave Emley

Emley 1 Rotherham United 1

FIREMAN Simeon Barmbrook set alarm bells ringing for Emley's Third Division opponents yesterday before a late equaliser prevented Rotherham joining the weekend's list of FA Cup casualties.

Such is the organisation of Ronnie Glavin's team, and talent of the likes of the elusive winger Mickey Reynolds, that Barmbrook's 12th-minute goal did not come as a surprise.

Reynolds, who interests Leeds United, was excellent down both wings. He almost scored at the end of a dashing run down the left before close control made space for him to set up Barmbrook for an eight-yard shot.

Paul David, the colossus who scored against West Ham last season, should have added a second when he headed tamely from an Ian Banks free-kick but still had Mike Pollitt scurrying to save at his post.

With policeman Neil Lacey and another fireman, Mickey Thompson, outstanding in central defence. Emley held on comfortably and could have strengthened their lead through Reynolds. One dart from the half-way line ended with an angled shot and he then put an effort the wrong side of a post at the start of the second half.

Rotherham were short of ideas and imagination, shooting from long range without testing the experienced Andy Rhodes in Emley's goal. However, Emley were on the back foot by the latter stages with an injury to hard- running Steve Nicholson, yet another fireman, weakening their right flank.

An equaliser was always possible with men camped in their own box and when Thompson only cleared to the edge of the area, Danny Hudson cracked a curling, low drive into the far corner.

Trevor Berry might have stolen a victory when he scooped a back-header out of Rhodes' hands and agonisingly wide. The sigh of relief will soon be followed by the jingling of tills from a money-spinning replay.

An away game should hold no fears for Emley. The Unibond outfit have progressed that way through the previous three rounds. They will hope for more protection next time for Reynolds, who was the victim of several rough tackles that led to three bookings.

"We certainly have a chance," Glavin said. "But we have got to be positive. The players are disappointed with a draw against Rotherham who are second in the Third Division. It goes to show you how much we have come on."

Goals: Bambrook (14) 1-0; Hudson (80) 1-1.

Emley (4-4-2): Rhodes; Nicholson (Wood 22), Thompson, Lacey, Jones; Reynolds, Horst, David, Banks; Thorpe (Calcutt 68), Barmbrook. Substitutes not used: Wilson, Tonks, Smith.

Rotherham United: Pollitt; Ingledow, Warner, Richardson, Horst; Sedgwick, Hudson, Gerner, Roscoe; Berry, Tracey (Glover, 52). Substitutes not used: Thompson, Pettinger, Roden, Monkhouse.

Referee: D Laws (Whitley Bay).

Man of the match: Reynolds.

Attendance: 6,062.