Chorley 1 Worcester City 1: Late Ezewele strike denies Magpies FA Cup victory
Chorley were denied victory in stoppage time as Josh Ezewele struck a 93rd-minute equaliser to earn Worcester City an FA Cup replay at Sixways on Tuesday night.
The Magpies made a bright start at Victory Park and created several early opportunities, with Max Hunt, Max Wilson and Sam Fielding all threatening.
Fielding came closest when his header was cleared off the line.
Worcester responded on the counter-attack with Liam Lockett seeing his effort smothered by Li-Bau Stowell before the Chorley goalkeeper produced another good save to deny Brandon Smalley from distance.
Chorley continued to press and eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Following a scramble in the penalty area, captain Mike Calveley reacted quickest to turn the ball home from close range.
Jack Hazlehurst was replaced by Jack Sampson at half-time after suffering a suspected hamstring injury, while Worcester emerged with greater urgency in search of an equaliser.
The visitors increased the pressure after the hour mark, but Chorley initially stood firm. Andy Preece made further changes to freshen up his side as Worcester continued to threaten.
With the game entering its final moments, Worcester manager Chris Cornes sent goalkeeper Cristiano Dzialuk forward for a corner. The gamble paid off as Ezewele eventually forced the ball beyond Stowell to level the tie and secure a replay for a place in the FA Cup first round proper.
Stowell was shown a second yellow card for dissent after the final whistle, leaving Chorley facing a goalkeeping headache for the week ahead.
Chorley: Stowell, Moore, Hunt, Bird, Blakeman, Fielding (Horbury 66), Calveley, Wilson (Whitehouse 74), Hazlehurst (Sampson 46), Clarke, Popoola (Bala 59). Subs not used: Henley, Rowe, Cummins.