First Division Paget earned a replay against Premier Division Dandy Town with a rearguard action of heroic proportions at St. John's Field yesterday.

But Town coach Andrew Bascome must be wondering how his side failed to net the winner in this FA Cup first-round tie, as the top- flight side spurned a string of great chances late in the game.

Most of the opportunities ended up being blocked by Paget defenders hurling themselves in front of anything goal-bound.

No surprises looked on the cards early on, particularly once Lionel Furbert's 25-yard shot found its way into the net through a crowd of players and past unsighted goalkeeper Wayne Smith to give the Hornets a seventh-minute lead.

But then complacency seemed to set in, as Town lost their intensity and allowed a Paget side, inspired by the intelligent play of 47-year-old player-coach Dale Russell, back into the game.

The best move of the match brought the underdogs a deserved equaliser on the half hour. Coach Russell turned and played a neat ball to Jahvon Mallory on the left wing and his perfectly flighted cross found former Social Club striker Dennis Russell, who headed home nonchalantly at the far post.

The second half got off to a sleepy start with Paget content to defend in numbers and Town lacking urgency.

Twenty minutes from time, the home side awoke and Paul Cann, who sparked most of their best moments, shot inches wide after a one-two with substitute Reggie Tucker.

A Cann cross played in Darron Simons, but he shot tamely into the side netting and then another Cann cross set up Furbert, whose 15-yard drive was heading for the top corner before 'keeper Smith pulled off a brilliant reflex save to turn it away.

The one-way traffic continued in extra-time as substitute Kevin Hurdle missed three gilt-edged chances and Simons and Tucker both had shots blocked from point-blank range.

Paget assistant coach William Burgess said: "I thought my team played excellently and the back line was superb.

"We proved we can compete at this level and Town know now they won't be able to run right over us in the replay.'' Dandy Town: M.Trott, K.Mundy (K.Hurdle 85 mins), R.Swan, P.Douglas, L.Furbert, D.Boyles (R.Tucker 45 mins), K.Smith (J.Marshall 75 mins), P.Cann, D.Binns, C.Smith, D.Simons.

Paget: W.Smith, A.Bean, W.Tucker, E.Maybury, D.Williams, Dale Russell (C.Williams 45 mins), C.Azhar, O.Shakir, J.Mallory (P.Russell 117 mins), Den.Russell, K.Outerbridge.

Men of the match: Paul Cann (Town); Curtis Azhar (Paget) Yellow cards: L.Furbert (Town); O.Shakir (Paget) Referee: Gregory Simons