Corby Town 1-1 Luton Town

Corby Town were denied a famous FA Cup win after Luton Town snatched a late equaliser in this first-round tie. But the Steelmen's battling efforts mean they will get a second shot at the Hatters in the replay at Kenilworth Road next week.

Claude Gnakpa had an early effort for Luton that was straight at Chris Mackenzie while Nathan Jarman might have done better soon after when a mistake by Fred Murray sent him clear, but the striker took too long and was tackled.

However, Corby fared better on 14 minutes when Danny Pitham produced a superb cross from the right and Ben Mackey darted ahead of his marker to head home from close range.

Thereafter, the Hatters had most of the first-half possession but Mackenzie was rarely troubled. However, that was not to say Luton weren't a threat.

The Steelmen keeper did well to block a Matthew Barnes-Homer shot from close range while Andy Hall did well to clear a Dan Walker header off the line on 22 minutes.

But the main threat came from Gnakpa who should have done better when he dragged shot wide just before the half-hour and then had another shot saved three minutes before half-time.

Luton continued to have the upper hand in midfield after the break but the Steelmen continued to keep them at arms length with relative comfort.

Indeed, the Hatters' only efforts in the first 20 minutes of the second half were two shots wide of the mark with from substitute Godfrey Poku.

With most in the home support having braced themsevles for a Luton onslaught, the sight of their side coping so easily with what the Hatters had to offer led to a confused state of muted tension that was reflected in the atmosphere.

But while the lead was only one, no-one in the Steelmen ranks could rest easy as was proved when Mackenzie was forced into a fine save from George Pilkington's drive.

Indeed, it wasn't until the 77th minute that Corby had a shot on goal when substitute Steve Diggin volleyed over.

And the Hatters finally made their pressure tell on 83 minutes when top-scorer Matthew Barnes-Homer headed the equaliser.

Corby: Mackenzie; Pitham, Hope, Gulliver, Charlton; Hall, Lavery, Towers, Walker; Mackey (Webster, 85 mins), Jarman (sub Diggin, 71 mins). Subs not used: West, Green, Dolman, Frew, Thackeray.

Luton: Tyler; Gleeson, Murray, Pilkington, Asafu-Adjaye; Gnakpa, Keane, Howells; Walker (sub Poku, h-t), Barnes-Homer, Atieno. Subs not used: Besta, Lacey, Patrick, Woodrow, O'Donnell, Kidd.

Referee: Andy Penn

Goals: Mackey (14 mins, 1-0), Barnes-Homer (83 mins, 1-1).

Attendance: 2000