A late leveller for non-league AFC Fylde gave them a deserved 1-1 draw with football league side Gillingham.
National League North AFC Fylde's reward for battling through to the FA Cup first round was a home tie for a first ever meeting with Football League outfit Gillingham and 35 places separating them.
The Gills are struggling sitting 20th in League Two having only won twice all season whilst The Coasters are just outside the play-offs in 8th position.
And for the opening 45 minutes there was little to choose between the two teams even if chances were few and far between. The home sided the first opportunity after 3 minutes but Nick Haughton shot wide and whilst the Coasters enjoyed a lot of possession they rarely threatened to score.
Similarly with Gillingham in the periods they were on top a lack of quality in the final third meant they were equally shot shy. But in first half injury time they took a surprising lead.
Moments before the home supporters were calling for already booked Gills skipper Stuart O'Keefe to be shown red as he again arrived late with the tackle but the officials give him the benefit of the doubt.
Will Wright's free kick was sent to the far post and arriving unmarked was Michael Mandron to side foot the opener from close range.
The tempo increased after the break with Fylde chasing the leveller allowing Gillingham to look dangerous on the break.
On 67 minutes the home side went close as central defender Emka Obi saw his powerful header from a corner palmed over by Glen Morris.
The Gills were managing the game well restricting the hosts to long range efforts and should have made the game safe but substitute Scott Kashket shot was easily saved by Chris Neal.
Then with 8 minutes remaining the Coasters levelled. Tom Walker arrived unmarked in the penalty area to side foot a powerful equaliser. It was almost number two as Haughton twice went close. His first effort was stopped a full stretch by the keeper then a shot skidded narrowly wide.
But the Gillingham defence held firm and the Coasters now face a 500 mile round trip for a replay in ten days time.
AFC Fylde: 1 (Walker 82)
Gillingham: 1 (Mandron 45)
Attendance: 996
Venue: Mill Farm
