Hartlepool United were forced to settle for a replay after a hard-fought 1–1 draw away to Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday afternoon.

A late goal from Nathan Ferguson rescued the tie for Pools after the hosts had taken a first-half lead through Lewis Butroid at the Northolme.

Pools travelled to Lincolnshire knowing they faced a tricky test against a determined Gainsborough side full of confidence and energy. 

The non-league outfit started brightly and made life difficult from the outset, pressing well and competing for every ball.

Despite seeing more of the ball in the early stages, Pools struggled to find a rhythm in the final third. 

The home side grew in belief and took the lead on 36 minutes when Butroid finished calmly from close range after Pools failed to clear their lines.

Trinity’s opener lifted the crowd and gave the home team something to defend, as Pools went into the break trailing by a single goal.

Simon Grayson made adjustments after the restart, and Pools began to dictate possession, pushing the hosts deeper into their own half.

Nathan Ferguson came on in the midfield for his longest cameo since making the move, alongside Kian Foreman on his 18th birthday.

Chances remained limited, but Pools’ persistence paid off late in the game.

With six minutes remaining, Ferguson found space inside the area and fired off the crossbar that deflected off David Robson in the Trinity net and over the line to level the score at 1-1. 

Despite a late push for a winner, time ran out before Pools could complete the turnaround, meaning the tie will now go to a replay at the Prestige Group Stadium.

Pools: Evans, Benn, Parkes © (Walker 31’), Kouogun (Hunter 80’), Johnson (Foreman 58’), Charman, Sheron, Miley, Topallaj, Gonzalez (Ferguson 58’), Oliver

Unused subs: Smith, Featherstone

Goal: Ferguson (85’)