CONCORD Rangers will head to Twerton Park for an FA Trophy second round replay after playing out a 1-1 draw with Bath City at the Aspect Arena.

Danny Scopes’ side were looking to reach the third round for the first time in the club’s history and they were on course for victory against their National League South rivals as Aron Pollock headed home.

But Tom Smith’s immediate equaliser means the two sides will do battle once again.

The hosts were handed a golden opportunity to get the tie off to a perfect start.

With just three minutes on the clock, James Blanchfield’s lofted through ball resulted in Bath goalkeeper Ryan Clarke colliding with Kreshnic Krasniqi.

Referee Tom Reeves pointed to the penalty spot and Joel Nouble stepped up, but the winger’s attempt was tipped onto the post by Clarke, who made amends for his error in giving away the spot-kick.

Bath responded with Sam Pearson curling inches over the crossbar from 18 yards out as the clash got off to a frantic start.

Lamar Reynolds worked an extra yard before seeing Alex Hartridge block his goalbound effort and then fired inches past the post moments later as Concord looked to take control.

However, Bath would have taken the lead on the half-hour mark were it not for Chris Haigh.

Pearson beat the offside trap and, through on goal, attempted to slot the ball past the onrushing Beach Bous goalkeeper, but Haigh made a vital stop with his feet.

Bath came even closer to breaking the deadlock from the resulting corner as Smith controlled the set piece with his chest before volleying against the post with Haigh rooted to the spot.

Kit Elliott caused problems for Bath’s defence with his intricate footwork and his pass across the face of goal evaded everyone when only a touch was needed.

Nouble recycled the ball and, after taking on Hartridge, his cross was nodded over the crossbar by Huddersfield Town loanee Elliott.

The first half ended in bizarre fashion, with referee Reeves being forced off due to picking up an injury.

The first meaningful effort of the second half came 13 minutes after the restart as Elliott turned and saw a tame shot comfortably gathered by Clarke.

Bath then felt aggrieved when Pollock was adjudged not to have fouled Pearson after the winger went down on the edge of the penalty area when through on goal.

The breakthrough came on 77 minutes, with Concord breaking the deadlock.

Nouble’s neat footwork allowed him to get away from a host of Bath defenders and Pollock was on hand to head home from close range.

However, Bath got back on level terms immediately as Smith fired into the corner of the net, giving Haigh no chance.

The visitors failed to deal with a long throw from Danny Green, but central defender Billy Roast was unable to profit as he missed the target from six yards out.

Neither side was able to find a late winner and the two National League South outfits will go head-to-head once again as they look to progress in the competition.