Bristol City failed to win at Ashton Gate for the eighth successive game despite Antoine Semenyo’s header earning a replay at Swansea City.
The visitors were dominant in the first half but Semenyo’s goal was deserved as the Robins dominated after half-time.
Semenyo headed home with 15 minutes remaining as Swansea failed to clear.
The visitors had been gifted the lead on 15 minutes when Rob Atkinson’s awful pass went straight to Liam Cullen, who presented Joel Piroe with a tap-in.
The winners of the replay will host Chesterfield or West Bromwich Albion in the fourth round.
Swansea and Bristol City’s managers might feel frustrated not to have settled the tie on the day, with Swansea completely in control before the break but unable to add to the goal the hosts gifted them.
Bristol City has only progressed from four of their last 15 FA Cup third-round ties, but they will take heart ahead of the replay at the Liberty Stadium from the fact they have never been knocked out by the Swans, progressing against the Welsh side three times.
Attention has been focused on Pearson with his side winning just one of their last 10 league games and he would have been aghast at the way they conceded the first goal.
They provided Swansea with an absolute gift as Rob Atkinson’s wayward pass was intercepted by Liam Cullen, who gave Piroe the easiest of finishes.
Atkinson thought he had made amends at the end of the first period, but his strong claim for a penalty was waved away by referee Craig Pawson.
Pawson also rejected Alex Scott’s penalty plea after the break as the hosts increased the pressure on the visitors.
Pearson’s side had not won any of their seven previous home games, with their last success at Ashton Gate coming in August, but they showed good spirit, despite creating few chances.
The hosts found an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining as Semenyo’s header beat goalkeeper Steven Benda, who got his hands to the ball.
The momentum was all with the Robins and Benda saved adroitly to deny Wells as the home fans sensed a winner.
Both sides had chances to avoid a replay but Max O’Leary saved Jay Fulton’s powerful effort and Joe Williams’ superb cross somehow evaded everyone in the Swansea penalty area.
Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson said:
“There were two penalty decisions which went against us in the first half when first Antoine Semenyo and then Rob Atkinson went down. I have no idea why.
“Then in the second half, every time balls were played into the box, they were allowed to grab our players and pull them to the ground.
“Rob Atkinson dealt with his mistake well. He didn’t dwell on it and I couldn’t fault the efforts of any player.
“Going to the World Cup with Ghana was good for Antoine Semenyo. He had only just recovered from a broken shin at the start of the season, so missed much of the build-up.”
source – BBC
