Tiverton Town overcame the early sending off of Owen Howe to produce a superb rearguard action and book an FA Cup replay with local rivals Bideford after a tempestuous draw at Ladysmead on Saturday.
Howe saw red – literally and figuratively – after just eight minutes, headbutting former Tivvy striker Matt Wright following a mêlée sparked by a late challenge from James Richards.
Wright himself was dismissed after the final whistle following an altercation with Jesse Howe – a last bizarre twist on an already-strange afternoon.
In facing higher-league Bideford, the Yellows faced an uphill challenge even before Owen Howe was sent off against his former club.
Their cause was not helped by Adam Bilcock being stretchered off after a reoccurrence of the knee injury he sustained on the opening day of the season against Larkhall Athletic.
Although the red card did result in the visitors seeing plenty of the ball in Tiverton's half, it was actually the hosts who created the better chances.
Such was Tivvy's commitment and determination following the red card that Chris Wright only had one save of note to make, superbly tipping over a Richard Grove free-kick.
At the other end, former Yellow Lloyd Irish superbly tipped Ethan Phillips' effort around the post, while the impressive Jesse Howe and substitute Jimmy Hinds both had chances late-on.
Howe could only toe-poke his shot wide, while Hinds – who was clean through although at a tight angle – forced another save out of Irish.
Despite their numerical advantage, Bideford lacked the craft to penetrate a determined Yellows defence.
And come the final whistle, it was actually the visitors who seemed the happier with the draw, meaning a replay at The Sports Ground on Tuesday. Tiverton Town: Wright, Wannell, Faux, Bilcock (Hinds, 21) Gardner, Phillips, Owen Howe, Dan Western, Jesse Howe (Badavi, 73). Subs not used: Searle, Goss, Rogers, McGovern
Attendance: 356
