Jaanai Gordon off the mark on debut as Ossett United held to draw in FA Cup
Ossett United had to settle for a draw when they opened their new season with an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at home to North West Counties League side Abbey Hey.
The 1-1 result meant a replay was necessary on Tuesday night with the winners going on to play Liversedge away in the next round on August 22.
For their first run out of the campaign United looked to impose themselves and looked on course for victory at Ingfield when taking the lead in the first half.
Former Football League player Jaanai Gordon marked his competitive debut for the club with a goal after 35 minutes and the hosts held onto the advantage until the break with their opponents happy to contain.
The hot weather – which led to “hydration breaks” in each half – did not help the flow of the game and Ossett were unable to kick on from their promising first 45 minutes.
The Manchester-based Abbey Hey were able to hit back and equalised with a penalty put away by Ivan Egharevba 20 minutes from time.
It stayed 1-1 to the finish with the home team unable to snatch the winner they were looking for.
Following the replay United will turn their attentions to the start of their 2026-27 NPL East campaign when they host Consett at Ingfield on Saturday.
Another home game quickly follows on with play-off team from last year Matlock Town the visitors.
Points are seen as a must to ensure the club can be competing in the top half of the division in the season ahead after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.