SALFORD City upset the form book to earn a replay following a battling performance at Hyde United in the rearranged FA Cup second qualifying round tie on Tuesday night.

The Ammies’ 2-2 draw gave the club a timely boost following the arson attack on their Moor Lane ground early on Sunday morning that left the clubhouse burned beyond repair.

City rocked their Conference North hosts as early as the second minute when Alex Mortimer won a tussle for the ball inside Hyde’s half before playing Ian Fitzpatrick clear of the defence.

He kept his nerve admirably and waited for keeper Matt Convey to commit himself before deftly chipping the ball into the net.

Hyde equalised in the 11th minute through Nathan Arnold’s 25-yard free-kick and then took the lead 10 minutes before half-time.

Nathan D’Laryea was the man to slam home a low shot from 12 yards to put his side ahead.

The second half provided few chances for either side but Salford stuck to their task and grabbed an equaliser with just three minutes left.

A spell of intense pressure inside the Hyde box culminated with substitute Martyn Andrews tucking a low shot just inside the post from 15 yards.

Saturday’s league game at Moor Lane versus Garforth Town ended in a 0-0 draw, but the visitors had keeper Craig Ellison to thank for their point.

He thwarted Salford striker John McAliskey three times in the first half and pulled off numerous other saves, most notably from Alex Mortimer and Phil Howard in the second half.

Hyde United visit Moor Lane for the cup replay on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) and if Salford win they will host Blyth Spartans for the third qualifying round tie on Tuesday, October 13 (kick-off 7.45pm).

An FA Cup exit would see Salford entertain AFC Fylde on Tuesday evening instead, in a President’s Cup first-round tie (kick off 7.45pm).