Leatherhead staged a dramatic comeback to earn a replay against Yeovil Town in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup at Fetcham Grove on Sunday. After trailing 2-0 to the National League side, the Tanners rallied to force a 4-4 draw, keeping their hopes alive of reaching the first round proper for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

Yeovil appeared in control for much of the match, with Archie Davies and Brett McGavin scoring in the early stages of the second half to put the visitors ahead. Davies opened the scoring just 40 seconds after the interval, beating Leatherhead goalkeeper Sonny Wheeler at the near post with a powerful strike. McGavin, Yeovil’s captain, initially missed a penalty by hitting the crossbar but made amends shortly before the hour mark by curling in a precise finish to double their advantage.

Despite Yeovil’s dominance, they failed to extend their lead further. Substitute Mason Obeng went close to a third Yeovil goal but missed, and a penalty appeal for a challenge on Stephen Walker was rejected, adding to Yeovil manager Billy Rowley’s frustration. Rowley expressed disappointment, stating that while Yeovil might have deserved a second penalty, defensive errors ultimately cost them the match.

Leatherhead capitalized on those lapses in the closing stages. Louie Paget opened the scoring for the hosts 11 minutes from time, nodding in an empty-net goal after Yeovil goalkeeper Jos Barker misjudged a free-kick delivery. Mark Waters then completed an eight-minute turnaround with two well-taken goals: first, a near-post header to level the score, followed by a powerful finish after cutting in from the left wing in the 87th minute.

Just as it seemed Leatherhead would hold on for the victory, Yeovil's Johl Powell struck in the final minute, tapping in a rebound from close range to bring the score to 4-4. The draw means the tie will be replayed at Yeovil’s Huish Park on Tuesday evening.

Leatherhead’s manager Ian Selley, a former Arsenal player and FA Cup winner, acknowledged the drama and praised both sides. “It was a fantastic game for the neutral,” he said. “When you get your nose in front with a few minutes left, you almost think you're in the next round. I’m disappointed we couldn’t quite get over the line but am really pleased that we gave a good account of ourselves.”

The replay will decide which team advances to the first round proper, with both sides showing intent to progress further in the prestigious competition.