Road to Wembley - County throw away lead

Notts County valiantly held Wigan to a 2-2 draw in the FA Cup 4th Round last. They will however be kicking themselves after bing two goals up.

County had gone into the break 2-0 ahead thanks to a close-range strike from the impressive LEE HUGHES (left) and BEN DAVIES' 30-yard dipping free-kick. But Jason Scotland combined with Hugo Rodallega to beat Kasper Schmeichel and made it 2-1 before Watson's equaliser allowed Wigan to claw back a two-goal deficit and force League Two's Notts County to an FA Cup replay just when a shock looked likely.

Notts County caretaker manager Dave Kevan said after "I'm just pleased they were able to stay focused and put in that type of performance, and credit to them for that. I thought the lads were fantastic, but when we look at it again in the cold light of day, we'll have mixed feelings. They know they've had a great opportunity to cause an upset, and sadly that hasn't quite developed."

Despite County's well broadcasted new ownership they were yesterday given 28 days to pay off their creditors in the high court. HM Revenue and Customs presented a winding-up petition this afternoon over a £324,206 outstanding debt but the taxman accepted that a 28-day adjournment would be in order for the club to settle the debt in full. However, HMRC pointedly applied for that period of grace to be marked "final".

If the funds do not arrive in the next four weeks HMRC will seek immediate liquidation proceedings.

Don't expect a bumper replay crowd at Wigan to help with the bills. More on the basket case that is Notts County, the countries oldest football club soon.