TIVIDALE boss Dean Whitehouse hailed his “fearless” young side after they came within a whisker of pulling off an FA Cup giant-killing.

The Dale gave Evesham United, who play three divisions above them in the Southern League Premier, the fright of their lives in the first qualifying round on Saturday as they recorded a 0-0 draw at Worcester City’s St George’s Lane.

United had keeper Nathan Vaughan to thank as he saved right at the death from Tividale’s Kyle Hill to take the game to a replay, set to take place tonight at Packwood Road (7.45pm).

Whitehouse believes his young squad’s refusal to be over-awed by the occasion was key to their performance.

He said: “We have a very, very young side, four of the players are aged under 18 and they just don’t fear anybody.

“No matter who they are up against their attitude is always the same, they just get on with it.

“Joel Kettle in midfield was just outstanding, he was head ans shoulders above anyone else on the pitch.

“We have some players here who, if they keep playing the way they are, won’t be stopping here because they will go on to better things.”

After weathering first half pressure, the Dale began to dominate after the break and Sam Williams was only denied the opener by defender Antony Watson.

Hill also went close and had a penalty appeal turned down before Vaughan’s late heroics.

Whitehouse revealed first choice keeper James Trevelyan would be back between the sticks for last night’s game.

He said: “I think they were quie surprised at some of the football we played, we gave a great account of ourselves.

“Sometimes after results like this you wonder if your chance has gone and some of the lads were a bit down afterwards.

“But they won’t be looking forward to playing on a sloping pitch at Packwood Road and I think we’re in with every chance.”