Thompson brace saves Dale

Luton squandered a three-goal lead as Rochdale salvaged an FA Cup first-round replay after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Late equaliser stuns Hatters

Luton squandered a three-goal lead as Rochdale salvaged an FA Cup first-round replay after a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Blue Square Premier outfit were quickly into their stride and went ahead after just four minutes on the clock. Town striker Steve Basham headed in from Adam Newton's cross against the League Two high-flyers for the opener. And Newton turned from goal provider to scorer when his lob doubled the lead against the Dale. Basham then added his second of the afternoon just before the half hour mark with a curled effort from the edge of the box. The Hatters, who were losing FA Cup finalists back in 1959, then went behind as Craig Dawson pulled one back. Joe Thompson reduced the deficit even further when he smashed home Tom Kennedy's cross with three minutes left. And Thompson pulled his side level when he headed home for 3-3.