LITTLE Oakley assistant boss Dave Childs hailed the “heart and soul” of his players after they battled to a 2-2 draw against FA Vase opponents Enfield 1893.

The Acorns fell behind, then nosed in front before being pegged back in the latter stages of the first-round proper tie, at the Memorial Ground.

With no further goals in extra time, the sides will now meet again in a replay at Harlow Town – where Enfield play their home games – on Tuesday night.

“The boys were great and totally focused,” said Childs, who works alongside first-team boss Sean Tynan.

“No-one was down in the dumps after the last couple of results (8-0 and 5-0 defeats).

“We put those disappointments to one side because this was a big opportunity for the club and we wanted to make the most of it.

“After going behind, we didn’t give up and everyone worked their socks off.

“To be honest, even if we’d gone on to lose the game I’d still have been proud of the boys. So would Sean.

“They gave their all, put their hearts and souls into it and everyone could see that.

“They did everything we asked of them.

“As a team, we battled hard and showed we can compete, so I’ve got nothing but praise for the players.

“It’s like a family here. Everyone sticks together and now we’ve got to try and do it all again in a replay.

“We’ll be asking for more of the same, in terms of having the same mentality and approach.

“Both sides know each other after this game and it should be another great match.”

Childs had praise for two-goal hero Stephen Polley, who pulled Oakley level early in the second half and then fired home a fantastic second goal in the 75th minute.

It looked like it could be a winner – only for the visitors to equalise soon after following an unfortunate own goal.

“Stephen’s a fantastic player,” said Childs.

“I’ve known him a long time and know what he’s capable of.

“He put a real shift in and scored two great goals.”

Oakley would have been keen for the tie to go to a penalty shoot-out but that can only happen if both clubs agree.

Enfield said they would rather have the benefit of a home replay.

Tuesday’s match means a new date will have to be found for the Acorns’ scheduled First Division Knockout Cup tie at home to Holland FC.

Elsewhere, FC CLACTON also drew 2-2 in their Vase tie at Spartan South Midlands League division one side Buckingham Athletic.

It means they too face a midweek replay, at the Rush Green Bowl.

Adam Hampson gave the Seasiders the lead on 35 minutes -only for the hosts to equalise.

Buckingham were reduced to ten men a few minutes later before Jordan Brazitis scored to make it 2-1.

Buckingham’s goalkeeper was then sent off but the nine men equalised late on to make it 2-2.

Clacton’s Jordan Lartey saw red in extra time.

The replay will take place on Tuesday night and the winners of the first-round proper ties each receive £825.