Even Port Vale manager Micky Adams admitted his side got out of jail as Dartford came within six minutes of a major FA Cup upset before a crowd of 3,679 at Prince's Park.

Appearing in the first round proper for the first time in 21 years, the Blue Square Bet South side dominated against their League 2 opponents, only to have their hearts broken by John McCombe's late, scrambled equaliser.

Dartford almost had a dream start when Danny Harris broke clear after only 90 seconds. Vale keeper Stuart Tomlinson took some of the pace off his shot but it still needed a goalline clearance from McCombe to keep the ball out.

McCombe rescued his side again on the half-hour, clearing Paul Goodacre's goalbound header, but the Darts deservedly went ahead six minutes before the break when Ryan Hayes whipped over a free-kick and skipper Elliot Bradbrook connected from eight yards.

Vale boss Adams made three substitutions at half-time, but still Vale struggled to create chances, with centre-half Goodacre outstanding for the home team.

Then, just when it seemed the Darts were on the brink of a famous victory Vale skipper Tommy Fraser swung over a corner which was headed goalwards by Anthony Griffith and McCombe bundled the ball into the net.

The replay will be at Vale Park on Tuesday, November 16.