Barnet boss Martin Allen refused to condemn his players after they let a two-goal lead slip against Stalybridge Celtic at Underhill.
The Nationwide Conference high-fliers were coasting until Barrie Keeling pulled a goal back just before half-time and a second-half penalty forced a replay a week on Tuesday.
"The most important thing is that we're still in the FA Cup," said Allen after the match.
"There's no doubt it was a tough game with lots of energy and enthusiasm, a great FA Cup tie." Ismail Yakubu was the scourge of the Stalybridge defence, causing havoc on the left and creating Barnet's first goal after just four minutes.
Yakubu powered his way down the wing and cut inside, laying the ball off for Joe Gamble, who fired the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Stalybridge could not get past Barnet's well-drilled defence, were caught offside regularly and were unable to pass the ball with any cohesion.
Bees captain Ian Hendon went close with a long-range effort that tested Craig Dootson but the Stalybridge goalkeeper could do nothing about the home side's second goal.
Again Yakubu was the creator, using his pace and power to get down the left wing, laying the ball off to Giuliano Grazioli whose first-time pass allowed strike-partner Peter Beadle to pick his spot at the back post.
Yakubu should have put the game beyond doubt just before half-time, heading poorly from point-blank range from Mark Rooney's cross and within a minute, Stalybridge were back in the game.
Kenny Mayers, clearly Stalybridge's best player, got the better of Bees goalkeeper Shane Gore and his cross from the byline was blasted into the net by Keeling with Gore stranded.
Barnet lost their shape in the second half, and when Danny Maddix hauled down Mayers in the box, Phil Eastwood stepped up to take the game to a replay.