Bristol City failed to win at Ashton Gate for the eighth game in a row despite Antoine Semenyo’s header earning a rematch at Swansea City.
The visitors were dominant in the first half but Semenyo’s goal was deserved as Robins dominated after half-time.
Semenyo headed home with 15 minutes left as Swansea failed to clear.
The visitors had been gifted in the lead in the 15th minute when Rob Atkinson’s terrible pass went straight to Liam Cullen, who gave Joel Piroe a tap-in.
Both managers could feel frustrated at not having settled the draw that day, with Swansea fully in control before the break but unable to add to the goal the hosts offered them.
Bristol City have only progressed in four of their last 15 FA Cup third round matches, but they will take heart ahead of the replay at the Liberty Stadium that they were never knocked out by Swans, progressing against England. Welsh team three times. .
Robins manager Pearson – who this week admitted he was under pressure to keep his job – unsurprisingly named a strong squad, with just one change from the league draw with Coventrywith Tommy Conway replacing Nahki Wells, although Conway was taken off with injury after 25 minutes.
Swansea boss Russell Martin also opted to make just one change from the defeat against Burnley last time, with Nathan Wood in place of Harry Darling.
Attention focused on Pearson, his side having won just one of their last 10 league games and he was reportedly appalled at the way they conceded the opening goal.
They gave Swansea an absolute gift as Rob Atkinson’s wayward pass was intercepted by Liam Cullen, who gave Piroe the easier finish.
Atkinson thought he had made amends at the end of the first period, but his strong request for a penalty was denied by referee Craig Pawson.
Pawson also dismissed Alex Scott’s penalty plea after the break as the hosts increased the pressure on the visitors.
Pearson’s side hadn’t won any of their previous seven home games, with their last success at Ashton Gate in August, but they showed good spirits, despite creating few chances.
The hosts equalized 15 minutes from time as Semenyo’s header beat keeper Steven Benda, who got his hands on the ball.
Momentum was everything with the Robins and Benda deftly saving to deny Wells as home fans felt a winner.
Both sides had chances to avoid a replay but Max O’Leary saved Jay Fulton’s powerful effort and Joe Williams’ superb cross somehow eluded everyone in the Swansea penalty area.
