SAINTS let slip a two-goal advantage as First Division Brentford forced an FA Cup fifth round replay with a 2-2 draw at St Mary's this afternoon.

Henri Camara put Saints 2-0 ahead, but goals from Isaiah Rankin and Sam Sodje mean Saints now face an unwanted trip to Griffin Park a week on Tuesday.

Senegalese international Camara was making only his second start and scored his third and fourth goals for Saints to continue his rich run of form.

Both teams now go into the draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals on Monday lunchtime.

Saints boss Harry Redknapp has stressed that Premiership survival remains the priority, but had hoped a good Cup display would breed further confidence in the league.

Saints certainly looked dangerous going forward, but were extremely poor defensively during an entertaining match.

Camara opened the scoring after just three minutes when he comfortably converted Graeme Le Saux's cross.

He made it 2-0 on 36 minutes, easily tucking away the rebound from a Kevin Phillips shot.

At this stage, the match looked finish. But Martin Allen's Brentford reflected their manager's fighting spirit and staged a superb fightback.

Rankin ensured they went in full of confidence at half-time with the pick of the goals.

He was set clear down the right and brilliantly cut-in past Claus Lundekvam and then shot past Paul Smith.

The equaliser came on 57 minutes when former Pompey striker Deon Burton sent over a looping cross which Sodje headed home at the far post.

Both teams had good chances in the final minutes, with Saints often riding their luck against a hugely spirited Brentford.

Be sure to get your copy of the 'Pink' tonight and also Monday Sport for comprehensive coverage of the Brentford game including a full round-up of all the fifth-round ties.