MATT Tubbs insisted he would be "keeping his feet firmly on the ground" after scoring with a wonder strike that earned non-league Salisbury a fully deserved replay at the City Ground.

The 22-year-old Verwood-based trainee fitness instructor produced a magical finish that must have had TV viewers around the country drooling in delight as they watched the live Match of the Day transmission on BBC1.

Nathan Tyson had hammered the former European Cup winners and League Two leaders ahead in the 27th minute to silence a capacity 2,700 crowd packed inside the tiny Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

But Tubbs, in his first game for three weeks following suspension, levelled in the 61st minute with a tremendous left-foot shot that respected commentator Steve Wilson stressed "oozed quality, oozed class."

A brave Matt Holmes header allowed Tubbs to drag the loose ball behind him deep inside Forest's box before he turned sharply, teed his shot up and struck home with his left foot from eight yards.

It led former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson to say: "This fella (Tubbs), on that evidence, can play at a higher level, which is the best compliment you can give him."

Tubbs, who was released by Bolton at 19, said: "That is an honour in itself, for him to say that, coming from a guy of that status in the game.

"I've had plenty of interviews after this match, but I will just keep my feet on the ground, particularly as our aim is not the FA Cup.

"Our aim is to get out of this league and get into the Nationwide Conference. Then we can chat about other things."

Looking back on his wonder goal, Tubbs added: "It was absolutely brilliant.

"Playing on national TV, playing in front of all those people, it was fantastic to get that goal.

"As the ball was bouncing, it got stuck in the mud. I took another touch and it got stuck in the mud again.

"Mattie was there and I was thinking please don't touch it now'.

"Luckily he didn't, I scored and it is up there with my best goals."

Salisbury travel to Forest on Tuesday, December 12 for the replay, with the winners at home to Charlton in the third round next month.

Tubbs, whose club is aiming to line up in the third round for the first time, said: "It is absolutely unbelievable to be drawn against a Premiership side.

"We know we have a big job to do at Forest but if we play like we played today we are capable of beating any team.

"Charlton away would be absolutely massive. If Forest wasn't big enough, going to a Premiership side who play good football like Charlton would be fantastic.

"We know what we have to do at the City Ground, and if we do that, Charlton will be great."