A controversial goal from substitute Shabazz Baidoo kept QPR in the FA Cup after a lively third-round tie at Loftus Road.

Rangers have not won an FA Cup match since they saw off the Hatters in 2001, but they looked to be on their way when Dexter Blackstock gave them the lead after 32 minutes.

Two goals within seconds of the start and finish of half-time from Rowan Vine and Warren Feeney could have won it for the Hatters, but Baidoo equalised 14 minutes from time with what appeared to be a handball.

Jimmy Smith, back in the QPR team at the expense of Kevin Gallen, almost got on the scoresheet in the opening minutes - but his shot from distance went just over the bar.

In the treacherous conditions, the hosts were happy to shoot from distance - but Lee Cook's effort was closer to the corner flag than the goal.

At the other end, Warren Feeney tested Simon Royce from 25 yards - but the home goalkeeper was equal to the task.

Ahmet Brkovic won the first corner of the game for Luton after 25 minutes, when his effort was deflected behind by Damion Stewart.

Royce was troubled by Dean Morgan's delivery and failed to hold onto the ball, but the Rangers defence dealt with the danger.

It was from a corner that QPR took the lead shortly afterwards. Cook's cross was dangerous, and Blackstock was able to bundle the ball home for his seventh goal of the season - with Marlon Beresford motionless in the Luton goal.

Luton equalised in the last minute of the half through Vine's fourth goal in five matches.

A fine passing move ended with Feeney picking out Vine, and he sent in a lovely curling drive to take his team into the break on level terms.

The turnaround was completed shortly into the second half. It was a goal as untidy as Blackstock's opener, as Feeney turned home Brkovic's cross from the right.

The Rs should have equalised within minutes when Blackstock's mistimed shot found Smith, but he spooned his effort over the bar from close range.

Luton were starting to pass the ball around nicely as QPR struggled to get back into the game and boss John Gregory had to make a change, with Paul Furlong replacing Ray Jones, who had picked up a slight knock.

Morgan and Brkovic swung in a succession of dangerous corners as Rangers hung on.

But the Rs levelled against the run of play in controversial circumstances. After a scramble in the Luton penalty area, Baidoo appeared to punch the ball over the line but, after consulting with his assistant, referee Tony Bates allowed the goal to stand, much to the displeasure of Town boss Mike Newell.

Baidoo had another chance five minutes later but his shot flashed wide of the goal.

And Smith could have sent Rangers through in injury-time, but Beresford gathered his swerving shot to force a replay at Kenilworth Road.

Teams:

QPR Royce, Kanyuka, Stewart, Mancienne, Bignot,Ward (Baidoo 72), Lomas (Bircham 72), Smith, Cook,Ray Jones (Furlong 64), Blackstock.

Subs Not Used: Cole, Rehman.

Goals: Blackstock 32, Baidoo 76.

Luton Beresford, Barnett, Perrett, Coyne, Davis, Brkovic,Robinson, Langley, Morgan, Vine, Feeney.

Subs Not Used: Brill, O'Leary, Boyd, Keane, Holmes.

Booked: Barnett, Robinson, Langley.

Goals: Vine 45, Feeney 46.

Att: 10,064

Ref: A Bates (Staffordshire).