The Rams were two down inside 20 minutes at the New Lawn but clawed themselves level before half-time only for Paul Stonehouse to put Rovers back in front.

But after seeing Paul Green level and Steve Davies win the game from the penalty spot, Hutchings admitted his side were fortunate to be still in the game at the break.

"We were very lucky to go in at half-time 2-2 but we kept going at it right to the death and we scored the penalty," he said.

"I suppose it was a classic cup tie with lots of goals and tackles and a sending-off for the penalty.

"There are always surprises in the FA Cup and Forest Green are a good side. I'd like to say full credit to them.

"In the second half we created three or four good chances before the goal but didn't take them and they made sure they took the chances they got.

"It was a good, honest cup tie and I'm glad we stayed strong to win it."

The visitors looked vulnerable at the back and went behind after 13 minutes when Martin Albrechtsen's header fell into the path of Jonathan Smith, who smashed a right-foot strike past Roy Carroll from just outside the penalty area.

And there was worst to come for Hutchings' side when Forest Green doubled their lead seven minutes later.

The Derby defence failed to deal with Simon Clist's direct ball forward and Alex Lawless slotted a right-foot finish past Carroll to stun the visitors.

But Derby got back into the game when Kris Commons crossed from the right and Rob Hulse forced Terry Burton to make a save, then prodded the rebound home.

And Albrechtsen headed Hutchings' side level on the stroke of half-time when he nodded Commons' inviting cross home from point-blank range.

Hulse missed three chances to put the visitors in front and they were made to pay when Rovers scored with their first chance of the second half.

Clist produced the assist from the left wing and Carroll failed to keep out full-back Stonehouse's shot from 20 yards.

But Derby responded four minutes later when substitute Nacer Barazite's ball forward was flicked on by Hulse into the path of Green, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

And the comeback was complete three minutes from time when Commons raced towards goal and was upended by Lawless, who was shown a straight red card, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Davies kept his composure to ensure the Rams' name will be in the hat for the fourth round.

Forest Green boss Jim Harvey was left dreaming of what might have been after the Blue Square Premier side's near miss.

"We were 3-2 up again in the second half and I thought that might be enough but it was not to be," he said.

"The boys will take a lot of credit for their display but I think there are things we could have done better.

"To take the lead three times against Derby, for a club our size, was magnificent and I think the people here had terrific entertainment.

"Having reflected on the game I think we had it within our grasp to get the result and we really believed we were going to do it for the whole game."