SOLIHULL Moors secured a replay with former FA Cup winners and current League One leaders Wigan Athletic after battling to a goalless draw at the DW Stadium.
The visitors were indebted to goalkeeper Ryan Boot who made several fine saves to keep the third-tier club at bay before almost snatching a winner.
Callum Howe’s powerful header was somehow tipped onto the crossbar by Wigan keeper Jamie Jones in the second period to deny Moors a famous victory.
Latics striker Charlie Wyke had an injury-time effort ruled out for offside as Solihull held on to secure a replay and extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.
Wigan started well and had the first half-chance of the game when Tom Pearce’s shot was deflected over the bar after some neat play inside the penalty area.
Moors then almost scored directly from a corner as Harry Boyes’ driven cross from the right was spilt by Wigan keeper Jamie Jones before going behind for another set-piece.
The former Premier League side responded when Will Keane had an effort blocked before Moors goalkeeper Boot made a terrific save diving to his left to keep out Callum Lang’s powerful effort.
And the Latics continued to be thwarted by Boot when he made another fine save to turn Gwion Edwards’ driven effort from 20-yards out behind for a corner.
Wigan continued to search for the opener in the second period and almost found it when a corner from the right was flicked towards goal at the near post by Jason Kerr only for Boot to make another superb save low down to his right before he latched onto the loose ball.
The home side then came within a whisker of taking the lead when a corner from the left was missed by Boot and deflected onto the post by a Solihull player before eventually being cleared to safety.
And soon after it was Moors’ turn to hit the woodwork when Jamey Osborne’s corner was met by the head of Howe only for Jones to make an outstanding fingertip save and divert the ball onto the crossbar.
Boot then made one final save when he denied Tom Bayliss from distance to cap off a stunning individual performance.
The Solihull stopper was finally beaten in injury-time when Wyke put the ball in the net only for the linesman to flag for offside and ensure Moors had earned a deserved replay.
And the result means Solihull are in the hat for tonight’s FA Cup second round draw with the replay scheduled for Tuesday, November 16 with kick-off at 7:45pm at Damson Park.
