Athletic's players won praise from assistant manager Tommy Wright after they cancelled out a two-goal deficit to keep themselves in the hat for the FA Cup Second Round.

Two first-half goals looked to have put Martin Allen's Cheltenham on course for the next stage, but Latics had other ideas and came roaring out of the blocks after the break.

They levelled the game with 14 minutes to go, but had to withstand a late spell of pressure from the Robins, who hit the post and forced a great save from Mark Crossley in a flurry of injury-time action.

Speaking to the press after the game, Wright said: "This was a real cup tie against a big Cheltenham side who like to get the ball forward.

"We've shot ourselves in the foot again with the goals, but credit to the lads because they were excellent for half an hour in the second half.

"We were a bit too deep in the last ten minutes and they had a couple of chances, but Mark [Crossley] has pulled out a save which kept us in the competition.

"It's been a trying week for everyone involved with the club."

Danny Whitaker's fifth goal of the season bagged the visitors a deserved replay after Chris Taylor levelled with a pressure penalty just three minutes into the second period.

Wright added: "The keeper's saved it but the ball has come back to Chris who's put it in - he was brave to take the penalty in the first place.

"Then Danny's got a bit of luck with a deflection.  We always tell the players to hit the target.  Lewis [Alessandra] did it against Scunthorpe; if you get the shot on target there's always a chance.

"We all know what cup ties are like.  Cheltenham are a direct side who get themselves in the box and in your face.

"Credit to Martin Allen; he's come here, got them going and made this a hard place to come.

"This result has given everyone a lift and we'll certainly be looking forward to the replay."

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