<\/p>\n
Alfreton\u2019s hopes of reaching the FA Cup third round for the first time in their history remain alive following a battling 0-0 home draw with Walsall.<\/p>\n
There was little to choose between the National League North hosts and the Saddlers, who ply their trade two divisions higher.<\/p>\n
The Derbyshire part-timers will travel to the Midlands for the replay still optimistic that they can land a trip to Championship Southampton, who await the winners.<\/p>\n
Walsall were controversially denied a third-minute opener when Alfreton keeper George Willis was awarded a free-kick, even though he did not appear to have been impeded as he helped an inswinging Ryan Stirk corner into his own net.<\/p>\n
At the other end, Adam Lund\u2019s long throws caused issues for the Saddlers\u2019 defence with Jackson Smith making a flying save to keep out Dwayne Wiley\u2019s header after the home midfielder had hurled the ball into the box.<\/p>\n
The visitors squandered an excellent opportunity to forge in front early in the second period when an unopposed Isaac Hutchinson fired wastefully over from eight yards.<\/p>\n
But Alfreton midfielder Harrison Perritt twice went close to winning the tie for Town \u2013 his first attempt bouncing just wide and the second forcing a smart parry by Smith.<\/p>\n