ALAN Walker-Harris is reluctant to reveal the secret to his penalty-saving success - but is thankful to a slip of the tongue from Arsenal legend Bob Wilson.

Walker-Harris kept out two spot kicks to help Wimborne Town force an FA Cup extra preliminary round replay against Dawlish Town at Cuthbury tonight (7.45pm).

He turned Derek Fields's effort around the post before pulling off a top-drawer save to deny Danny Harris as the two sides fought out a 0-0 draw in South Devon on Saturday.

Walker-Harris told the Daily Echo: "I don't want to let on how I make up my mind but I do have a theory. It's something I try to pick up on that helps you decide which way to go.

"People say you just guess but there's more to it than that and it's not all about luck. If you go the right way, you give yourself half a chance.

"When I was a kid, I went on a Bob Wilson goalkeeping course and David Seaman did a session on penalties. He told us that he had a certain routine but wouldn't tell us what it was. I was talking to Bob Wilson later and he let it slip!"

Walker-Harris, who also saved two penalties on his Magpies debut, added: "Hopefully, there won't be any penalties in the replay. Now we've had a look at Dawlish, we know they are a very good side but they are also beatable."

Western League Premier Division outfit Dawlish will be hoping for better fortunes at Cuthbury having lost a preliminary round tie against the Magpies in 2002.

Dawlish manager Adam Kerswell told the Daily Echo: "The first penalty was very poor and I think even I would have saved it! But the second one was very cleanly struck and he made a great save.

"We dominated the game and I still can't believe we didn't take one of the chances that came our way. Hopefully, we will be more ruthless in front of goal in the replay."

Wimborne Town: (from) Walker-Harris, Arnold, Percival, S Smith, Jones, Roast, James, Green, Gibbons, Stokoe, Cann, P Smith, Warren, Hall, Lawrence, Whitcher, Phillipson-Masters, Ackerman.

Revised FA Cup preliminary round draw (ties to be played August 30): Hamworthy United v Brislington, Poole Town v Willand Rovers, New Milton v Downton, Shortwood v Christchurch, Didcot Town v Poppies, Ringwood v Marlow, Odd Down v Wimborne or Dawlish.

  • In the Wessex League tonight, Poole Town will be bidding to maintain their 100 per cent winning start when they host Christchurch, while Poppies host Hamworthy United and New Milton entertain Alresford.
  • Bashley host Southern League Premier Division rivals Mangot-sfield United after opening their points account with a 0-0 draw at Clevedon Town on Saturday.

Bashley: Elm, Fisher, Knight, Castle, Middleton, Sainsbury, Finlay, Rowe, Eastham, Gillespie, Keeler, Cox, Tarr, Fairbrother, Parnell, Knowles.