Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney described keeper Sam Tickle as the best English shot-stopper after he defied Carlisle United.

The Latics No1 made superb extra-time saves to prevent the Blues taking the FA Cup first round tie to penalties at Brunton Park.

Tickle kept out efforts from Dominic Sadi and Luke Armstrong as ten-man Carlisle came close to a late equaliser.

And Maloney said: “When we went 1-0 up, they threw everything forward and Sam made two unbelievable saves.

“The game should have been dead within 90 but that’s why we love the cup. It was a hectic last five minutes and what Sam did…I don’t think people realise how good this guy is.

“If there’s a job to be saved, and my life depends on it, there’s not another English goalie in all four leagues I would choose ahead of him.

“In this country there isn’t a better goalkeeper at shot-stopping than Sam.”

United came close in extra-time, including from Luke Armstrong's header, but Wigan keeper Sam Tickle kept them outUnited came close in extra-time, including from Luke Armstrong's header, but Wigan keeper Sam Tickle kept them out (Image: Ben Holmes)

Scott Smith and Jonny Smith’s extra-time goals clinched Wigan’s place in the second round after a defiant effort from Carlisle following Ethan Robson’s early red card.

Maloney felt his side should have made things more comfortable long before they did, but also praised some of the men who kept his own side at bay.

“In the second half we had enough chances to win that game…and their keeper [Gabe Breeze] had a brilliant game,” he said.

“They had some stand-out performances as well. I thought their right centre-back, [Terell] Thomas, was excellent in the game.

“I really like Carlisle’s atmosphere and our fans were amazing.”

Maloney admitted his side were short of their best immediately after United went down to ten men, but he was happier with their second-half efforts.

“With a cup tie the main thing is to get through,” he added via his club’s official channels.

“It was a difficult match. We started fine. I think when the red card happened, we lost our way a bit.

“In the first half we didn’t understand how we were going to hurt them and the way they were defending with ten men.

“After half-time once we made some changes, not just personnel but tactically, we were far better.”