WORCESTER City began the 2024/25 season with a goalless draw against Walsall Wood in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.
The two Northern Premier League Midlands teams could not be separated after 90 minutes at Claines Lane.
That means City and Wood will lock horns again in a replay on Tuesday, August 6 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the John Sylvester Stadium.
Worcester made a bright start as Kyle Belmonte forced Walsall goalkeeper Andy Wycherley to tip his early cross clear from a waiting Dylan Hart.
And City went close again soon after as Liam Lockett’s shot rolled inches past the post from another Belmonte pass.
Wycherley then made a superb save to keep out Belmonte’s effort from distance after City won possession deep in the Walsall half.
The home side continued to dominate the chances as Hayden Reeves head Lockett’s corner narrowly over the bar.
Walsall’s only effort of note in the first half saw Haydn Whitcombe easily hold Nick Clayton-Phillips’ shot.
The visitors almost took the lead early in the second half as Whitcombe superbly tipped a Clayton-Phillips free-kick onto the post before Kaiman Anderson’s follow-up also rebounded off the woodwork.
Chances were at a premium thereafter before a late goalmouth scramble ensued only for Walsall to scramble the ball clear as the game ended in a stalemate to send the tie to a replay.
Worcester’s replay against Walsall takes place on Tuesday, August 6 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the John Sylvester Stadium.
