Big Steve Book was the reason for a chapter of Wigan missed chances.

Super saves from Steve ' the nephew of Manchester City legend Tony Book ' halted Wigan's runaway promotion charge.

Book's brilliance meant stalemate at the JJB Stadium as Wigan reluctantly settled for a share of the spoils.

Visiting keeper Book outlined his intentions after 14 minutes with a wonderful point-blank save to deny Nathan Ellington.

The Wigan striker met Gary Teale's teasing cross but Book stood firm.

Book brilliance

His heroics were maintained in the second half with a brilliant double save to deny Ellington again and then a follow up from Andy Liddell.

Town's new manager Bobby Gould heaped praise on his keeper.

He said: 'Book was magnificent ' his double save in the second half was truly world class.

'Our game plan was to nullify the pace of Gary Teale ' I watched him at Mansfield in midweek and he terrified me.'

Wigan boss Paul Jewell was disappointed to draw a rare blank but could take heart from an encouraging performance from new boy Jimmy Bullard.

Passing range

Jewell said: 'He will be an asset ' he has a great range of passing and he did well on his debut.

'We tried very hard in the second half ' it was one of those days and Cheltenham clearly came for a point."

Wigan pulled out the stops for a late winner but it was not to be. Bobby Gould took a swipe at Wigan for the standard of the JJB Stadium pitch.

Gould said: 'It's one of the worst I've seen ' with all the money Dave Whelan has I just wish he'd give Wigan a decent pitch.

Paul Jewell countered:'If I was to tell the Chairman about Bobby's comments I guess he'd tell him what to do.

'We're still at 12 points clear and we can't win every game.'

Rare glimpses

Debutant Bullard buzzed around for Wigan and supported Paul Jewell's view that he's a bright, lively dynamo in midfield.

Wigan fans warmed to him yet one sensed this game was destined to finish as it started.

Teale showed glimpses of genuine pace but was generally well policed.

Nathan Ellington and Andy Liddell had to reply on the scraps and these were not in plentiful supply.

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