Notts County found themselves just seven minutes away from causing a major FA Cup upset, only for Wigan to avoid severe embarrassment claiming a 2-2 draw courtesy of a rousing second-half comeback.
The financially-troubled League Two club were in dreamland heading into the break on the back of goals from star striker Lee Hughes and Ben Davies.
But the Premier League outfit spared their blushes in the second half as Jason Scotland and Ben Watson hit back to force a replay at the DW Stadium.
Ronald Zubar's sublime 84th-minute volley spared Wolves' blushes as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 and take a spirited Crystal Palace side to a fourth-round replay.
Darren Ambrose's free-kick at the start of the second half had looked to be enough for the Championship outfit, who are 11 places below Wolves in the football pyramid.
Alan Lee had earlier handed the Eagles a dream start after just two minutes when he headed home Ambrose's corner but David Jones ensured the scores were level at the break.
Fulham had some tricky moments before overcoming a spirited Accrington Stanley side that was reduced to 10 men in the first half - the Cottagers eventually winning 3-1.
Having enjoyed the better of the opening stages in front of their home fans at the Crown Ground, Stanley fell behind in the 21st minute when Erik Nevland fired in from close range.
The League Two side equalised within four minutes as top scorer Michael Symes tucked away his 14th goal of the season, but they suffered a setback in the 41st minute when Darran Kempson was sent off after bringing down Zoltan Gera.
Second-half strikes from Damien Duff and Gera sealed victory for Fulham as the Premier League team made the most of their man advantage.
Aston Villa overcame a first half scare to keep alive their hopes of a Wembley double at the expense of League One strugglers Brighton at Villa Park.
The Carling Cup finalists were rocked when Nathan Delfouneso's early goal was cancelled out by Tommy Elphick shortly before half-time.
But the Midlands club dominated the second period and further goals from acting skipper Ashley Young and Fabian Delph ensured their passage into the last 16 before Nicky Forster's late reply ensured it ended 3-2.
Cash-strapped Portsmouth kept their dreams of a financially-lucrative return to Wembley alive after defeating Sunderland 2-1 to book a spot in the fifth round.
With hundreds of supporters protesting furiously against the club's board outside the ground prior to kick-off, and the stadium almost half empty, it is clear all is not well at Fratton Park.
But a brilliant brace from Nigerian midfielder John Utaka cancelled out Darren Bent's early strike to give Pompey's suffering supporters reason to be cheerful after a torrid week off the pitch.
After two successive Premier League defeats by Arsenal, Owen Coyle enjoyed his first victory as Bolton Wanderers manager when his side beat Championship team Sheffield United 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium.
First FA Cup goals for Gretar Steinsson and Johan Elmander were enough to put Bolton through to the fifth round. Iceland defender Steinsson fired a shot through goalkeeper Mark Bunn's legs from a narrow angle just after the interval and substitute Elmander converted from a similar position six minutes from time.
Two sides battling for promotion back to the Premier League met at the Hawthorns where West Bromwich Albion beat Championship leaders Newcastle United 4-2.
A penalty in each half from midfielder Graham Dorrans helped Albion to victory. Jonas Olsson had opened the scoring before Dorrans' first spot-kick and Andy Carroll then clawed one back for Newcastle after the break.
But the Magpies then had defender Ryan Taylor dismissed as Dorrans hit his second penalty and Jerome Thomas was able to clinch the win with a late fourth. Carroll grabbing his second in stoppage time.
There were home wins for Southampton, Derby and Cardiff over Ipswich, Doncaster and Leicester respectively.