Match Overview
It was victory for Wigan in this afternoon’s FA Cup clash! But it wasn’t at all a straight forward task like some may of expected. Barrow took Wigan all the way to Penalties, as the match ended 2-2, and Wigan were clinical as they won 4-3 on pens.
Performance
Wigan made a lively start to the game, with James Carragher heading home after a failed save from Barrow goalkeeper Wyll Stanway, his 3rd goal in a Wigan shirt, now only 1 goal behind his Dad’s career tally. The rest of the first half mainly consisted of Wigan dropping back, and controlling possession, lacking that urge to strive forward and find that second goal. Barrow’s fans did not have much to cheer about with very little imagination on the front foot. The second half saw improvement for Barrow, they were in the game, they were giving Wigan a challenge, and it felt like sooner or later the Cumbrian side would find an equaliser and low and behold in the 65th minute, they did just that after a quick break saw midfielder Ben Whitfield burst into space and find Jack Earing in the centre of the box, striking it into the bottom right corner, giving Sam Tickle no chance. Barrow’s dominant spell continued, with fantastic pressing giving the fans a huge sense of belief. A Barrow corner in the 85th minute, saw a Wigan attempt to scramble it clear, but it fell on a plate to Niall Canavan, giving Barrow the lead with five minutes to spare. The mood in the home section was of severe frustration, and Wigan tried to strive forward and earnt a corner in the 89th minute, and it was whipped in by Fraser Murray, but cleared as far as Callum McManaman, who’s cross found Will Aimson, and it was almost disbelief as Wigan were somehow level. A huge first goal for Will Aimson. Extra time, was dominated by Barrow and it ended 2-2 taking us to a nerve shredding penalty shootout which Wigan won 4-3.
Wigan Athletic Player Ratings
Sam Tickle: 7/10 – Saved us a few times today, but his decisive shootout save get’s him an additional rating
James Carragher: 7/10 – Big goal, decent first outing as Captain.
Will Aimson: 6.5/10 – Wasn’t an amazing defensive performance, but he saved us with a decisive header.
Morgan Fox: 6/10 – Not good enough defensively, too hesitant going forward.
Matt Smith: 6/10 – He didn’t really feel that involved today Smith, didn’t see enough of him.
Fraser Murray: 6.5/10 – He’s heavily out of form & didn’t do anything that impressive today.
Tyrese Francois: 6/10 – Wasn’t that impressive today.
Callum Wright: 6/10 – Very lazy at times today.
Raphael Borges Rodrigues: 6.5/10 – Similar to Murray’s observation.
Paul Mullin: 6/10 – Sloppy and some of his early efforts were concerningly bad
Dara Costelloe: 6/10 – Not good enough at all today, time and time again a poor first touch
(Substitutes)
Harrison Bettoni: 6/10
Callum Mcmanaman: 7/10
Jensen Weir: 6/10
Christian Saydee: 6/10
Oliver Cooper: N/A
Stats
Attendance & Atmosphere
Barrow Matchday Vlog
Couldn’t make it to the game? We’ve got you covered 🎥⚽️ – check out our full matchday vlog for all the action, atmosphere, and penalty shootout drama!