Wigan Athletic booked their place in the FA Cup second round with a 3–0 victory at Boreham Wood, as Jon Mellish opened the scoring before Morgan Fox struck twice.
A trip to the National League leaders had looked a testing assignment for Gary Caldwell’s side. Instead, Latics returned from Meadow Park with a clean sheet, their first away victory of the season and a place in Monday’s draw.
Mellish gives Latics an early advantage
Caldwell made four changes from the side that drew with Mansfield Town, bringing Morgan Fox, Jon Mellish, Fraser Murray and Christian Saydee into the starting XI.
Two of those players combined to give Wigan the lead after 11 minutes. Saydee’s work helped create the opportunity for Mellish to score, giving Latics an early foothold against opponents who entered the tie unbeaten in their league campaign.
The opener was an important start for Wigan, taking some of the pressure out of an afternoon that carried an obvious threat of an upset.
Fox takes centre stage
Fox doubled the advantage in the 36th minute with a free-kick from around 25 yards, finding the top corner to put Latics firmly in control.
That gave Wigan a two-goal cushion at the interval and left Boreham Wood needing a significant response to keep their cup hopes alive.
The decisive third arrived in the 74th minute. Max Power delivered an inswinging corner and Fox headed home, completing an unlikely double for the defender and putting the result beyond the hosts.
A welcome away win
There was plenty for Latics to take from Saturday’s game: three goals, a clean sheet and safe passage through a potentially awkward first-round tie.
The league remains the priority for Caldwell’s side, but this was a welcome result on the road and an opportunity to build confidence. Fox will take the headlines for his two goals, while Mellish’s early opener ensured Wigan were able to approach much of the contest with the advantage.
Attention now turns to Monday’s second-round draw, when Latics will be represented by ball number 38.
Match details
Full-time: Boreham Wood 0–3 Wigan Athletic
Scorers: Jon Mellish 11, Morgan Fox 36, 74
Competition: Emirates FA Cup, first round
Venue: Meadow Park
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
Wigan starting XI: Whitworth, Carragher, Burns, Fox, Barrett, Murray, Power, Weir, Mellish, Burrowes, Saydee.
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FA CupFull time
Boreham Wood
Wigan Athletic