Report by SJG

EXETER CITY vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

4^th November 2023

INTO THE HAT FOR THE SECOND ROUND.

The home sides dominated the early proceedings, and it was Yanik Wildschut who was the main source of the early threat. The ex-tic was causing all sorts of problems down the right wing and Tickle had to be at his best to save at his near post and push the wingers strong shot behind for a corner.

Trevitt, who scored twice in Exeter’s midweek league win almost turned provider when he picked out Harper, but his goal bound effort was deflected behind.

Exeter continued to dominate and Hartridge headed just wide from a Trevitt cross following a well worked short corner routine.

Latics gradually weathered the early pressure and midway through the first period they began to exert some pressure of their own.

Godo had a strong penalty appeal turned down by the referee after he appeared to be hauled down in the area. Then Aasgaard had a shot from 20 yards but a deflection took the power out of the effort and the keeper was able to collect with ease. The Grecians had their goalkeeper Sinisalo to thank for keeping the scores level when on 26 minutes he produced a remarkable save to deny Scotty Smith. The Wigan born midfielder unleashed a fine strike that was heading for the top corner until the keeper somehow palmed the ball over the bar. As half time approached there were chances at both ends with Tickle saving from Wildschut and Jules and at the other end Humphrys curled an 18-yard free kick just wide of the target.

Half Time; Exeter City 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Exeter again started the better after the break, and Latics had to defend well to keep the home team at bay. Hughes did well to block a Harper shot, then Scott failed to hit the target after being set up in the area following good wing play from Wildschut.

Having weathered the early storm Latics grabbed the lead just before the hour mark. Jordan Jones broke quickly and after checking inside he sent in a dangerous shot that Sinisalo could only palm out to the incoming AASGAARD who slotted home with ease. Wigan now visibly grew in confidence and time and again they broke with purpose to stretch the Exeter defences to breaking point.

Humphrys had an effort blocked after he was set up by a marauding run from Adeeko. Then Aasgaard produced a turn and shot that flew narrowly over the bar.

Wigan were defending well and the home side was being restricted to shots from distance, with time running out Exeter committed more and more men into attack and thus it was no surprise when on 87 minutes Wigan broke forward and Stephen Sessegnon produced a lovely curled effort from fully 20 yards that found the top corner to seal the result.

Wigan were on their way into the hat for round two.

The long journey back up from Devon for the 136 Latics die-hards would have been a lot sweeter knowing that a place in the draw had been secured.

Full Time; Exeter City 0-2 Wigan Athletic.

Attendance; 3,512

Scorers; Aasgaard (58), Sessegnon (87);

Team; WIGAN---(4-2-3-1); Tickle; Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Sessegnon; S. Smith, Adeeko; Jones; Aasgaard; Godo; Humphrys; Subs; McManaman, Rekik, Magennis, Shaw;

EXETER---(3-4-1-2); Sinisalo; Sweeney, Aimson, Hartridge; Harper, Kite, Trevitt, Jules; Aitchison; Wildschut, Scott; Subs; Muskwe, Diabate, Taylor, Richards;

Referee. Mr. Craig Hicks (Surrey).