Report by SJG

F. A. CUP

MANSFIELD TOWN vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

14^th January 2024

LATICS MARCH ON WITH THELO AT THE DOUBLE.

Thelo Aasgaard stole the show as his two second half goals proved the difference as Latics progressed to the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.

Shaun Maloney made one change from the last league outing against Birmingham City almost 10 days ago, with Latics Academy graduate Luke Robinson replacing Steven Sessegnon who misses out with a knee injury and will be absent for two or three weeks.

The first 15 minutes of the game were uneventful with the hosts having most of the possession. There were early worries for Latics when Aasgaard was down injured following a heavy collision, but thankfully, after lengthy treatment, he was fit enough to continue.

Mansfield midfielder Boateng had the first attempt at goal which was straight at Sam Tickle and was well held. Matthew Craig then did likewise from the edge of the box on 25 minutes before Stephen McLaughlin tested Tickle down low with a fierce drive.

Latics fought hard in defence with Aimson and Akins having a real physical battle and gradually the Tics grew into the game.

Wigans best chance so far fell to Jonny Smith who was played in by a long clearance from Tickle, he checked inside, but his effort struck the outside of the post. Maloney’s men were starting to find their rhythm and Will Aimson got his head to a cross into the box, but despite being on target, it didn’t really test Christy Pym in the home goal.

Mansfield did look dangerous on crosses and one such delivery from the right found Quinn and his half-hit shot saw Tickle having to dive full length to make a good save.

Half Time; Mansfield Town 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Latics started the second half on the front foot and went ahead on 48 minutes. Aasgaard collected the ball in midfield and played in Jonny Smith on the right wing. The winger sprinted to the by-line before providing a perfect cross that found AASGAARD free inside the box and he headed home into the top corner to the delight of the Latics fans.

It was 2-0 just six minutes later and it was that man AASGAARD again. He collected a short pass from Kerr and drove forward before curling a wonderful effort into the corner from the edge of the box with his left foot.

Latics should have been three up on 58 minutes as Michael Olakigbe crossed for Dale Taylor, but his low effort, from close range, was weak and easily saved by Pym.

George Maris curled an effort just wide from the edge of the box as Mansfield looked to find a way back into the game. Lucas Akins was then denied by a superb last-ditch challenge from Hugh McHugh who had just come on as a late substitute.

Tempers flared and Mansfield threw everything they had at Latics, but it was Tics who progressed to the fourth round.

A home time against Premier League Fulham now awaits.

Full Time; Mansfield Town 0-2 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Aasgaard (48), (54);

Attendance; 4,523

Teams; WIGAN— (4-2-3-1) Tickle; Sibbick, Kerr, Aimson, L. Robertson; Weir, S. Smith; J. Smith, Aasgaard, Olakigbe; Taylor; Subs: --- Watson, Carragher (for Olakigbe), S, Thomas (for J. Smith), Goodwin (for Taylor), McHugh (for Weir), J. Robinson, McManaman, Reilly, Asamoah.

MANSFIELD TOWN--- (3-5-2) Pym; Cargill, Kilgour, Bowery; McLaughlin, Quinn, Boateng, Craig, Hewitt; Gregory, Akins; Subs: ---Flinders, Flint, Lewis, Waine, Blake-Tracy (for Cargill), Reed (for Craig), Baccus (for Boateng), Evans (for Gregory), Maris (for Quinn);

Referee; Mr. Alex. Chilowicz (U.S.A.)