Wrexham Youth 0
Wigan Athletic Youth 2
Football League Youth Alliance Cup (Northern Section) (1st Round)

Match Report

The young Dragons tasted defeat for the first time this season as ex-Wrexham striker David Lowe’s Wigan Athletic side gained revenge for a 3-1 League defeat back in September with victory in this Puma Youth Alliance Cup-tie at Colliers Park. Second half goals from Callum McManaman and Craig Mahon (penalty) did the damage after a competitive first half had ended goalless.

The Latics generally bossed the opening period but the Dragons’ defence stood firm and Chris Maxwell was rarely troubled between the sticks. But with the visitors dominating possession the Reds struggled to get a firm foothold in the game though the best chances in the first forty-five minutes all centred round the Latics’ goal. Luke Carding, returning from an injury lay-off, saw a snap shot fly just wide of the right-hand post and there was a let-off for the visitors’ defence when a pass back evaded the keeper who was then fortunate to see the ball roll against the post and to safety.

But in all fairness the visitors looked the better side in the first half, continued in the same vein after the break, and were rewarded with the two goals that earned their passage into the second round.