Report by SJG

RESILIENT PRESTON FIGHT BACK TO AVOID CUP SHOCK

Preston North End are two divisions above the Latics in the League pyramid and thus Wigan always had a big hill to climb in this tie.

Wigan came into the game trailing by a single goal following a strong showing at Deepdale in the first leg and the fans turned out in good numbers to see if they could now go one better and turn the tie and the form book on its head with a victory.

Wigan got off to a great start when a moment of indecision in the North End defence allowed McMullan to nip in and pinch the ball before finding Micky Quinn, he squared the ball to the in-rushing WRIGHT who planted his shot past the advancing Tunks.

Such an early set back could easily have rocked a team but Preston, to their credit, quickly got back into their rhythm and began to show a level of class that was befitting a side plying their trade in the second tier of the Football League.

The Lilywhites were much the sharper side, and they set about dominating the first period with good slick passing and movement.

Brown in The Latics goal did well to keep the lead intact as he saved well from Bruce and Houston in quick succession.

However, in the 22nd minute the lively MCGEE shrugged off two rather tame challenges as he stormed forward and his shot from fully 25 yards gave Brown no chance as it flew into the top corner of the net.

Preston were now controlling the proceedings, and it was no surprise when they scored again on 35 minutes to effectively kill off the game as a contest.

COLEMAN was allowed the freedom of the right wing to surge forward and from the tightest of angles he fired a shot into the roof of the net.

Young midfielder Dave McMullan nearly levelled the game on the stroke of half time, but his curling drive struck the upright and bounced out to safety.

Half Time: Wigan Athletic 1 Preston North End 2

Preston went quickly on to the attack after the break, but Latics stood firm in defence and gradually the visitors began to ease off and sit on their lead.

This allowed Wigan to push forward, and Houghton went close with a fine run and shot that flew past Roy Tunks but passed just beyond the far post.

Then Bobby Hutchinson then tried his luck with a shot from fully 25 yards that Tunks had to palm over the crossbar.

On the hour mark Wigan were handed a golden opportunity to score and set up a grandstand finish when Davids fired in a shot following a set play and with Tunks beaten, McAteer handled on the line.

Up stepped Tommy Gore to take the resulting penalty kick but his well struck shot crashed against the crossbar and Tunks was able to collect the dropping ball above the heads of the waiting forwards.

Preston quickly recovered their defensive composure and began to run down the clock to ensure that Latics would not seriously threaten again, and even the late introduction of Tony Quinn, who replaced the tiring Micky Quinn, failed to unsettle the visitors.

Wigan had again produced a display that was full of grit and determination, and they had pushed the Preston outfit to their limits in both encounters.

They certainly were not disgraced and with slightly better finishing and fortune over the two games they could easily have finished victorious.

Full Time: Wigan Athletic 1 Preston North End 2