Report by John Patrick Heeley

Papa John's Trophy progress takes a huge dent after Crewe defeat

Crewe Alexandra strengthened their position in the Papa John's Trophy group stage with a deserved 2-0 victory over a much-changed Wigan Athletic side at the Mornflake Stadium.

Goals from Oli Finney in the first half and an unfortunate Scott Smith own goal after the break secured all three points for the hosts.

Wigan manager Leam Richardson made sweeping changes to his line-up, resting all 11 players who had started the previous league match.

While several squad players were handed an opportunity to impress, it was Crewe who settled quickest and took control of the contest.

The home side's positive start was rewarded in the 14th minute.

Josh Lundstram's delivery found Oli Finney, who struck a fierce effort past the goalkeeper to give Crewe an early lead.

The hosts continued to create chances and looked the more threatening side throughout the opening period.

Young goalkeeper Sam Tickle, making his first senior appearance for Wigan, produced an excellent save to deny Regan Griffiths and prevent Crewe from extending their advantage before half-time.

Finney also missed a good opportunity as the Railwaymen continued to dominate proceedings.

Wigan were handed a golden chance to draw level shortly after the restart when they were awarded a penalty following a handball in the box.

Stephen Humphrys stepped forward, but Crewe goalkeeper Dave Richards guessed correctly and made an important save to preserve his side's lead. That miss proved costly.

On the hour mark, Crewe doubled their advantage when a cross from the right was headed back across goal and diverted into the net by Wigan midfielder Scott Smith for an own goal

The unfortunate deflection left Tickle helpless and gave the hosts breathing space.

The Latics continued to search for a route back into the match and almost reduced the deficit late on.

Humphrys rounded the goalkeeper after latching onto a long ball from Tickle, but his attempt to square the ball across goal was cleared by the recovering Crewe defence.

Crewe comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a deserved victory, while Wigan's hopes of progressing from the group were left hanging by a thread after another disappointing result in the competition.