Report by John Patrick Heeley

Jones spot-kick hero as Latics progress in Papa John's Trophy

Wigan Athletic booked their place in the next round of the Papa John's Trophy after overcoming Accrington Stanley 5-4 on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Wham Stadium.

A second-half equaliser from Stephen Humphrys brought the Latics level before goalkeeper Jamie Jones became the hero in the shootout, saving Ethan Hamilton's decisive spot-kick.

The visitors started brightly and almost took an early lead through Thelo Aasgaard, whose attempted chip was gathered by Toby Savin.

Aasgaard tested the Accrington goalkeeper again shortly afterwards, forcing a smart save as Wigan controlled much of the opening exchanges.

Despite Wigan's positive start, it was Accrington who struck first after 18 minutes.

Tom Scully's high ball forward found Harry Pell, who reached the ball ahead of the advancing Jones and watched his looping effort drop into the net to give Stanley the advantage.

The hosts looked dangerous and Pell nearly doubled his tally later in the half, while Wigan responded through Humphrys.

The striker had two good opportunities before the break, first firing narrowly wide when through on goal and then sending another effort just past the target as the Latics searched for an equaliser.

After the interval, Wigan continued to push forward.

Aasgaard headed narrowly wide, while Harvey Rodgers went close for Accrington with a shot that flew just over the crossbar.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 53rd minute when Humphrys unleashed a long-range effort that struck Ross Sykes and deflected beyond Savin to make it 1-1.

With momentum now on their side, Wigan came within inches of taking the lead

Gwion Edwards hit the foot of the post after a cleverly worked short corner on 71 minutes, and four minutes later Humphrys raced clear of the defence only to see his effort rebound off the woodwork after beating the goalkeeper.

The Latics continued to threaten in the closing stages.

Substitute Chris Sze appeared certain to score when he lofted the ball over Savin, but Michael Nottingham recovered brilliantly to clear off the line and keep Stanley level.

With no winner after 90 minutes, the tie moved straight to penalties.

Both sides converted their opening four spot-kicks before Jason Kerr scored Wigan's fifth.

That left Accrington's Ethan Hamilton needing to score to keep Stanley alive, but Jones produced a decisive save to send the Latics into the quarter-finals.