Report by SJG

CARABOU CUP

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs STOCKPORT COUNTY

 26^th August 2025

FRASER MURRAY IS JUST MINT AS LATICS PROGRESS

Wigan Athletic left it late to book their place in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup, defeating Stockport County on Tuesday night.

Two of Ryan Lowe's second-half substitutes combined for the eventual winner six minutes from time, with Fraser Murray continuing his excellent scoring form at the Brick Community Stadium, sealing Latics' progression into the Third Round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since the 2021/22 season. 

Ryan Lowe opted to freshen up his starting XI for the visit of the Hatters, making eight alterations from the entertaining 2-2 draw at Rotherham United. Among the changes were the long-awaited returns of Matt Smith and Callum McManaman, who made their first appearances of the campaign.

Sessegnon joined captain Kerr and Aimson in defence, while Jonny Smith occupied the role of wing-back. Matt Smith was accompanied by Academy graduates Adeeko and Brenan in midfield, while, off the back of equalising goal at the New York Stadium, Mullin led the line alongside Asamoah.

Sessegnon had Latics' first chance of the game after a neat move involving Mullin, Sessegnon and Adeeko left the ex-Fulham man in space at the edge-of-the-box strike that Ben Hinchcliffe was able to comfortably save. Moments later, Jonny Smith drove down the right flank, fizzing a strong ball into the feet of Asamoah whose shot fell just wide of the far post.

After an impressive first 30 minutes, Brenan very nearly got onto the scoresheet when his curling cross from the left corner flag dipping onto the roof of the net.

Stockport were playing a full part in an attractive and competitive game and the Latics defence was at full stretch to keep their physical forward line at bay they created a handful of chances but none of them truly troubled Sam Tickle in the Wigan goal.

Chances for both sides were at a premium but on the stroke of half-time, Asamoah, whose pace was always a threat, very nearly opened the scoring. The move stemmed from a daring Brenan move on the left wing. The midfielder pulled off a perfectly-timed slide tackle to stop a Stockport move before driving forward on the counter and getting to the by-line before producing a curling cross which found Asamoah who directed his header just over the crossbar. In added time Stockport’s Jay Mingi had a half-chance, getting on the end of a Danny Andrew free kick and slicing the ball wide but it was Latics had the final kick of the half, with Jonny Smith's free kick curling into space and bouncing around the box before being screwed past a post.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Stockport County.

The second half continued with more high quality passing and movement from both sides but both defences remained dominant.

Wigan made two changes on the hour mark, bringing Hungbo and Murray into the fray to replace the tiring McManaman and Jonny Smith. The teams continued to cancel each other out with Aimson and Kerr showing all their defensive experience to ensure that Lowe and his fellow Stockport forwards were held in check. Murray added some thrust down the Latics right wing and further new introductions of Wright, Saydee and Costelloe added new energy as Matt Smith, Mullin and Asamoah, who had all been excellent on the evening, were all clearly tiring.

The decisive goal came late into the second half thanks to Murray. Fellow substitute Christian Saydee floated a sublime cross into the box and MURRAY timed his run well to unlock the defence as he sneaked in at the far post and headed the ball home.

Stockport threw bodies forward as they tried desperately to find a leveller and they had a decent penalty shout as Aimson appeared to push Allen in the penalty area but the referee waved play on and Latics saw out the remaining minutes.

Full Time: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Stockport County.

Scorers; Murray (84).

Attendance; 3,119

Wigan Athletic (3-5-2) --- Tickle; Aimson, Kerr, Sessegnon; Brenan, Adeeko, M.Smith, McManaman, J. Smith; Mullin, Asamoah; Subs--- Watson (G), Weir, Graham, Rogers, Wright (for M.Smith), Murray (for McManaman), Hungbo (for J. Smith),  Costelloe (for Mullin), Saydee (for Asamoah).

Stockport County (3-5-2) ---- Hinchcliffe; Mingi, Olowu, Andrew; O’Keeffe, Gardner, Fiorini, Bailey, Okeke; Lowe, Andresson; Subs--- Addai (G), Grogan, Mee, Wootton, Dodgson (for Mingi), Diamond (for Gardner), Fevrier (for Okeke), Norwood (for Bailey), Allen (for Lowe);

Referee; Mr. Tom Reeves (Coventry).