Report by SJG

F. A. CUP

PRESTON NORTH END vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

 9th January 2026

LATICS CLAIM CUP TRIUMPH IN LOCAL DERBY CLASH.

Wigan Athletic continued their proud history of defying the odds in the Emirates FA Cup, upsetting high-flying Sky Bet Championship side Preston North End.                                       

It was Friday night delight for the Tics, as Harrison Bettoni's deflected second-half strike secured the win at a raucous Deepdale to send Latics through to the Fourth Round of the world's most famous cup competition.        

Latics entered the contest as underdogs against a Preston team sitting fourth in the division above, but with belief running high, the Football Club knows more than anyone that anything can happen in the cup.                     

Latics had not tasted victory at Deepdale since 2004 and were determined to change that record and reach the Fourth Round for the second season running. The occasion was made even more special by the backing of over 3,400 Latics supporters, who snapped up tickets for the local derby and created a superb atmosphere under the lights.                

The tie also marked an important night for Head Coach Ryan Lowe, returning to Deepdale for the first time since leaving Preston North End after two-and-a-half years in charge. With Latics' proud FA Cup history firmly in mind - including their unforgettable triumph in 2013 when they defied the odds to lift the trophy - Latics travelled to Lancashire hoping to channel that same spirit, resilience, and fearlessness on another memorable cup night.                                                  

Wigan made three changes to the side that disappointed in the Welsh capital last Sunday. Joe Hungbo replaced Fraser Murray in the wing-back position, who was suspended after being booked in both of Latics’ penalty shootout wins against Hemel Hempstead Town and Barrow AFC. After serving his three-match ban, Matt Smith returned in the engine room, while Harrison Bettoni was reinstated in attack. Tobias Brenan and Tyrese Francois were the two players who missed out.                                                                                                                                                  

The hosts made seven changes from their 2-0 away win at Bristol City, with the headline being the long-awaited return of Lewis Gibson. There were two familiar faces on the bench for PNE, including Latics Academy graduate Alfie Devine and Will Keane, who won the golden boot in Latics' 2021/22 Sky Bet League One title-winning campaign. 

Latics made a fearless start at Deepdale and came out fighting, almost forced the opener with 30 seconds on the clock, as Callum Wright volleyed Hungbo's left-sided cross narrowly wide of the post.                                                                                                                                                                  

Wigan continued to ask the questions as they closed their favoured opponents down quickly all over the park and Preston, who normally can rely on their passing, were clearly ruffled. North End defended well and the score remained goalless.                                                                        

Preston returned the pressure and Lewis Dobbin's cross from the right almost sneaked in via a wicked deflection, while Jordan Storey hooked a volley wide from the resulting corner. The two chances provided the home side with a lift, and they created a further opportunity down the same right-hand side. Pol Valentín skipped past the challenge of Hungbo and squared to Dobbin, who took a touch to compose himself before dragging his strike wide of goal.                  

With just 15 minutes on the clock Latics had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Bettoni unlocked the Preston defence with a superb ball over the top, sending Dara Costelloe through on goal, but the frontman's low driven strike beat Daniel Iversen and flew past the far post.                                                                                                                                          

Half Time; Preston North End 0-0 Wigan Athletic.                                                                             

The travelling army of fans were more than encouraged by their side's first half showing, and they were almost celebrating the opener when Will Aimson stole a run on his marker and bulleted Bettoni's wide free kick, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Iversen. Jensen Weir then attempted the spectacular firing a volley from the edge of the box into the away end.                                                                                                                                                

Just as at Cardiff, Wigan were defending well as a team but unlike that previous game they were also carrying a threat in attack. Bettoni almost laid the ball on a plate for Costelloe to tap home following some great footwork inside the penalty area, before Hungbo dragged his strike wide from 18 yards out. Costelloe had another bite of the cherry after some lovely link-up play with Smith, but his strike was blocked before it could threaten.                                                      

Preston looked to their substitutes bench to try and change the flow of the game and they brought on the firepower. Michael Smith and Milutin Osmaji? were introduced in attack for Mads Frøkjær and Daniel Jebbison, for a much more direct approach.                                         

Latics got the goal that their pressure deserved 15 minutes from time, and it was the starboy BETTONI yet again. The Academy graduate checked inside from the right, and his left-footed strike deflected past Iversen, sending the large following into ecstasy.                                          

Another Latics Academy graduate almost got on the scoresheet at the other end. Devine, who was brought on for Dobbin, found a pocket of space inside the area and saw his low strike expertly held by Tickle.                                                                                                                                  

Bettoni had to go off after breaking the deadlock, and his replacement Asamoah immediately made an impact. The forward drove brilliantly down the left and won a penalty. Callum Wright stepped up to take responsibility but fired his effort over the bar.                                                 

Asamoah continued to have a big impact on the game, and he twice came close to doubling the lead, forcing Iversen into action. Then in the seventh and final minute of injury time, Tickle made a phenomenal one-handed diving save to send the Tics through into the next round of the competition.                                                                                                                      

Full Time; Preston North End 0-1 Wigan Athletic.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Scorer; Bettoni (75).                                                                                          

Attendance; 14,366

Wigan Athletic (3-4-2-1) --- Tickle; Aimson, Carragher, Fox; Hungbo, Weir, M. Smith, Raphael; Wright, Bettoni; Costelloe; Subs--- Savin (G), Asamoah (for Bettoni), Saydee (for Costelloe), Brenan, Chapman, McManaman, Moseley, Sessegnon.

Preston North End (3-4-3) ---- Iversen; Small, Storey, Gibson; Lindsay, McCann, Thompson, Valentin-Sancho; Dobbin, Jebbison, Frokjaer-Jensen; Subs--- Hughes (for Gibson), Smith (for Frokjaer-Jensen), Osmajic (for Jebbison), Devine (for Dobbin), Potts (for Lindsay), Offiah, Keane, Whiteman, Walton (G)

Referee; Mr. Oliver Langford (West Midlands).,