Report by SJG

A BIG CROWD BUT A NIGHT OF FRUSTRATION FOR UNLUCKY LATICS.

Wigan made a surprise exit from the League Cup in-front of a sizeable crowd of 7,591 fans as they failed to break down a resolute County defence backed up by an inspired keeper.

Latics came into to the game trailing by just a single goal after the first leg and despite dominating for long periods they failed to claw back the deficit.

The first half was scrappy and will not remain long in the memory as it was punctuated with inaccurate passes, wayward shooting and uncharacteristic defensive hesitancy.

Half time: Wigan Athletic 0-0 Stockport County

The second half saw Latics finally finding some fluidity in their play and County had to rely on Lawson to keep the score blank.

The ex-Everton man saved well from Wright when he flung himself full length to tip away a low drive, and then late in the game he made two stunning blocks to deny powerful Houghton headers.

Stockport were not totally reliant on their keeper and produced some moments of note themselves, Stuart Lee went the closest to adding to their lead with a well-directed header that Chris Shyne, on debut, did well to save.

The County tackling was certainly not lacking in commitment with Summerbee, Galvin and Lee all receiving cautions, in-fact Galvin was lucky not to see red as he also rather crudely hacked down Latics full-back Smart as he made a late forward run.

Full time: Wigan Athletic 0-0 Stockport County