• Wigan Athletic pushed Premier League Fulham all the way in this FA Cup 4th Round tie at the Brick Community Stadium.
• Fulham dominated possession in the first half and they went ahead on 23 minutes when Rodrigo Muniz headed home Ryan Sessegnon’s cross.
• Latics were much improved in the second half and they were given a big boost on 50 minutes when Jonny Smith scored a spectacular curling strike to draw them level.
• Unfortunately for Latics the lead only lasted five minutes as Muniz got on the end of a long pass from Andreas Pereira to restore Fulham’s advantage.
• The hosts did not give up however and they caused the visitors all kinds of problems as they pushed for the equaliser.
• Substitute Ronan Darcy curled an effort narrowly past the post, Issa Diop sent an attempted clearance over his own crossbar, Scott Smith had a low shot tipped around the post by goalkeeper Steven Benda and substitute Owen Dale’s strike from distance nearly surprised Benda.
• Darcy then had a late goal ruled out for offside as Latics so nearly managed to push the tie into extra time.

Shaun Maloney made three changes from last weekend’s draw with Lincoln City. Baba Adeeko, Luke Robinson and Asamoah Jr came into the starting line-up.

The visitors dominated the early possession as Latics struggled to get into the game.

Fulham’s first effort on target came in the 14th minute when Josh King’s low drive was comfortably saved by Sam Tickle.

Two minutes later King cut the ball back into a dangerous area but James Carragher was able to clear.

The visitors had controlled the early proceedings and they went ahead on 23 minutes as a cross from Sessegnon was headed home by Muniz despite a challenge from Robinson.

Martial Godo then had a great opportunity to double the Cottagers lead when he was played through by Sessegnon, but he could only hit the side netting.

Almost out of the blue Latics were level with their first shot on target five minutes into the second half.

Jonny Smith picked the ball up on the right and cut in from the right and curled a wonderful strike into the top corner. His third goal in the FA Cup this season.

However, the lead only lasted five minutes as Pereira’s long pass found Muniz who finished past Tickle.

Despite the setback Latics responded and they pushed for an equaliser as substitute Darcy crossed and defender Diop diverted the ball over his own crossbar from close range.

Maloney’s men were now in the ascendancy and Scott Smith forced a low save from Benda.

Another substitute Will Goodwin then charged down Benda’s goal kick and Darcy’s effort from 40 yards just couldn’t quite make it.

Substitute Dale was making an immediate impact and he tried his luck from 30 yards on the volley which Benda had to save at full stretch.

Latics looked like they had grabbed a deserved late equaliser to send the game into extra time as Dale’s shot from distance was spilled and Darcy was there to tap home. 

Unfortunately for Latics the linesman raised his flag and came to Fulham’s rescue and the visitors progressed to the next round.

Overview

After a tentative first half when Latics perhaps over respected their Premier League opponents they came to life in the second half.

A typical Jonny Smith wonder-strike drew Latics level and despite Fulham’s quick response Latics were in the ascendancy in the last 30 minutes of the game. 

If they had had a little more luck they would’ve taken the game into extra time.

The impact of substitutes Owen Dale, Will Goodwin and Ronan Darcy was significant.

All three created opportunities and posed a goal threat that has not been evident for much of the season.

Dale in particular took the game to Fulham  and attacked at every opportunity. Both his efforts at goal nearly resulted in an equaliser. 

Darcy looks like a good creative addition and Goodwin had his best game so far.

Defensively Captain Jason Kerr and James Carragher were excellent although Luke Robinson and Toby Sibbick did look vulnerable at times, which is probably understandable considering it was against Premier League opposition.

If this second half showing can be replicated in League One then Latics’ fans can look forward to the rest of the season.

Post match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards, Maloney praised his players for their efforts, particularly in the second 45.

“Proud is one of the words I’d use.”

“I was disappointed at the end. I thought the lads were brilliant in the second half, and they went toe-to-toe with Fulham. 

“There wasn’t much in it – I am proud of how the lads played, particularly in the second half.

“I’m gutted for them that we lost the game, but I enjoyed what I saw in the second half.

“From my point of view, I’d say we deserved it from that second half, but it wasn’t to be.”

Over 10,000 Tics supporters got behind their team from minute one, and Maloney expressed the connection between his players and the fans was there for all to see.

“I expect a lot from this group. It really felt like a completely different stadium – the supporters’ connection with our players today was incredible. 

“I wanted to create that feeling even more. The biggest thing from today is the feeling from the support – and within the stadium that I’ve not felt in a long, long time. 

“I heard songs I hadn’t heard for years, and today felt like a step forward for our Club. The support should take big credit.”

Later in the evening Latics released the news that Jonny Smith had signed a new contract.

Maloney said, “Not only a talented footballer, Jonny has an outstanding attitude and mentality, and I am hoping he can continue to flourish in a Wigan Athletic shirt.”

Smith has penned extended terms at the Brick Community Stadium until at least the summer of 2027, with the new contract signifying his outstanding form during his time at the Football Club to date.

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