Sport

Good omens: FA Cup holders Wigan Athletic draw first game in repeat of last season’s road to glory

By Colin Rhodes

If Wigan Athletic’s first steps in this season’s FA Cup are anything to go by given their sensational triumph last year, they could be on for a repeat.

Wigan were held 3-3 in thrilling fashion by MK Dons on Saturday having twice been in front against the League One side at the DW Stadium.

Last season’s third round tie with AFC Bournemouth also threw up a replay following a draw at the DW Stadium and midfielder Callum McManaman was optimistic about Latics’ chances.

“We started with a replay against Bournemouth last year and then look what happened after that,” he said, referring to Wigan’s 1-0 upset of Manchester City in the Wembley final last May.

“Anything can happen in this competition and that’s what makes it so special. We know we’re good enough to go to their ground in 10 days and do the business to get us into the fourth round.

“It was just a crazy game, that’s the FA Cup for you.”

Uwe Rosler’s men took a two-goal lead in the opening 26 minutes of the match but the Dons pulled back to 2-2 before half time.

McManaman then scored his sixth career FA Cup goal to force his side back in front just moments after Ali Al Habsi saved a penalty, before an 86th minute equaliser sent the tie to a replay.

The winners of take two on January 14 can look forward to a home tie against Premier League team Crystal Palace.

Image courtesy of FATV via YouTube, with thanks.

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