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I very nearly didn't bother to write up about this game, yet another disappointing result for Wigan. But if any fan really wanted a cup run, then they need to think what is more important to them. So it was a weakened team that took on the league 2 side of Swindon Town, with only Gary Caldwell and Ali Al Habsi the current first team regulars (Emmerson Boyce is as well, but it was his first game in over two months).
With that in mind you would have hoped for a solid performance with the likes of Hendry Thomas and James Mcarthur playing the the center of the middle of the park. And our leading goalscorer Franco Di Santo playing up front, If he can't score against a league two side, what does it say about him.
Well we were 1-0 up after a penatly against McManaman was converted at the second time of asking by the young forward, who is growing into a really good player. A loan away from the club looks likely for the second half of the season, but for me that would be a waste as he could really help to fight for a squad place, and show his talents in the Premier League.
But by half time, it was 1-1. Alan Connell scoring to level for Swindon and since they had gone a goal down, they deserved to pull level. The second half was a sloppy affair as far as Wigan were concerned. Di Santo failing to score when chances were there. Before with 15 minutes to go, a wicked deflection saw Swindon take a 2-1 lead.
There you go that okay?
For me the most important part of the game, was the fact that Callum Mcmanaman, Jordan Robinson and Jordan Mustoe all got game time for the club and where able to show what they are capable of. From what i have seen they were our best three players on the pitch.
The youth at this squad are very capable and will go onto progress and break into the first team. Like I said before Mcmanaman should be looking to stay at the club and fight for a first team place, his pace and ability to take players on his coming along brilliantly. While his effort levels are through the roof.
This may have been an embarrassing defeat, yet it allows us to not go on a stupid cup run where our resources would become very much stretched. Instead letting us focus on staying in the Premier League.