Senior players inspire come-back but can't prevent defeat
WIGAN ATHLETIC RESERVES 3
de Ridder 50
McCarthy 65
Kapo 88
MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 4
Poole 7, 59
Mak 30
Ball 56
A spirited second-half come-back from Graham Barrow's men wasn't quite enough to rescue a point against an impressive Man City side.
Despite being 2-0 down at half-time, Latics, who fielded a number of senior players and trialists, fought back to set up an exciting finale, but unfortunately ran out of time before they could claw back an equaliser.
Daniel de Ridder started the revival, when Marlon King broke down the right wing and squared to Rachid Bouaouzan on the edge of the area. The Dutchman then squared for his fellow countryman charging in from the left who slotted home calmly. Bouaouzan was one of Latics' brightest players throughout the game, eager to get on the ball and running with intent at defenders when in possession.
Despite falling further behind from David Ball's goal, Barrow's side refused to give in, and it was James McCarthy this time who kept the fight going.
McCarthy will certainly be proud of his strike, latching onto a cleared cross 25-yards out and hitting a sweet volley into the right-hand corner. A good performance all round from McCarthy, who seemed to have shaken off his niggling thigh injury.
With minutes left Olivier Kapo, back from an injury that has kept him out since pre-season, timed his run into the area to perfection and met Bouaouzan's cross with his left-foot, leaving the City 'keeper with no chance, much to the delight of his son watching from the stands!
Ultimately it was the City forward line of James Poole, David Ball and the tricky Robert Mak who did the damage, all finishing well from close range and leaving Jurgen Macho with little chance of making the save. Macho actually had little else to deal with during the game, but his distribution and command of the area will have satisfied the on-looking Roberto Martinez.
Another man eager to impress is Cameroon international Modeste M'Bami, also on trial at the club. Playing in front of the defence he showed good strength and although the odd pass didn't reach it's intended target he certainly showed promise.
Overall a tough night for a different looking reserve side against a Man City side well used to playing with one another who showed a real killer-instinct up-front. On the positive side those who did feature will have gained a lot from the experience whether it be gaining much needed match practice or learning from senior professionals.
Latics: Macho; Routledge, Buxton (Langley, 72), Amaya, Mustoe; M'Bami, McCarthy; de Ridder, Kapo, Bouaouzan; King
Subs: Nicholls, Holt, Cywka, McManaman
