Young Latics side unable to overcome experienced City

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2
Ball, 17
Nimely, 87

WIGAN ATHLETIC RESERVES 0

A young, stretched Latics side were unable to stretch their unbeaten run to five games, playing well but ultimately defeated away to Man City.

The home side featured a number of players with first-team experience, including Roque Santa Cruz up-front, and were ahead after 17 minutes.

Finding space inside the area David Ball struck goal-wards, but his effort was off-target until the outstretched knee of Michael Jukes deflected the ball past the helpless Lee Nicholls. In truth there was nothing neither player could to prevent the goal, both had taken up good positions and were unlucky with the outcome.

Jukes, naturally a centre-forward, had been reverted to centre-half such was the shortage in numbers available. Out of position he did well, making good use of his physical attributes and keeping things simple alongside Adam Buxton and skipper for the evening Daniel Redmond.

Trying to press forward in search of an equaliser Latics just couldn't make an impact in City's half. Callum McManaman was again outstanding and covered every blade of grass attempting to get his team back in the game.

After the break both he and Tomasz Kupisz came close. First the Pole struck from the corner of the penalty area forcing the goalkeeper into an awkward save, before McManaman won possession on the half-way line, drove toward the area and fired low with his left-foot. Another tester for the 'keeper who wasn't to be beaten on this occasion.

The home side wrapped things up minutes before the end, Alex Nimely capitalising upon a defensive error to slot into the empty net and secure all three points.

A disappointing night then for Latics, but a brave performance considering the absence of a number of key players.

Latics: Nicholls; Girvan, Buxton, Jukes, Redmond; Breeze, McManaman; Kupisz, Morris, Serrano; Rugg

Subs: Williams, Willis, Phillip, Lewis