Wigan survive a second successive penalty shootout in the FA Cup

Wigan Athletic 2 - 2 Barrow (Wigan won 4-3 on penalties)

Wigan survived a second successive penalty shootout in the FA Cup, again edging past lower-league opponents after a breathless contest.

Author | Amy W

Stadium | The Brick Community Stadium

They struck first after 13 minutes when Fraser Murray’s corner drifted to James Carragher at the far post and the stand-in captain nodded in from close range.

Barrow, having reached the interval only one goal adrift, emerged after the break with far greater purpose and drew level on 65 minutes. Ben Whitfield whipped in a cross from the right and Jack Earing reacted sharply to stab the ball home at the near post, sparking jubilation among the travelling supporters.

The visitors almost turned the tie on its head when Charlie Raglan was denied from point-blank range by Sam Tickle, who produced an outstanding save. Barrow continued to press and their pressure told five minutes from time when Niall Canavan rose to head Charlie McCann’s corner in off the bar.

Late drama and into extra time

Wigan responded at the death as Will Aimson headed in a Callum McManaman delivery, and they survived another scare moments later when former Latics midfielder Scott Smith was thwarted by a superb stop from Tickle.

90' - ⏱️ The first period of extra time is underway.

(2-2) | #wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/yPdApANDpO

— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) December 6, 2025

In the first spell of extra time, Charlie McCann let fly with a strike that cut through the wind and skimmed past the far post, while Harrison Bettoni’s twisting run ended with a shot straight at Stanway.

Wigan controlled the second half of extra time and carved out a series of chances to reclaim the lead. Callum McManaman twice went close with a header gathered by Stanway and a volley that was smartly blocked, while Saydee was halted by a superb piece of last-ditch defending after weaving his way into space inside the box.

McManaman, Murray, Aimson and Saydee all converted in the shootout. Tickle denied Ben Jackson and MJ Williams clipped the bar to send Wigan through.

The result stretches Wigan’s unbeaten run to nine matches and they will now wait until Monday to discover their opponents in the third round.