Penalty success

Leek started the game in a disjointed form, with it being clear the team wasn’t used to playing together as Wigan controlled the first 10 minutes of the game, and Leek had to defend more than attack. Leek stood firm though and grew into the game, as the team became more accustomed to functioning as a unit. As they started to string passes together, they started to threaten the Wigan goal. Despite this building pressure a breakthrough could not be found before half time.

Leek started the second half as the first had finished, and quickly won a short corner. This short corner could not be converted into anything more than another short corner as the pressure grew in the Wigan D. As the resulting short corner broke down a ball fired across the D by O’Neill found Hatcher unmarked at the back post who deflected the ball into the bottom corner, to give Leek the lead. Energised by this goal Leek pressed more and manage to create more chances, however they were unable to convert any of these opportunities. Wigan weathered this storm and started to stretch the game as Leek pressed on. With 10 minutes to go, the Wigan captain manged to get a shot across the goal, which was tapped home by their centre forward on the back post, cancelling out Hatchers earlier strike. Having, themselves being energised by a goal, Wigan pushed for the game winner. With 3 minutes left on the clock they won a short corner, but Leeks defence stood firm. With 2 minutes to go it was now Leek’s turn to press, but the deadlock could not be broken before the final whistle.

With a winner needing to be decided on the day, the game was set for penalties. Leek won the toss and decided to flick first, with O’Neill duly finished his flick. Williamson then denied Wigan their first chance, putting the pressure on the visiting team. On Leek’s second attempt Wigan’s keeper kept out Van Staden’s effort, whilst Wigan were able to score, equalling the scores up. Vincent’s effort was slotted past the keeper, however Wigan were able to answer. As the Wigan keeper denied James’ effort, and Wigan scored on their fourth attempt, they now had the upper hand. Whittaker converted his flick, placing Leek’s hopes of progressing into the next round onto Williamson’s shoulders. He managed to keep out Wigan’s fifth effort sending, the competition it to sudden death. Leek didn’t miss a flick in sudden death, with O’Neill, Vincent and Whittaker all converting again. Williamson then dived to his right and denied Wigan’s third attempt, ensuring that Leek went through to the next round of the plate.