Holt shines as Latics progress

Latics reserves held their nerve to beat Rochdale 3 – 2 on penalties to progress to the semi final of the Lancashire cup this afternoon.

The game was a tight affair all afternoon with little to choose between the two sides.

Rochdale had the first chance when a mistake by Mc Carthy let in Manga forcing Nicholls into a ine save. Nicholls was quickly forced into another fine save from the corner.

At the other end Holt with two shots, Cwyka and Kupisz all tested the ‘ Dale keeper but the goal when it came was from a set piece when Langley rose unchallenged froma corner to head home.

Latics seemed in control but two minutes from half time a snap shot from Rochdales’ Higginbotham left Nicholls with no chance and the scores were level.

Latics broke from the kick off and were immeadately awarded a penalty but Redmond’s weak shot was easily saved.

The second half was played at a furious tempo, with both sides spurning chances and it was little surprise that the game ended as a draw and as a result a penalty shoot out.

‘Dale missed their first two kicks and with Wigan converting theirs the result never seemed in doubt and Wigan progressed into the next round.