Chem Campbell’s fourth goal of the week fired Wolves under-23s into the quarter finals of the Premier League Cup at the expense of Wigan Athletic. In a game where chances were hard to come by, James Collins’ top scorer produced when it mattered in Stalybridge.
It was a battle of a cup tie, and there was little to choose between the sides for much of the contest, but with 20 minutes left Dexter Lembikisa showed great energy down the right and landed his cross on to the head of Campbell, who nodded home from close range to send Wolves through.
Having travelled up to Bower Fold in Stalybridge, Wolves quickly acclimatised to a difficult surface and showed their first piece of quality on 13 minutes which almost yielded the opening goal, as Hugo Bueno played a neat one-two with Campbell into the box but shot over the bar.
The old gold had already had to recover from losing with Justin Hubner after just 10 minutes, with Oliver Tipton replacing him. That change did little to alter what was a cagey opening period however, with Bueno again shooting over with the break approaching.
The first-half did provide the latest positive for Yerson Mosquera, who added more minutes to his return from injury. However, he could only watch on as the Latics twice threatened, first when Harry McGugh’s free-kick curled just wide and then when Palmi Arinbjornsson beat away Dean Pinnington’s effort.
Then, right at the end of the half, the lively Bueno lifted a cross into the box and Lembikisa rose hightest to get his head to it, but Sam Tickle got down low the smother the effort.
Half-time | Wigan 0-0 Wolves
Collins’ side started the second period lively, and Campbell struck a warning shot wide from a free-kick, before Taylor Perry appealed in vain for a penalty. However, Mosquera didn’t return for the second-half, departing for Pascal Estrada in what was more than likely a pre-planned change.
As the second-half progressed, it was poised for one moment of quality to swing proceedings, and Lembikisa provided it, charging down the right and hanging up a cross for Campbell, who was in the right place to nod in from close range to give Wolves the lead.
However, instantly after finding the breakthrough, Wolves almost relinquished that momentum as Joe Adams skipped past his man and through on goal, but Arinbjornsson flew of his line, spread himself and made a crucial save.
Campbell did have the opportunity to add gloss to the scoreline, after twisting and turning into space, but Tickle made the save and no further opportunities arose, as Collins’ side progressed by a solitary goal.
Full-time | Wigan 0-1 Wolves
COMING UP
James Collins’ side have a fortnight’s break before continuing their Premier League 2 campaign on the road at West Bromwich Albion as the under-23s take part in the latest Black Country derby. Before then, several of the younger members of the squad will be looking to be involved in the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup away at Manchester United.
NEXT FIVE
14/03 West Bromwich Albion (A)
18/03 Aston Villa (H)
25/03 Southampton (A)
01/04 Nottingham Forest (A)
15/04 Middlesbrough (A)
TEAMS
Wolves: Arinbjornsson, Lembikisa, Bueno, Mosquera (Estrada 46), Marques, Hubner (Tipton 10), Hodnett (Hodge 73), Griffiths, Carty, Perry, Campbell.
Unused subs: Harkin, Roberts.
Wigan: Tickle, Lloyd, Sobowale, Long, Hughes, McGee, Pinnington (Worsley 86), Adeeko (Payne 68), Adams, McHugh, Baningime.
Unused subs: Mooney, Sumner, Smith.
