Match report

Wigan Defeats Preston 1-0 in FA Cup Thriller

Preston
Preston
0–1
FT
Wigan
Wigan
Jan 9, 2026

Wigan managed to edge out Preston in an intense FA Cup clash, winning by a solitary goal scored by H. Bettoni late into the second half. Despite numerous substitutions and yellow cards, Wigan's defense held firm against several waves of attacks from Preston.

Key Facts

  • • Wigan secured victory with a 1-0 scoreline against Preston in the FA Cup.
  • • H. Bettoni scored the winning goal for Wigan at minute 75.
  • • Preston made multiple substitutions, including L. Gibson and M. Frokjaer-Jensen.
  • • D. Costelloe received a yellow card for simulation at minute 71.

Lineups

Preston

Formation: 3-4-3

Starting XI

  • 1 D. Iversen (G)
  • 14 J. Storey (D)
  • 6 L. Lindsay (D)
  • 19 L. Gibson (D)
  • 2 P. Valentin (M)
  • 8 A. McCann (M)
  • 15 J. Thompson (M)
  • 26 T. Small (M)
  • 17 L. Dobbin (F)
  • 9 D. Jebbison (F)
  • 10 M. Frokjaer-Jensen (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 J. Walton
  • 42 O. Offiah
  • 16 A. Hughes
  • 44 B. Potts
  • 4 B. Whiteman
  • 21 A. Devine
  • 7 W. Keane
  • 24 M. Smith
  • 28 M. Osmajic

Wigan

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 S. Tickle (G)
  • 4 W. Aimson (D)
  • 23 J. Carragher (D)
  • 3 M. Fox (D)
  • 21 R. Borges Rodrigues (M)
  • 6 J. Weir (M)
  • 17 M. Smith (M)
  • 44 J. Hungbo (M)
  • 43 H. Bettoni (F)
  • 8 C. Wright (F)
  • 11 D. Costelloe (F)

Substitutes

  • 30 T. Savin
  • 5 S. Sessegnon
  • 45 C. Llyton
  • 35 T. Francois
  • 27 T. Brenan
  • 20 C. McManaman
  • 9 C. Saydee
  • 37 M. Asamoah
  • — A. Moseley

Timeline

  1. Preston
    46' Preston subst · Substitution 1
    Off: L. Gibson · On: Andrew Hughes
  2. Preston
    64' Preston subst · Substitution 2
    Off: M. Frokjaer-Jensen · On: M. Smith
  3. Preston
    65' Preston subst · Substitution 3
    Off: D. Jebbison · On: M. Osmajic
  4. Wigan
    71' Wigan Card · Yellow Card
    D. Costelloe

    Simulation

  5. Preston
    72' Preston subst · Substitution 4
    Off: L. Dobbin · On: A. Devine
  6. Wigan
    75' Wigan Goal · Normal Goal
    H. Bettoni · Assist: C. Wright
  7. Wigan
    78' Wigan subst · Substitution 1
    Off: H. Bettoni · On: M. Asamoah
  8. Preston
    81' Preston subst · Substitution 5
    Off: L. Lindsay · On: B. Potts
  9. Wigan
    90'+1 Wigan subst · Substitution 2
    Off: D. Costelloe · On: C. Saydee
  10. Preston
    90'+3 Preston Card · Yellow Card
    J. Thompson

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat Preston Wigan
Fouls 9 10
Pass Accuracy 83% 62%
Offsides 3 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 12 10
Corners 3 2
Total Passes 558 235
Yellow Cards 1 1
Blocked Shots 3 1
Shots on Target 2 3
xG 1.27 1.85
Shots off Target 7 6
Possession 70% 30%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 461 146
Shots Inside Box 9 8
Saves 2 2
Shots Outside Box 3 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Wigan's goal by H. Bettoni at the 75th minute was crucial, breaking Preston's momentum.
  • ▸ Preston's multiple substitutions in quick succession after the half-hour mark did not yield an equalizer.