Nothing funny as Lee Evans sparkles
WIGAN Athletic boss Paul Cook admitted he’s dreaming of an FA Cup run as the former holders edged thier way past Crawley.
Jordan Roberts’ superb finish gave the visitors the lead, but Ivan Toney levelled before Lee Evans’ thunderous winner
Cook had special words for Evans, called up to Wales’ senior squad, and feels he’s showed just what he’s capable of.
“An FA Cup run?” said Cook. “Why not? We’re through to the next round though I’d have said no if we’d got beat – that’s just football.
“Every team does [dream big] – Wigan did five years ago and won the trophy at Wembley. We’re not the same club but we have the same ambition and we want to do it for the fans.
“If we’re in the third round, everyone gets excited when the ball comes out of the hat and as a manager you want to put your side there.
“That includes the second round with whomever we get, which won’t be easy.
“Lee’s got that shot in him – he’s one of the best strikers of the ball in the club.”
Crawley led with an outstanding goal from Roberts on 20 minutes, who chested and fired home in one movement, with the home fans even applauding. But the Latics equalised bang on 29 minutes as Toney readjusted in the air to scissor kick home after Evans’ deflected cross.
Moments later, Nick Powell nearly added to the standard of finishes when he cheekily chipped the ball through on the charge past Crawley’s defence only to shoot wide.
Wigan should have led on 54 minutes, but Toney could only smash the bar from nine yards out.
Evans continued the thread of great goals when he unleashed an unstoppable left-footed winner from 30 yards out on 71 minutes.
Crawley boss Harry Kewell cut a disappointed figure at the end, believing his players deserved to force a replay at least.
“I’m not going to lie, we’re all disappointed,” the Australian said.
“We gave them a game – you don’t see many League One players coming off with cramp, as they knew they were in a game.
“It’s frustrating because in moments when they have chances, they take them. We don’t shoot – we’ve got to be able to.
“To go in 1-1 at half time, I was disappointed.
“But we had opportunities. We’re creating them and it’s down to players being responsible to take those chances.”