Wigan sink Millwall to reach first FA Cup final

Fans brawl

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 13, (AFP): Wigan Athletic overcame second-tier Millwall 2-0 at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium on Saturday to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in the club’s 81-year history.

Amodest crowd of below 63,000 saw Scottish attacking midfielder Shaun Maloney claim the opening goal with a composed volley mid-way through the first half.

Initially cowed by Wigan’s authoritative passing game, Millwall rallied in the second period, but Callum McManaman capped a fine individual performance with his side’s second goal 12 minutes from time.

“It is a great feeling, but it is one of relief, particularly with the way the second half went. It will sink in during the next few weeks,” Maloney told BBC radio. The closing moments of the game were, however, overshadowed by fighting amongst Millwall fans which was broken up by baton-wielding police officers.

Wigan now await the winners of Sunday’s other semi-final between Manchester City and holders Chelsea, as they look forward to a second major domestic final after a one-sided loss to Manchester United in the 2006 League Cup. However, for all their exploits in the cup, Wigan remain in the Premier League’s relegation zone, and Maloney added: “We have a big next month com-

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Millwall’s Sean St Ledger, (top), competes with Wigan Athletic’s Jean Beausejour during their English FACup semifinal soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London, April 13. (AP)