Wigan Athletic were beaten 6-5 on penalties by Barnsley after a 1-1 draw in the Carabao Cup First Round at Oakwell on Saturday. Despite dominating large periods of play and creating numerous chances, Gary Caldwell's side were punished by a late Cameron McGeehan strike in the 80th minute.
Dara Costelloe had given Latics the lead in the 40th minute, but McGeehan's equaliser set up the penalty shootout. A late goal from K'Marni Miller that would have won the match was ruled out for offside in a tight decision.
Strong Start, Missed Opportunities
Wigan named a strong starting XI for their first competitive outing of the season. Joe Walsh, Connor Barrett and Sonny Perkins all made their competitive debuts for the club, while Max Power captained the side in his third stint at the club.
Latics controlled proceedings from the opening whistle and created clear-cut chances within the first seven minutes. Jensen Weir's lofted pass found Chris Sze early on, but the effort went wide. Minutes later, Sze set up another opportunity for Costelloe that also went begging.
James Carragher found himself unmarked in the Barnsley box after Morgan Fox's header picked him out, but keeper Rogan Ravenhill gathered under pressure. Fraser Murray tested Ravenhill with a low drive before hitting the post from a loose Barnsley header.
Connor Barrett's through ball gave Sze another shooting chance which Ravenhill saved. Sze tested the keeper again from 25 yards after interplay involving Power and Perkins, but the effort was turned behind for a corner.
League One Challenge Ahead
Wigan's next fixture is their League One opener next week.
