Wigan 1–0 Arsenal U21

Hopes of a Wembley final were dashed when a late goal from Divin Baningime saw League One leaders Wigan beat a vallliant effort from Kevin Betsy's U21 side at the DW Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Kick-off was delayed by ten minutes to allow the unexpected crowds into the Main Stand, all keen to watch this eagerly-awaited clash.

Leam Richardson’s Latics, who thrashed Oldham Athletic 6-0 in the previous round earlier this month, fielded a younger starting XI than for a League One game, but the fact remained Wigan are top of the third tier.

In an absorbing match Arsenal’s Salah Oulad M’Hand thudded against Latics captain and goalkeeper Jamie Jones’ bar in the first half, with the bustling Mika Biereth having his close range shot blocked by the Latics keeper.

Charlie Patino was substituted at the break following a heavy knock moments before the interval, to be replaced by former Peckham Town alumnus Reuell Walters.

Zak Swanson fired over the ball midway through the second half as Betsy’s side pressed for a winner against the home side which included one James Carragher, son of Liverpool legend Jamie.

However, as the clock ticked down towards penalties Wigan substitute Divin Baningime powered through to slot home to make it 1-0 and break Young Guns’ hearts.

Read on for our Player Ratings from the DW Stadium:

Arsenal U21 (4-2-3-1)

Ovie Ejheri: 6/10 – While it is good to see the young keeper alert to distributing the ball early,  the 18-year-old who has been with the club since 2008 has to be aware of onrushing forwards. Could he have been better positioned for the late goal? Perhaps, but at this level the most important thing is the experience gained from matches such as this

Mazeed Ogungbo: 7/10 – An excellent technique to go with his physicality – as witnessed by superb close control from a long ball by Wigan keeper Jamie Jones that even drew applause from the locals

Zach Awe: 7/10 – Looked to play out from the back but not afraid to go long when the situation required. Excellent timing to cut out dangerous crosses

Alex Kirk: 7/10 - Solid but perhaps needs to work on his technique. Nothing wrong with his timing with a number of excellent blocks to thwart Wigan

Zak Swanson: 7/10 – Fired narrowly wide in the second half before having a powerful drive tipped over by Jones as the Young Guns searched for a winner

Jack Henry-Francis: 7/10 - Worked his socks off. A busy presence in the heart of battle. Always available to give and receive a pass to help out colleagues. Earned his round of applause from the Arsenal supporters in attendance at the DW when he was subbed off in the second half  

Joel Lopez: 7/10 – Excellent anticipation and positioning saw him nick the ball off the opposition more times than they would have liked

Charlie Patino: 7/10 - A class act as ever. Vision and creativity allied with a tremendous work-rate and excellent temperament. Substituted during the interval following a knock shortly before half time

Mika Biereth: 7/10 – The bustling forward never stopped working. Had his close-range shot blocked by Latics keeper Jones

Salah Oulad M’Hand: 7.5/10  – Thudded the bar with a long-range effort in the first half. Happy to drop deep to receive the ball in a bid to prompt attacks

Omari Hutchinson: 5/10 – Not as influential as his last performance in the Papa John’s

Substitutes:

Reuell Walters: 7/10 – The former Peckham Town youngster replaced Charlie Patino during the interval  

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji: 7/10- Came on for Francis midway through the second half intent on driving at the Wigan backline  

Khayon Edwards – 7/10 - On for Alex Kirk late on

Head coach: Kevin Betsy: 10/10 – The humble and modest boss can be so proud of his talented side becoming the first Premier League academy to reach this stage

Wigan Athletic pies: 10/10 – Outstanding pies in this part of the world