Wigan Athletic teenager Harrison Bettoni scored the decisive goal as the League One side stunned Championship promotion-chasers Preston North End in the FA Cup third round, securing a 1-0 victory at Deepdale. The win marks a memorable cup run for Wigan and highlights the emergence of a promising young talent.

Bettoni’s Decisive Strike

After a match that saw long stretches of limited goalmouth action, the breakthrough came 15 minutes from time. Bettoni, operating from the right wing, cut inside and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that deflected off Preston defender Andrew Hughes into the net.

The goal proved to be the difference despite Wigan missing a golden opportunity to double their lead when Callum Wright saw a penalty cleared over the crossbar following a foul on Maleace Asamoah.

Late Drama Secured by Sam Tickle

The victory was not without tension. Preston’s Alfie Devine forced Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle into a remarkable save with a glancing header, and a subsequent rebound by Brad Potts was ruled out for offside. Tickle’s heroics ensured Wigan’s historic win, keeping the FA Cup dream alive for the League One side.

Wigan’s Road to the Third Round

Wigan, who famously won the FA Cup in 2013, had needed penalty shootouts to progress past non-league Hemel Hempstead Town and fourth-tier Barrow in the opening two rounds. Bettoni’s late goal allowed them to bypass that drama against a team 35 league positions above them.

Manager Ryan Lowe, returning to his former club Preston, praised his side’s discipline and tactical execution:

“I’m pleased for our fans and pleased for the lads. The game plan worked a treat. Coming back to your old club and performing to the levels we did, limiting them to very few chances, is fantastic. We had three big opportunities and should have scored more.”

Preston’s Struggles and Reactions

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom made seven changes from the side that beat Bristol City 2-0, but his team struggled for rhythm and creativity. Substitutes Milutin Osmajic, Michael Smith, and Alfie Devine were introduced to try and turn the match around, but despite Devine forcing two notable saves from Tickle, Preston could not find a way through.

Heckingbottom reflected on the performance:

“From the first minute, we weren’t playing how we want to play. Everything to do with organisation, things we pride ourselves on, we weren’t as good as we normally are. It makes the game harder for yourself. It’s frustrating because chances like this are rare.”

Wigan’s Key Performances

• Harrison Bettoni (43) – Player of the match, average rating: 8.69, scoring the decisive goal.
• Sam Tickle (1) – Outstanding saves, keeping Preston at bay, average rating: 5.32.
• Maleace Asamoah – Provided pace and attacking threat after coming on as a substitute.
• Callum Wright – Missed a penalty but contributed creatively across the flank.

Bettoni’s performance at just 19 years old underlines Wigan’s reputation for developing young talent and stepping up in high-pressure situations.

The Road Ahead

Wigan progress to the FA Cup fourth round, setting up another exciting fixture as they continue their historic cup run. Manager Ryan Lowe emphasized the importance of every FA Cup game:

“We want to win every game as much as we can. We’re probably not going to win the FA Cup, but with our supporters behind us in a local derby, going through to the fourth round is a big achievement.”

For Preston, the defeat will be a wake-up call as they look to maintain momentum in their Championship promotion campaign, with lessons to be learned from Wigan’s defensive organisation and clinical counter-attacks.