Soft pen puts Latics through

	Wigan’s team of fringe players completely dominated the match

Latics boss Paul Jewell made nine changes to his starting lineup, while Graeme Souness fielded virtually his strongest available lineup for the match. But it was Wigan who dominated the match from start to finish.

The Latics battered the Newcastle goal – and only a combination of poor finishing and some inspired goalkeeping from Shay Given kept the match at 0-0. But a controversial decision from referee Steve Bennett gave Wigan the breakthrough.

With just three minutes remaining, Robbie Elliott was adjudged to have brought down Jason Roberts in the area. Elliott did have his hands on the Wigan striker, but it looked more like Roberts was backing in, and went down very easily. You’ve seen them given, but it looked harsh.

Striker David Connolly stepped up and sent Republic of Ireland teammate Given the wrong way with the penalty to secure a well-deserved win for the home side.

Wigan’s team of fringe players completely dominated the match, and defeat will have piled the pressure on manager Graeme Souness, with a significant number of the Newcastle support now questioning his future at the club. After spending millions, the Magpies are languishing in the bottom half of the Premiership and are now out of the Carling Cup.

With speculation over Alex McLeish’s position at Glasgow Rangers, could Souey end up departing St James’ Park for a return to his old stamping ground at Ibrox?