The FA cup Pic: Carlos Yo
Crystal Palace are out of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat to the holders of the trophy, Wigan Athletic.
Palace began Saturday’s match as favourites, but the second-tier side were able to overcome the Eagles with some more of the cup magic that saw them lift the trophy last May.
Former Palace midfielder Ben Watson steered in James McClean’s cutback to score the opening goal of the game for Wigan ten minutes before half-time.
The Londoners drew level in the 69th minute when substitute Aaron Wilbraham reacted first to a loose ball inside the six-yard box to score with his first touch after coming off the bench.
However McClean had the final say 12 minutes from time as he fired in his first goal for Wigan to claim a surprise victory.
Despite last season’s heroics from Wigan, which culminated in victory over Manchester City in the final, few fancied them to get past Palace.
However the performances on the day did not mirror the division gap between the two teams.
In his post-match interview with the BBC, Wigan manager Uwe Rosler said: “It is fantastic to be in the last 16 and who knows what can happen if we get a good draw at home in the next round.”
“We had a lot of opportunities to put the game to bed but we didn’t do that. That’s why it was nervous near the end.”
Palace boss Tony Pulis was visibly downcast following the defeat, but seemed to think it was luck rather than the effort of his players that was to blame.
Pulis said: “We’re disappointed not to get something out of the game. We came to have a go and tried to win the game.”
“When you play in cup ties you need certain decisions to go your way. One or two decisions didn’t go our way but that is what happens.”
Palace will look to bounce back with a victory in their next league game at Selhurst Park against fellow strugglers, Hull City on Tuesday night.
