Ten years after their famous FA Cup triumph at Wembley, Wigan enjoyed another 1-0 win in the competition.
Only this time it was not against the mighty Manchester City to lift the trophy, but at non-league York City to reach the third round.
The Latics are now managed by Shaun Maloney, the man who put in the corner for Ben Watson’s stoppage-time header on that memorable day in 2013.
For York boss Neal Ardley, the former Wimbledon midfielder, attention will now turn to ensuring his team stay up in the National League.
York City were knocked out in the second round of the FA Cup after losing 1-0 to Wigan
It was the first time that York had appeared in the second round of the tournament in 13 years
York manager Neal Ardley watches on as his side suffered the defeat with Stephen Humphrys scoring in the 61st minute
Yet he will take huge encouragement from the Minstermen’s performance against a side 53 places above them in the league ladder.
This was actually York’s first appearance in the FA Cup second round in 13 years – and the first time they had ever been live on national terrestrial television in their 101-year history.
Those watching on the BBC, however, would have been forgiven for turning over early on given the match was barely visible through the thick fog.
Still, York were determined to make the most of their night in the spotlight and did not look overawed by being on TV.
The Minstermen’s veteran goalkeeper David Stockdale – who doubles up as head of recruitment here – is certainly no stranger to the big occasion. He played in the Premier League for Fulham and earned an England call-up under Fabio Capello in 2011.
And he used all his experience to thwart Wigan in the first half, twice saving from Humphrys and then recovering to deny Callum Lang after he had been rounded by the Latics captain.
York were themselves unable to test visiting stopper Sam Tickle. But they had a huge shout for a penalty shortly before half-time when the ball brushed the hand of Wigan’s Baba Adeeko, although referee Thomas Kirk was unmoved.
It was also the first time in York’s 101-year history that the National League side had been shown on terrestrial television
But York pushed the Latics right to the end, applying late pressure on Wigan who weathered several late attacks from the Minstermen
In the second half, however, they only had themselves to blame for gifting Wigan their goal. It came via a headed clearance from Latics defender Omar Rekik, which York centre-half Tyler Cordner completely misjudged.
He leapt for the ball and missed it, allowing Humphrys a clear run on goal. Unlike in the first half, the Wigan forward made no mistake, rounding Stockdale and sliding into the empty net for his ninth goal of the season.
York rallied in response and applied late pressure after the introduction of Afghanistan international Maziar Kouhyar.
He forced a fine save out of Tickle with a dipping shot from outside the box. And then in injury-time, his fine cross teed up captain Lenell John-Lewis, but man they call ‘The Shop’ was out of stock, as he headed hopelessly wide.
