Substitute Fraser Murray scored a late goal to give hosts Wigan a 1-0 win over north-west neighbours Stockport in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The two sides meet at the same ground in League One on Saturday, and their priorities showed with a whopping 17 changes in total made to their starting line-ups.
The only half-chances of a poor opening 45 minutes went to Wigan, with Maleace Asamoah Jnr dragging a shot well wide before heading over the top.
Asamoah Jnr continued to look the man most likely to break the deadlock in the second period, with his pace threatening to get him behind last man Corey O’Keeffe.
Fortunately for the visitors, as Asamoah Jnr looked like he was in on goal, a soft looking free-kick was awarded to the visitors.
With penalties looming, Wigan finally made the breakthrough with five minutes remaining when two substitutes combined, Christian Saydee’s cross being nodded in by Murray at the far post.
Tobias Brenan ought to have doubled the lead moments later, only to take too much time getting his shot away, allowing Ben Hinchliffe to make a fine save.
