There was plenty to celebrate at Brocstedes Park on Sunday afternoon as Wigan Athletic Ladies and Girls made an impressive start to their Adobe Women’s FA Cup campaign with a convincing 4–1 victory over visitors Oldham Athletic.

Under glorious sunshine, a bumper crowd of 318 supporters gathered at Brocstedes Park to watch the two sides battle it out, creating an excellent atmosphere for what proved to be an entertaining afternoon of women’s football.

Both teams made a lively start and, for much of the opening half-hour, there was little to separate the sides. The game was competitive and evenly matched, with both teams showing plenty of determination as they looked for the opening goal.

That breakthrough finally arrived in the 33rd minute when Molly Hassall found the net to give Wigan the lead.

The goal appeared to settle the home side, who began to take greater control of proceedings, and just four minutes later they doubled their advantage. Libbie Groarke struck in the 37th minute to put Wigan firmly in the driving seat.

With Oldham unable to find a response before the interval, Wigan went into the half-time break with a well-earned 2–0 advantage.

Oldham came out for the second half with renewed determination and clearly intent on finding a way back into the contest. However, despite their efforts, Wigan continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides and remained in control.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 62nd minute when Lily Whitfield extended Wigan’s lead to 3–0, putting the home side in an increasingly commanding position.

There was little time for Oldham to regroup before Wigan struck again. Just three minutes later, Jessica Amy Hodge found the net to make it 4–0 and effectively put the result beyond doubt.

To their credit, Oldham continued to work hard and refused to give up, eventually finding a consolation goal before the final whistle. But there was to be no comeback, as Wigan saw out the remainder of the match to secure an emphatic 4–1 victory.

Overall, it was an excellent afternoon for Wigan Athletic Ladies and Girls. After a closely fought opening period, Wigan grew into the game and ultimately demonstrated their quality, finishing strongly to book their place in the next round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

With 318 supporters turning out to enjoy the action, it was also another great advert for women’s football at Brocstedes Park.

We now look forward to seeing who Wigan Athletic Ladies and Girls will face in the next round and, hopefully, to another busy afternoon at Brocstedes Park.

If you haven’t yet experienced a Wigan Athletic Ladies and Girls game, why not come along to the next one? You’ll receive a warm welcome and, judging by Sunday’s performance, there is plenty to look forward to.