Joy for Smith, but Latics lose lead
A screamer from Korey Smith gave Latics the lead in their FA Cup with Budweiser, second-round tie against Mansfield Town.
Surprisingly it was the first goal Latics' captain (pictured) had scored for the club in his 35th appearance as the spectacular goal lit up a lukewarm opening period which ended with Sam Clucas scoring a stunning 45th minute equaliser, his 11th goal of the season for the Stags to make in 1-1 at the break.
Surprisingly it was the first goal Latics' captain (pictured) had scored for the club in his 35th appearance as the spectacular goal lit up a lukewarm opening period which ended with Sam Clucas scoring a stunning 45th minute equaliser, his 11th goal of the season for the Stags to make in 1-1 at the break.
Mansfield's top scorer Clucas flashed an early header wide.
Latics also had a chance when a 30-yard drive from Anton Rodgers deflected off John Dempster as it flew wide of the upright for a corner.
Ross Dyer then pulled a shot wide after Mansfield broke after making an interception in midfield.
Alan Marriott was the first keeper called into serious action as he made a diving save to stop Korey Smith's drive.
At the opposite end, Clucas had another chance as he glanced a header wide.
After a low-key opening, Latics took the lead in the 27th minute through a super strike from Smith.
Latics' captain picked up the ball on half way and burst down the left before cutting inside and curling in a delightful shot which went in off the upright.
Mansfield had a chance to equalise but John Dempster headed just wide at the far post following a corner from the left.
The Stags equalised on the stroke of half time after Sidney Schmeltz committed a foul 25 yards from goal in a dangerous central position.
Clucas stepped forward and thundered home an unstoppable free kick high to the right of keeper Mark Oxley
Latics also had a chance when a 30-yard drive from Anton Rodgers deflected off John Dempster as it flew wide of the upright for a corner.
Ross Dyer then pulled a shot wide after Mansfield broke after making an interception in midfield.
Alan Marriott was the first keeper called into serious action as he made a diving save to stop Korey Smith's drive.
At the opposite end, Clucas had another chance as he glanced a header wide.
After a low-key opening, Latics took the lead in the 27th minute through a super strike from Smith.
Latics' captain picked up the ball on half way and burst down the left before cutting inside and curling in a delightful shot which went in off the upright.
Mansfield had a chance to equalise but John Dempster headed just wide at the far post following a corner from the left.
The Stags equalised on the stroke of half time after Sidney Schmeltz committed a foul 25 yards from goal in a dangerous central position.
Clucas stepped forward and thundered home an unstoppable free kick high to the right of keeper Mark Oxley
Half-time: Latics 1, Mansfield 1.