Wigan Athletic 1-1 Sutton United (6-7 on pens): Matt Gray's U's reach Papa John's Trophy final

Matt Gray's Sutton have conceded just two goals in seven EFL Trophy games this seasonImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Matt Gray's Sutton have conceded just two goals in seven EFL Trophy games this season

Sutton United upset Wigan on penalties to reach the Papa John's Trophy final in their first season as an English Football League club.

Will Randall's calm finish from Donovan Wilson's cushioned flick put the League Two side ahead at the DW Stadium.

James McClean drew Wigan level as a fierce finish from a tight angle beat Dean Bouzanis at his near post.

But Bouzanis saved twice in the shootout and also scored from the spot as Sutton won 7-6 in sudden death.

Hartlepool - promoted alongside Sutton from the National League last season - meet former EFL Trophy winners Rotherham in the second semi-final on Wednesday to decide the U's Wembley opponents on 3 April.

League One promotion-chasers Wigan started brightly despite making 11 changes from their weekend league win over Wimbledon, but Jamie McGrath prodded wastefully wide when clean through on goal.

Sutton responded well as Joe Kizzi headed against the post from close range before Randall kept his cool to beat Jamie Jones to put the underdogs in front.

Republic of Ireland wing-back McClean, making his first-ever EFL Trophy appearance after a career spent mostly in the top two divisions, drilled home the equaliser for twice winners Wigan.

But Sutton's Omar Bugiel enjoyed the second half's best chances, blazing over after teeing himself up from Wilson's cross and later being foiled by Jones' legs after robbing a dithering McClean.

Both sides missed early in the shootout but Bouzanis proved to be the hero, slamming home a confident spot-kick in between saving from Max Power and, decisively, Tendayi Darikwa.

Sutton boss Matt Gray told BBC Radio London:

"It feels amazing to come here against a good club like this - ex-Premier League, ex-FA Cup winners - and to really go toe-to-toe with them and put in an unbelievable shift.

"A draw was probably a fair result overall but our penalties and Deano's saves, especially the one at the death to win it, were outstanding.

"It means so much to me personally but more importantly for the chairman - 25 plus years as chairman and he wants to see the club at Wembley again under his leadership. I'm delighted for him, the whole board, all the volunteers who work so hard for this football club.

"I'm so pleased for them, the fans, the players, the staff. I can't wait. I'm really proud of everyone connected with the club and we now look forward to the final."

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