Penalties proved decisive in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy clash between Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest U21s, as Wigan triumphed 3-0 in the shootout following a low-key 0-0 draw in regular time.

Wigan’s penalty scorers—Siko Thomas, Matt Smith, and Will Aimson—clinched the 3-0 victory, securing their progression in the competition. Nottingham Forest’s Jack Nadin, James Sinclair, and Kyle McAdam all had their penalties saved by Wigan’s goalkeeper Tom Watson.

Nottingham Forest came into the match on a high, having recently defeated Hull City’s U21s 5-1. Meanwhile, Wigan aimed to bounce back from a weekend loss to Wycombe Wanderers and opted for a refreshed lineup with eight changes.

The game began with Wigan setting up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Both sides were tied on three points in the group, with a win needed to advance. Wigan largely controlled the first half but struggled to capitalize on their chances. Former Manchester United striker Joe Hugill had an opportunity to put Wigan ahead following a slip by Forest’s Jack Thompson, but his attempt to chip goalkeeper Aaron Bott lacked power and was cleared before crossing the line. Forest were likely the more content at halftime, having found some success on the counter and largely containing Wigan’s regular starters, including Dion Rankine.

The second half played out similarly, with Wigan remaining dominant yet unable to create clear opportunities. Shaun Maloney’s substitutions—starting with Micheal Olakigbe coming on for Rankine—hinted at his intent to inject fresh energy into the attack. Additional changes saw Chris Sze replace Hugill, Calvin Ramsay (on loan from Liverpool) come on for Toby Sibbick, and K’marni Miller replace ex-Newcastle defender Paul Dummett. An injury to Forest’s captain Ben Perry in the 74th minute further disrupted the visitors.

Wigan’s defensive pairing, captain Will Aimson and James Carragher, were solid throughout, keeping Forest’s young forwards contained and showing them a few ‘dark arts’ of League One defending. Former Arsenal player Matt Smith also had a notable cameo. In the final 15 minutes, Wigan applied constant pressure, keeping Forest pinned in their own half. Their best chance came in the 89th minute when Chris Sze’s free kick narrowly grazed the crossbar.

Ultimately, the game ended goalless, with neither side displaying enough attacking threat to secure a win in regulation time. The penalty shootout, however, provided a fair outcome as Wigan progressed to the next round of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.