The Blues were defeated by the Latics on Tuesday night after providing three first team debuts.
Callum Guy and Taylor Charters returned to action following lengthy spells on the sidelines, whilst Hayden Atkinson, Seb Mason and Dan Hopper made their senior bows at Brunton Park.
Josh Stones broke the deadlock from the spot, before Michael Olakigbe lashed home from close range to extend their first-half advantage.
Wigan’s skipper Scott Smith had the game's first opportunity after the ball fell to him inside the area, his effort was deflected wide and the resulting corner was cleared.
On 7 minutes, Josh Stones opened the scoring from the penalty spot with a calm and composed finish beyond Gabe Breeze.
Six minutes later, it was Breeze who won the battle between the two on this occasion, tipping the attacker’s powerful drive over the crossbar.
In the short time that followed, United restricted the visitors to minimal chances on Breeze’s goal, before the shot-stopper made an excellent stop on 22 minutes to prevent the Latics extending their advantage.
Wigan didn’t lose hope however, and made it two soon after through Michael Olakigbe after the forward made a surging run into the area from the left and laced the ball beyond a helpless Breeze.
On the half-hour mark, the Latics went in search of their third, delivering from the left but debutant Atkinson was there to bundle behind the threat for a corner which ultimately came to nothing, prior to making a tremendous block to deny Josh Stones a second of the night.
HALF-TIME: United 0-2 Wigan Athletic
The Latics’ Jonny Smith provided the first big chance of the second-half, but was unable to hit the target after pulling the trigger from outside the area.
On 60 minutes, the Blues worked the ball well down the left before Mellish delivered to the back post aiming to find Freddie O’Donoghue, the youngster was unable to get the much-needed touch which would’ve almost certainly been a goal and reduced the deficit.
Two minutes later, Guy made his return to action after spending 339 days on the sidelines, whilst Charters also entered the fray following a spell out - Aran Fitzpatrick also came onto the pitch during this period.
With ten minutes left to play, the Blues introduced two more debutants, Seb Mason and Dan Hopper - both from their Academy system like starter, Atkinson.
Despite the result not going their way, it was a proud night for United in terms of debuts, players returning from injury and the amount local lads on the pitch throughout the evening.
FULL-TIME: United 0-2 Wigan Athletic
Teams:
Carlisle United - Breeze, Neal (62’ Guy), Ellis, Robinson (62’ Charters), Mellish (63’ Fitzpatrick), Sadi (81’ Mason), Dudik, Barclay (81’ Hopper), Hetherington, O’Donoghue, Atkinson
Unused subs - Smith, Davies
Wigan Athletic - Watson, McHugh, Sibbick, Carragher, Miller (75’ M. Smith), Payne, S. Smith ©, Francois (61’ Thomas), J. Smith (71’ Rankine), Stones (72’ Asamoah JR), Olakigbe
Unused subs - Lonergan, Aimson, McManaman
Goals:
Carlisle United - N/A
Wigan Athletic - (7’ Stones), (23’ Olakigbe)
Match officials:
Referee - Steven Copeland
Assistant Referee - Matthew Sowerby
Assistant Referee - Paul Newhouse
Fourth Official - Steven Lawson
Attendance:
1,117 (195 away)
