Wigan Athletic winger confesses he is looking forward to Wigan Athletic’s trip to Cambridge United this weekend, as well as the opportunity to play in’my favourite tournament’.
The 27-year-old winger, Jonny Smith scored the game-winning second goal in the 2-0 victory over Carlisle in round one, a length-of-the-field effort in the last seconds of extra time to secure a well-earned victory.
Latics’ next game is a lengthy trip south, with the opportunity to revenge their 2-0 league setback at the Abbey Stadium last month.
And, following his league-winning goal against Northampton in Wednesday, Smith can smell FA Cup fever in the air.
“This is my favourite competition, to be honest,” added the Liverpudlian. “I’ve played for non-league teams against league teams – I played for Fylde against Wigan on the telly a few years ago.”This is the highest level I’ve ever played at, and it’s been a unique challenge because we’re now trying to avoid getting beaten by a lower league team, such as Carlisle.
“Cambridge is clearly in the same division as us, and there’s always a battle at Cambridge…I’ve played for teams like that at the bottom of League One, so we know it will be difficult.”
Smith and the Latics don’t need to be reminded of the necessity of taking Saturday’s game seriously after pulling off the most embarrassing of draws a year ago.
Wins over Exeter City and York City were rendered even more significant when mighty Manchester United were picked to visit the then-DW Stadium in round three, with a capacity crowd in attendance for one of the biggest games in years.
“You only need to look back to this time last year, when we got through and drew Manchester United at home,” said Smith, a die-hard Liverpool fan.
“That was one of the most memorable nights of my career, playing in front of such a large crowd against a top team. But we’re only 90 minutes away from another night like that, so let’s see what we can accomplish in Cambridge and who knows?”Liverpool is definitely the ambition for me, but we’re not looking past Cambridge.”
Latics come into the game off the back of consecutive league victories against Barnsley and Northampton, which has helped them climb out of the bottom tier of the League One table.
“Buzzing with the win, that’s all that matters,” Smith said of Northampton’s victory. “In the first half, I thought we were excellent; that’s how the manager wants us to play.
“And it’s an important three points that allows us to back up from a good win at Barnsley on Saturday.”
Regarding his goal, a typical Smith curling left foot shot into the top corner, he said: “It’s my first one of the season, that type of goal, and it’s great to get on the scoresheet.
“My two brothers were here along with my dad, so that makes it extra special.”
