Aussie defender excels in huge FA Cup boilover

Callum Elder’s Wigan Athletic have continued their giant-killing run in the FA Cup, eliminating Premier League side West Ham 2-0 at the DW Stadium overnight.

After getting past EPL outfit Bournemouth earlier this month, Wigan – who are currently top of League One – were simply too strong for a lacklustre Hammers.

Will Grigg proved the hero for the Latics, scoring a brace against a West Ham side which finished with 10 men after the second half dismissal of Arthur Masuaku for spitting.

Wigan were already ahead at that stage as Grigg’s powerful seventh minute header had the hosts in front, before the striker scored from the spot just after the hour mark.

Elder was replaced a few minutes before the end after another superb display, keeping Hammers winger Sam Byram quiet all afternoon.

He wasn’t the only Aussie to taste success in the Fourth Round as Jackson Irvine’s Hull City advanced after a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Jackson Irvine congratulates Adama Diomande before he is substituted against Forest.
Jackson Irvine congratulates Adama Diomande before he is substituted against Forest.

First half goals from Jarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko had the Tigers in control and they only stumbled a couple of minutes from the end when Forest pulled one back Apostolos Vellios.

Irvine came off three minutes from the end, putting in superb shift in the heart of midfield against the team that knocked Arsenal out in the previous round.

Elsewhere, James Meredith watched from the bench as his Millwall side were held to a 2-2 draw with Rochdale at the Den, forcing a replay next month.

Aaron Mooy’s Huddersfield will also have to play again after only managing a 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham, with the Caltex Socceroos midfielder left out of the Terriers squad.

And Mat Ryan was also rested for Brighton’s 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside, with manager Chris Houghton opting to rest his number one for some vital EPL games ahead.