The fairytale run of Australian defender Callum Elder and his Wigan Athletic in England’s FA Cup is over after their quarter-final loss to Southampton on Monday morning (AEDT).
Wigan, who play in League One, went down 2-0 at the DW Stadium after second-half goals from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares in Saints boss Mark Hughes’ first game in charge.
Elder started at left-back for the Latics and played a full match as his side gave a strong account of themselves but were made to pay for a couple of defensive lapses.
It brings an end to a dream run in the competition for Wigan, who knocked out runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City in the previous round.
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They also eliminated EPL sides West Ham and Bournemouth on the way to the last eight.
While disappointed to miss the chance to play a semi-final at Wembley, Wigan can now switch their focus to secure their promotion back to the Championship.
They are currently third in League One and five points off top spot, although they have three games in hand.
Over in the Netherlands, keeper Brad Jones conceded three times but his Feyenoord side still secured a thrilling 4-3 win at PEC Zwolle.
Robin van Persie scored a double for the Rotterdam club.
Caltex Socceroos winger Ajdin Hrustic played 74 minutes as his FC Groningen went down 3-2 against AZ Alkmaar.
And Kenny Dougall put in a full shift for Sparta Rotterdam, who were beaten 5-2 by giants Ajax. Craig Goodwin was an unused sub for Sparta.
