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– Ideal start –
Meanwhile, Southampton are back in the semi-finals for the first time in 15 years.
New Saints manager Mark Hughes enjoyed the ideal start to his reign as the Premier League strugglers won 2-0 at Wigan on Sunday.
Hughes was hired this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Southampton striker had an immediate impact on his new team.
Hughes’ main goal is to help Southampton preserve their top-flight status and they dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday.
Nevertheless, a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals could provide a welcome tonic as Hughes tries to make his presence felt.
It was essential Southampton avoided following in the footsteps of Manchester City, West Ham and Bournemouth — top-flight sides who had all perished against third tier giant-killers Wigan in the FA Cup this season.
They achieved that aim thanks to second-half goals from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares.
“It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have,” said Hughes, who was sacked by Stoke earlier this season.
“They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players.
“We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start.
“We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment.”
The semi-finals will take place over the weekend of April 21-22.
