Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Bury thrashed Wigan Athletic U21 4-0 at Gigg Lane in pre-season. DJ Pedro, a trialist (brace) and Mark Connolly scored as the Shakers stayed unbeaten through eight friendlies.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Bury dictated the tempo from the opening whistle. The breakthrough arrived when Malhado drove into the area and picked out DJ Pedro, whose first-time shot was saved by the Wigan keeper but crept over the line to give the Shakers a deserved lead before half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern. A trialist, introduced as a substitute, made an immediate impact when he was played through one-on-one and slotted home to make it 2-0. He came close to a second moments later but saw his effort tipped onto the crossbar, with the follow-up ruled out for offside.
His second goal was not long in coming. A Conor Carroll corner kick swung to the back post, where the trialist rose highest to head in from close range — his third goal in pre-season after also scoring as ‘Trialist B’ against Chester in July 2025.
Mark Connolly completed the scoring from the bench, turning home at the near post after a ball into the box caused chaos in the Wigan defence.
The Turning Point
DJ Pedro’s opener just before half-time was decisive. Wigan’s young side had resisted well for the opening 40 minutes, but conceding late in the first half left them exposed after the restart. The quick-fire second goal from the trialist within minutes of the second half extinguished any hope of a Wigan response.
Key Performers
DJ Pedro — The Shakers’ forward continued his productive pre-season with the crucial opening goal. His movement and link-up play with Malhado caused problems throughout.
Trialist — A brace on the night, including a composed one-on-one finish and a towering header from a corner. His case for a permanent deal strengthened with every appearance across pre-season.
Mark Connolly — Introduced from the bench, the substitute timed his run perfectly to nod in the fourth at the near post.
Malhado — Instrumental in the build-up to the first goal, his driving run and precise pass unlocked the Wigan defence.
By the Numbers — Interpreted
Bury’s seventh win in eight pre-season outings reflected their control of the contest. The scoreline was a fair representation of the balance of play: Bury created the better chances throughout, while Wigan offered little in attack despite brief spells of possession. The narrow margin of 4-0 arguably flattered the visitors, as the Shakers passed up several additional opportunities.
What It Means
Bury completed their pre-season schedule unbeaten in eight matches (seven wins, one draw), building momentum for the 2026/27 NPL West Division season. The Shakers open their league campaign away at Redcar Athletic on Saturday 8 August.
For Wigan Athletic U21, the defeat was a step-up in opposition after a pre-season programme that included fixtures against other non-league and development sides. The young Latics return to training ahead of their own competitive campaign.
Verdict
A professional, polished performance from Dave McNabb’s side against a Wigan development team that struggled to match Bury’s intensity and physicality. The Shakers look well-prepared for the step up to NPL West Division football, with depth across the squad and a clear identity in possession.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 1 Aug 2026