A football fan who made a last-minute decision to go 'full kit' to the match won the backing of supporters to be brought on in goal.
Nathan Conway was at the pub with his workmates before Wigan Athletic's home fixture against Accrington Stanley last night (April 6) when he opted for a rash outfit change. The 30-year-old picked up Wigan's full goalkeeping kit at the club shop - with his name on the back - and hastily got changed before heading into the DW Stadium.
He picked up attention from amused supporters as he began warming up in the concourse pre-match, and appeared ready for action while in the stands. "It was just a bit of fun really," Nathan told the Manchester Evening News .
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"We were at the pub beforehand for a few beers and then we went to the club shop. My mates were like 'we've got to get you in full kit'."
Nathan continued his warm-up in the West Stand as the teams came out to start the match - just metres away from where Wigan manager Leam Richardson was stood. But when Latics goalkeeper Ben Amos picked up a knock during the game and started receiving treatment, Nathan believed it was his time to shine.
"I thought 'this is my chance'," he said. With Wigan's number one on the ground, Nathan signalled to the coaching staff to make a substitution before going for another warm-up at the bottom of the stand.
His cheeky efforts won the backing of the Latics faithful behind him, who began applauding their would-be goalkeeping hero. With Amos able to continue in net after being seen by physios, Nathan had to make do with a watching role, but his efforts did not go unnoticed.
He said: "[Richardson] saw it, it gave him a good laugh. He came over and shook my hand. I've never done that before, but normally I'm pretty loud when I go to the game. I'll have to get a different kit next time."
The kit worn by Nathan ended up getting signed by Wigan's players, while Amos gave him his goalkeeping gloves. Nathan, from Stoke-on-Trent, started watching Wigan matches with workmates alongside his manager, who is a big Latics fan.
The side claimed another vital three points in the hunt for promotion to the Championship with a 3-0 win over Accrington. A Joe Bennett free-kick and a Josh Magennis header gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at half-time, before Will Keane pounced on a goalkeeping blunder to seal a win which sent Wigan to the top of League One.
