Wigan Athletic 4 Hull City 1: Brown apologises to Hull's fans while Kilbane wants the burden on their wallets to be eased

A crowd of just 5,335 turned up at the DW Stadium to see Hull dumped out of the competition by Kilbane's former club Wigan.

The gate was the worst of several poor attendance figures across the country, all of which have been used to highlight the cup's alleged loss of appeal.

But with people saving money after Christmas, the poor weather and managers predictably making multiple changes, there are numerous reasons for some apathy.

Republic of Ireland international Kilbane, who left Wigan for Hull a year ago, believes a simple calendar change could make a difference.

The 32-year-old utility man said: "For cup games we never had great crowds when I played here. I think we brought a good turnout from Hull but I think the crowd probably reflected the busy period we have had.

"We have had three games in a week and supporters can't be expected to keep paying the money to turn out to games.

"I honestly think at this sort of time we should have a break from the game, maybe a 10-day or two-week break. I've said it for a long time now. I think everyone expects a big crowd because it's an FA Cup game but that's certainly not going to be the case because it's hard on everyone."

Kilbane, restored to the Hull line-up in one of 13 changes made by the two sides, endured a tough second half as Wigan came from behind.

Hull led at the interval through a sublime free-kick by Geovanni but the introduction of Charles N'Zogbia from the bench sparked a dramatic home recovery. He levelled within two minutes, set up another for youngster James McCarthy and then added a third.

Scott Sinclair rubber-stamped Wigan's place in the fourth round with a fine individual effort in the last minute.

Hull manager Phil Brown felt the need to say sorry to the estimated 700 Tigers fans who battled a Pennine blizzard to get to the game.

Brown said: "I don't like the way we played in the second half and I would like to apologise to the fans. The second-half performance wasn't acceptable."

He added: "A lot of people talk about the FA Cup still having its magic but when you look at the size of the crowd it was a poor turnout.

"It was a poor turnout from us in the second half as well. As a manager I was very comfortable at half-time, probably the most comfortable I have felt.

"I felt we controlled the game and defended well when we needed to.

"In the second half, for some reason, that went by the wayside. The threat of N'Zogbia's pace on the left-hand side seemed to be a constant thorn in our side and we didn't deal with it sufficiently."

Wigan Athletic: Pollitt, Melchiot, Amaya, Bramble, Figueroa, Sinclair, Koumas (N'Zogbia 46), McCarthy, Thomas, Rodallega (Watson 77), Scotland. Unused substitutes: Nicholls, Edman, Gomez, Boyce, Bouaouzan.

Hull City: Myhill, Mendy, Mouyokolo, Zayatte, Kilbane, Garcia, Cairney, Halmosi (Boateng 71), Geovanni, Ghilas (Cullen 67), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Altidore 79). Subs Unused substitutes: Duke, Doyle, Dawson, Devitt.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).

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