The Stags pay the penalty as Latics move up the table – Wigan Athletic 2 Mansfield Town 1

Posted on April 12, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Joe Taylor made the difference
  • Wigan Athletic defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 at the Brick Community Stadium to move away from the relegation zone in League One.
  • Mansfield enjoyed plenty of possession but it was Latics who took the lead in the 25th minute. A superb through ball by Raphael found Callum Wright down the left and he cut inside before slotting past Anthony Nunez.
  • The visitors responded and were level within three minutes as Lucas Akins shot from the centre of the box found the bottom left corner.
  • In the second half Latics almost regained the lead when Joe Taylor’s strike was parried into the path of substitute Christian Saydee but he could only hit the post from close range.
  • Latics did go ahead on 71 minutes when Taylor got away from his marker and was brought down by Frazer Blake-Tracy when through on goal. Taylor stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick.
  • The Stags had late opportunities with Kyle Knowle, Will Evans and Blake-Tracy all going close but Latics held on for a vital three points in their search for League One safety.
  • Latics move up to 15th place and the Stags are in 13th place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell named an unchanged side for the third consecutive game. On-loan Brentford midfielder Ryan Trevitt returned to the matchday squad for the first time since September.

The visitors enjoyed plenty of early possession but Latics took the lead with their first real attack.

A superb through ball by Raphael found Wright down the left and he cut inside before slotting past Nunez.

However, Mansfield quickly found themselves back on level terms when Jon Russell’s cross into the area after a corner was cleared, found the feet of Akins, who finished into the bottom corner. 

1-1 at the interval but Latics looked much better after the break.

Early in the second half centre back Will Aimson created an opportunity for himself when he drove forward from his own half, his strike from the edge of the area only narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Latics almost regained the lead when Joe Taylor’s strike was parried into the path of substitute Christian Saydee but the substitute couldn’t only hit the post from close range.

Taylor gave Latics the advantage soon afterwards when he got away from his marker and was brought down by Blake-Tracy when through on goal. The on-loan Huddersfield striker stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick.

The visitors tried to respond and they pressed for an equaliser when Knoyle’s strike forced Sam Tickle into a save low down before Evans followed in on the rebound but struck wide. 

Blake-Tracy then had a chance but his header from the centre of the box was narrowly wide of the target.

Caldwell made three substitutions to get Latics over the line with Owen Moxon, replacing Smith, Ryan Trevitt replacing Taylor and Morgan Fox replacing Raphael.

In added time Trevitt nearly added a third goal when his left footed shot from the centre of the box was narrowly wide of the post.

Latics secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season and increased the gap between themselves and the drop zone with four games remaining.

Overview

Incredibly this was a game of firsts for Latics, a first back-to-back win of the season and also a first penalty awarded and converted. 

Latics are a different team under Gary Caldwell’s management. If only he had been appointed earlier, they might now be looking at a playoff position.

In a closely fought encounter, the difference between the two teams was ultimately the quality of Taylor. He produced a brilliant turn of pace to evade his marker and draw the penalty which he confidently converted. 

If only Latics could somehow secure his services they would be in a strong position for next season.

League One Table

Post-match comments 

Speaking afterwards Caldwell was thrilled with the result and has challenged his players to make it three wins on the bounce when Rotherham United visit on Tuesday night. 

It’s an amazing three points,” he told the media.

“I thought that the players gave everything – I said at half time, the game was there for us, and we just had to up the quality and energy.

“They went out in the second half and gave that – I thought we deserved to win in the end.

“It was all about sticking to the process. We said as good a team Mansfield are, the big thing was to focus on ourselves and be clear with how we were going to score goals and stop them.

“I thought we defended well and didn’t give them too many opportunities, even though we sat in at the end. 

“I am delighted with how the players played, and how they responded in the second half when we asked for a bit more.

“It’s a real team effort to make sure we keep winning games, and doing enough to make sure we are a League One club next year.

“It’s another step forward – but we have to be professional and prepare for another tough match on Tuesday. We have to keep going all the way until the end of the season. 

“It’s the first time this season in the league where we’ve won back-to-back, and the challenge is to now recover tonight and tomorrow, prepare on Monday, and see if we can make it three.

“What they’ve been giving is incredible, but there’s still four games remaining.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in Callum Wright, Gary Caldwell, Joe Taylor, League One, Lukas Akins, Mansfield Town | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics ease their relegation worries at the Cobblers expense- Northampton Town 1 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on April 7, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Northampton defend a Latics corner
  • Wigan Athletic condemned Northampton Town to a likely relegation and improved their own chances of survival with a 3-1 victory at the Sixfields Stadium.
  • The visitors took an early lead when Callum Wright finished well from Matt Smith’s intelligent through ball.
  • Latics were dominating possession and creating chances but they survived a scare when Dean Campbell played through former Latic Michael Jacobs, who was denied by Sam Tickle.
  • The visitors doubled their lead just before half-time when the Cobblers captain Jon Guthrie diverted Fraser Murray’s corner into his own net.
  • Jake Evans gave Northampton some hope late on after he was allowed to wriggle through the Latics defence but Will Aimson settled the visitors nerves in the 88th minute from another Murray corner and seal a crucial three points.
  • Latics move up to 18th place and Northampton remain in 23rd place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell named an unchanged side from their draw with Leyton Orient with Harrison Bettoni & Morgan Fox replacing Llyton Chapman & Owen Moxon (Illness) on the bench. 

Latics started on the front foot, and the first chance of the game came when Murray crossed towards the edge of the six-yard box, Joe Taylor looked to head into the bottom corner, but Joe Burge saved the header.

Against the run of play, the hosts had a great chance to go ahead when Evans crossed towards the back post, where Tickle could only palm into the path of Cameron McGeehan, who directed the ball goalwards, but Tickle was able to scramble back and save.

The Cobblers were quickly left to rue the opportunity and Smith slid an incisive pass into Wright, who took one touch inside the box and curled in off the far post. 

Northampton had another great chance soon afterwards when former Latic Jacobs was allowed through on goal and he really should’ve scored but Tickle got down low to save.

It was imperative that Latics got another goal to consolidate the lead and it arrived somewhat fortuitously when Murray swung a corner into the danger zone, and the ball bounced off Guthrie and into the back of the net. 

Northampton upped their game in the second half as Latics sat back at times. 

But the visitors went closest when Smith curled an effort towards the top corner only for a Northampton defender to head away. 

With nine minutes of normal time remaining the hosts reduced the deficit.

Evans was disappointingly allowed to wriggle through the centre of the Latics defence before slotting home and make the remaining minutes nervy for the Latics supporters.

However, with two minutes of normal time remaining Latics eased their nerves when Murray’s corner was headed on by Jason Kerr and into the path of Aimson, who fired into the corner of the net. 

Cue wild celebrations from the 700 Tics supporters in the away end.

Overview

This was crucial three points for Caldwell’s men in their quest for League One survival.

Latics had started the game strongly with Wright and Murray predominant and benefited from an early lead but they were lucky to survive a couple of scares from McGeehan and Jacobs.

Against more clinical opponents they could easily have been behind at half-time. Northampton are a poor side and low on confidence, but Latics gave them opportunities. Against a better team Latics might’ve struggled.

This victory has moved Caldwell’s men a little away from the drop zone but the job is not yet complete and they must continue to work hard to secure their League One status in the last five games of the season.

League One table

Post-match comments

Afterwards Caldwell credited the players for their effort and application, particularly in the first period, where they showed real glimpses of quality.

“It’s a massive result,” he told the media.

“I thought the first half performance was excellent – right from the very start, we kept the ball, passed forward, and created opportunities.

“We scored two very good goals – one from open play, and one from a set piece, which we’ve been doing more and more work on. 

“In the second half, we always expect a reaction from the opposition and still think we can be better in moments. When the pressure came, we raised our levels again and scored another goal from a set piece.

“I am delighted with the players’ effort and application in achieving a massive result.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Callum Wright, Gary Caldwell, Jake Evans, Jon Guthrie, League One, Northampton Town, Wigan Athletic, Will Aimson | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics battle for a point against in form Orient – Wigan Athletic 0 Leyton Orient 0

Posted on April 3, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Sam Tickle made some important saves
  • Wigan Athletic and Leyton Orient played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics were the better side in the first half and played to a high tempo. They should’ve gone ahead when Raphael cut the ball back to Jensen Weir but the midfielder’s strike was blocked by a defender inside the six-yard box.
  • Joe Taylor and Dara Costelloe had good opportunities to head Latics into the lead but they both missed the target.
  • At the other end, James Morris saw a shot parried by Sam Tickle, before Will Aimson made a vital intervention to clear the ball.
  • Tickle produced some fine saves to deny Demetri Mitchell, while Dom Ballard saw a powerful strike tipped over by the Tics goalkeeper.
  • The hosts had one last chance to take all three points after Will Dennis had spilled a cross from substitute Joseph Hungbo, fellow-substitute Caylan Vickers could only find the roof of the net with his shot.
  • Latics remain in 19th place and Leyton Orient are in 14th place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made three changes from the side that was defeated at Reading on Saturday, with James Carragher, Matt Smith & Dara Costelloe replacing Llyton Chapman, Owen Moxon & Harrison Bettoni. 

Latics started the game on the front foot playing with much greater energy and attacking intent than against Reading.

Callum Wright had an early effort blocked before they should’ve gone ahead from Raphael’s cut back to Jensen Weir but the midfielder’s strike was blocked by a defender inside the six-yard box.

Tickle produced a quick clearance to set Taylor free, who was on the arm of the last defender. The ball broke to Wright who set up Weir just outside the area, but he fired over the crossbar from a good position.

Latics had another good opportunity just before half-time when Costelloe met Fraser Murray’s cross from the left with a glancing header, only to see the ball just clear the crossbar.

The visitors first shot on target came soon afterwards as James Morris’s strike from the edge of the area forced Tickle into a smart save and Aimson made an important clearance.

Early in the second half Demetri Mitchell fired a powerful strike towards the top corner, but Tickle produced a spectacular save.

The visitors were improved in the second half and a ball over the top found Dom Ballard through on goal and his left-footed strike forced Tickle into an impressive save to deny one of League One’s top strikers.

The hosts had one last chance to take all three points after Will Dennis had spilled a cross from Joseph Hungbo, fellow-substitute Caylan Vickers could only find the roof of the net with his shot.

The game became frantic in phases with some erratic refereeing by Tom Reeves not helping matters. The result could have gone either way but ultimately the points had to be shared. 

Overview

This was a much improved performance by Latics after the lacklustre display at Reading.

Caldwell and David Perkins had got their team playing with much greater energy and attacking intent.

Latics moved the ball quicker and got forward at every opportunity in the first half.

In form Orient who had won four and drawn one of their previous five games caused more problems in the second half as Latics tired. The hosts defence though was back to its best with Aimson, Jason Kerr, Carragher and later Chapman producing strong performances.

Latics will be hoping that Good Friday’s League One results go in their favour, before they travel to second bottom Northampton Town on Easter Monday, knowing that a rare away victory would ease their relegation worries.

League One Table

Post-match comments

Despite the absence of goals, Caldwell was encouraged by what he saw from his players, particularly during an impressive first-half display.

“The first half – in terms of the result – was frustrating because I thought we were excellent,” he told the media.

“We were on the front foot and caused them problems with Dara (Costelloe) dropping in and the threat we had with his deep runs.

“We created chances and couldn’t find that final pass in the box. I am delighted with how the players applied themselves and played, but that end product wasn’t quite there.”

While pleased with the opening 45 minutes, Caldwell admitted the second half did not reach the same standard, as the contest became more fragmented.

“It was a really good first half, but the second half was not so good. The game became scrappy and difficult, but it’s another point towards our total, and we have to move on quickly to Monday.”

With just six matches remaining, Caldwell stressed the importance of maintaining focus as the season approaches its conclusion.

“We have to focus on the next game. There are six games to go, and the next game is always the most important.

“We are still on course to get over our minimum points total for block two, so there’s still a lot of positive things going on, but there were certain things in the game where I feel we have to be clear and honest with the players in what we need to improve on.”

Attention now turns to recovery and preparation ahead of Monday’s fixture, with Caldwell emphasising professionalism and readiness within his squad.

“The lads need to recover, be professional, and be ready. We have a recovery day tomorrow, so we can prepare on Saturday and Sunday.

“We have extra time to prepare, and we have to utilise it. We need to be ready for a big challenge and a physical game on Monday.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in Gary Caldwell, Leyton Orient, Sam Tickle, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lacklustre Latics on the edge again after heavy Royals defeat – Reading 3 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on March 29, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Gary Caldwell looking for answers after a disappointing performance
  • Wigan Athletic succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to play-off chasing Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
  • Reading were ahead with their first attack on eight minutes when Kamasi Doyle’s cross was headed home by Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan from close range.
  • Matters got worse for the visitors on 18 minutes when Will Aimson turned Charlie Savage’s cross into his own net.
  • Latics were improved in the second half but the game was effectively over as a contest on 63 minutes when Ehibhatiomhan added his second goal and Reading’s third after the visitors failed to clear a corner.
  • The visitors miserable afternoon was compounded when substitute Caylan Vickers was denied a consolation goal when Aimson was ruled to be in an offside position.
  • Latics are in 19th place and the Royals move up to sixth place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made one change from the side that defeated Exeter City last Saturday with Callum Wright replacing Caylan Vickers.

Leam Richardson’s Royals were ahead with their first attack on eight minutes when Doyle’s cross was headed home by Ehibhatiomhan from close range.

With Latics looking out of sorts and defending poorly it didn’t take Reading too long to double their lead. 

Savage was allowed to run in behind and cut the ball back towards the edge of the six-yard box, and Aimson could only turn it into his own net.

Matt Smith and James Carragher replaced Moxon and Chapman at half time and Latics were improved in the second half. 

However, just like the first-half, Latics defending was at fault as Ehibhatiomhan added his second goal and Reading’s third.

Following a corner Latics failed to fully clear and from the second cross into the area the Reading striker managed to scramble the ball over the line and past Sam Tickle. 

Latics’ miserable afternoon was compounded when substitute Caylan Vickers was denied a consolation goal when Aimson was ruled to be in an offside position.

Vickers was denied again in added time when he cut in from the right and sent a curling effort towards the top corner, but Joel Pereira did well and tipped around the post. 

Latics host Leyton Orient in a crucial game at the bottom end of the table on Thursday night and they will be looking for a major improvement in their performance.

Overview

This was an uncharacteristically poor performance by Gary Caldwell’s men.

They got off to a disappointing start by conceding after only eight minutes and they never really threatened until the latter stages of the game.

Latics normally reliable defence was at fault for all three goals. Aimson, Jason Kerr and Llyton Chapman all had an off day and the whole team looked jaded and disjointed.

They offered very little going forward with star striker Joe Taylor given little or no service. Latics failed to register any shots on target in the first half and they faired little better in the second half.

Former Latics manager Leam Richardson will be pleased that his Reading team have now moved into a play-off spot but he will have been surprised by how easily they defeated an out of sorts and lacklustre Latics.

Caldwell must now rally his troops after this setback and look for a big improvement in their remaining seven fixtures to secure the points for survival.

League One Table

Post-match comments

Afterwards Caldwell spoke to the media, he said, 

“We didn’t start the game well,” 

“We didn’t have the intensity required out of possession. I thought that in possession, we looked okay. 

“We started on the front foot, played a lot of the game in their half, but when you give a team who are pushing for the Play-Offs a two-goal headstart, you give yourself a mountain to climb.

“I thought we huffed and puffed in the second half, but not enough, and it’s another setback we have to recover from quickly.

“We had to be a really aggressive team out of possession and defend much better than we did. 

“If we did that, we would’ve given ourselves a chance to win, but we never got into the game to give ourselves an opportunity to win it. 

“I said after Plymouth that we accept accountability, and today is a similar day. We have to regroup on Monday and focus on Thursday night because there are still seven big games to go.

“I said to the players that we can’t ever rest, never mind this season, but any time when you play for this Football Club. It has to be the next day, next hour, and you have to get better all the time. We have to take today on the chin and move on.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Gary Caldwell, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, League One, Reading | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Latics are edging away from the drop zone – Wigan Athletic 2 Exeter City 0

Posted on March 22, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Fraser Murray scored direct from a corner
  • Wigan Athletic leapfrogged Exeter City in the battle for League One survival with a 2-0 victory at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics took an early lead when Fraser Murray’s inviting left-wing cross was headed home by on-fire striker Joe Taylor.
  • Harrison Bettoni nearly doubled Latics lead when he lobbed Joe Whitworth from 30 yards but his instinctive effort came back off the crossbar.
  • Latics lead was threatened in the second half when former Latics striker Josh Magennis set up substitute Akeel Higgins, who fired narrowly wide of the target.
  • The Grecians almost drew level when Higgins forced a point-blank range save from Sam Tickle, with Carlos Mendes-Gomes blazing the rebound wide.
  • The hosts sealed the three points on 85 minutes when Murray’s in-swinging left-wing corner found the top corner of the Exeter net.
  • Latics move up to 19th and the Grecians drop to 20th in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made two changes from the midweek draw at Oakwell, with Caylan Vickers and Harrison Bettoni replacing Callum Wright (suspended) and Christian Saydee in the starting line-up.

Latics raced into the lead after only five minutes.

Murray beat his marker and produced an inviting cross for the unmarked Taylor to head into the top corner of the net. 

The visitors quickly made a change in formation as former Latic Magennis was introduced in place of Tymur Tutierov on 14 minutes.

On 34 minutes Harrison Bettoni nearly doubled Latics lead when he lobbed Joe Whitworth from 30 yards but his instinctive effort came back off the crossbar. 

In the second half Will Aimson nearly got on the scoresheet when he got across his marker from a corner to glance a header towards the far post but it was narrowly wide of the post. 

Exeter gradually started to create opportunities as the half progressed and Magennis rolled his marker to feed Akeel Higgins for a first-time curling effort which wasn’t too wide of the target.

Latics were allowing the visitors too much possession and after a cross into the box by Magennis, McMillan was denied by Tickle, who produced a point-blank save before Mendes-Gomes blazed wide. 

Latics now desperately needed a second goal to seal the three points and it arrived on 85 minutes.

Murray’s in-swinging corner from the left evaded everyone and found the back of the net to secure the vital victory in Latics fight for survival.

Overview 

Latics moved a little further away from the relegation zone with this vital victory against one of their relegation rivals. They had made it seven points from a possible nine in an unbeaten week.

They are now three points ahead of 20th place Exeter and 21st place Blackpool with a game in hand on both.

Latics have eight games remaining with Port Vale, Northampton and Rotherham looking likely to be relegated and the final relegation place to be decided.

Latics’ progress under Caldwell has been quite remarkable. The turn around has meant that they are now one of the form teams in the division. They’ve been transformed in the space of just a few weeks.

They have also done incredibly well to have secured the services of Joe Taylor who marked his ninth goal in his 12 league appearances since joining on loan from Huddersfield in January. If only they could somehow secure his services for next season.

League One Table

Post-match comments

Speaking afterwards Caldwell praised his players for both their performance against his former side and their progress since he returned to the Club. 

“It was very difficult,” he told the media.

“We knew before the game how difficult it would be. I thought Exeter had some really good spells in the game and put us under pressure, but we got there in the end. 

“It was a tough game physically because of the week both teams have had in terms of playing Saturday and Tuesday, and we kept digging in and finding more in difficult moments.

“I said to the players that it’s a great credit to them for what they’ve done in a short period of time.

“Their togetherness, desire, and hunger just to win a game of football were incredible today, but there are also still parts of the game where we have to improve.

“We have to keep progressing now. When we win a game, we still have to look to improve in the week and get better for next Saturday.

“There is still a long way to go. Teams around us are winning games, and it’s still very tight, so we have to focus on performance levels and how we develop and keep getting better.

“When you win a game of football, there are still things I want from the players, and I want to see them hungry to learn and keep improving from now and until the end of the season.

“If we do that, we will keep winning games and get better as we go along.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Exeter City, Fraser Murray, Gary Caldwell, Joe Taylor, League One | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics are denied at the death – Barnsley 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on March 18, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Joe Taylor gave Latics the lead
  • Ten-man Wigan Athletic were denied an away victory at Barnsley when the hosts equalised through Charlie Lennon in an unwarranted nine minutes of added time. 
  • Referee Ross Martin produced a shockingly awful display throughout issuing numerous yellow cards and a red card for Callum Wright for a second bookable offence in the 88th minute.
  • Latics were the dominant force in the first half. Joe Taylor had given Latics a deserved lead in the 29th minute when he lobbed goalkeeper Owen Goodman.
  • Wright crashed an effort against the crossbar and forced a good save from Goodman and Taylor went close on several other occasions.
  • The hosts improved in the second half with Corey O’Keefe and Luca Connoll hitting the woodwork but until Wright was dismissed and the referee had added a ridiculous nine minutes it had looked like the visitors would take all three points.
  • Latics remain in 20th place and the Tykes are in 12th place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made one change from the victory against Bradford City, Caylan Vickers being replaced by Christian Saydee in the starting line-up.

After a quiet opening period Latics had the first opportunity when Taylor rounded Goodman, but could only shoot wide from a difficult angle. 

Latics soon started to take a grip on the game.

Wright drove forward and his deflected strike was well saved by Goodman.

Soon afterwards Taylor burst forward and his strike from 20 yards stung the palms of the Barnsley ‘keeper. 

Latics deservedly took the lead when Sam Tickle’s superb early kick out set Taylor free in space upfield and Taylor spotted Goodman off his line before lifting over him and into the net. 

The visitors had been the dominant force in the first half and they might have added to their lead when Wright rattled the crossbar after he connected well with a first-time strike.

The Tykes came into the game in the second half and Latics were left to rue their missed chances.

Luca Connell struck just over the bar before Adam Phillips forced a good save from Tickle who had to be alert to the danger.

Latics won a free-kick in a good position. Jensen Weir’s curled effort brushed the side netting. It was a pity Harrison Bettoni was not on the pitch as he might have faired better with the free-kick.

Despite plenty of Barnsley possession Latics were defending very well until Wright was deemed to have fouled in the middle of the park, which resulted in a second yellow card and then red.

A major contributing factor in Barnsley’s favour was the referee’s decision to add a ridiculous nine minutes of extra time. Completely unjustified given the number of stoppages in the game.

Barnsley almost inevitably grabbed their equaliser in the 98th minute when Lennon followed up after Tickle had parried David McGoldrick’s strike and Latics were desperately unlucky to have to settle for a point.

It’s worth noting that one of the Latics Coaching staff was yellow carded in the nine minutes of added time for protesting about the referee’s decisions. It was not surprising that they protested given the official’s ineptitude.

Overview

The standard of refereeing in League One has been consistently poor this season and Latics have been on the end of some dreadful decisions by the referees.

Referee Martin produced a shockingly awful display issuing numerous yellow cards to both teams and a debatable red card for Callum Wright for a second bookable offence in the 88th minute.

The referee and linesmen consistently allowed Barnsley to steal yards at throw ins, disregarding where the ball went out of play.

The referee’s decision to add a ridiculous nine minutes of extra time was completely unjustified given the number of stoppages in the game.

The referee eventually played 12 minutes of added time. It was almost as though he was hoping Barnsley might get the winner.

League One Table

Post-match comments 

Speaking afterwards to the media Gary Caldwell said,

“It is disappointing when you concede so late in the game, but I thought the players were excellent,” 

“Right throughout the game with 11 players on the pitch, we were the better team and were going to win the game. 

“The one learning we can take from the game is to kill teams off and score more goals.

“I am delighted with the players – certain things went against us that cost us the three points, but it’s another point towards our total, and we move on to Saturday.

“We wanted to play an energetic game, and I thought we caused them a lot of problems in that first half, both in possession and on the counter attack.

“I thought out of possession, we were comfortable and didn’t look in any danger. We invited more pressure on ourselves in the second half, and the pressure really came after the red card.

“We couldn’t see it out, but I am delighted with the effort.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Barnsley, Charlie Lennon, Gary Caldwell, Joe Taylor, League One | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics shock the promotion-chasing Bantams to stay out of the drop zone – Wigan Athletic 2 Bradford City 0

Posted on March 15, 2026 by ianhaspinall
An encouraging attendance at The Brick
  • Wigan Athletic recorded a vital three points in their battle to avoid relegation defeating fourth placed Bradford City 2-0 at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics went ahead in the 20th minute when Brighton loanee Caylan Vickers finished into the top corner from the corner of the six-yard box.
  • The Bantams enjoyed plenty of possession but they were unable to penetrate a well-drilled Latics defence.
  • The hosts doubled their lead when prolific striker Joe Taylor produced a brilliant solo run and finish on 78 minutes.
  • Bradford huffed and puffed but couldn’t reduce the deficit and Latics comfortably saw out the final minutes to stay out of the relegation zone.
  • Latics are now in 20th place and the Bantams in fourth place in the table.

Gary Caldwell made four changes from their midweek defeat to Plymouth with Llyton Chapman, Raphael Borges Rodrigues, Callum Wright, and Caylan Vickers replacing Luke Robinson, Callum McManaman, Matt Smith, and Christian Saydee. 

Latics started brightly and created a couple of chances in the opening 10 minutes. 

First Wright drove into the box and saw an effort blocked and away for a corner before Owen Moxon fed Vickers on the edge of the box, who took one touch and dragged a shot narrowly wide. 

Latics made their pressure count on 20 minutes when Fraser Murray cut the ball back to Vickers who took one touch on the edge of the six-yard box before rifling it into the top corner. 

The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession but rarely looked like equalising in a closely fought first half.

The Bantams introduced two former Latics men at half time with Paul Mullin and Stephen Humphrys joining the fray.

Mullin chased down a loose ball and almost found Jenson Metcalfe, but Sam Tickle was quickly off his line to make a superb interception to smother the danger.

The hosts continued to match with their high flying opponents throughout the 96 minutes. 

They also possess great quality in the final third with the prolific striker Taylor.

The Huddersfield loanee produced an accomplished finish for Latics second goal.

Taylor won the ball near the halfway line and drove forward outwitting the defenders before deceiving goalkeeper Sam Walker with a first time finish into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot.

The goal gave Latics a cushion and they comfortably saw out the final minutes to record an important victory and stay out of the relegation zone.

Overview

This was a much improved performance by Latics from the midweek defeat to Plymouth.

The two loanees Vickers and Taylor grabbed the goals and were impressive throughout.

Caldwell made a big call by making four changes to the team and giving Vickers his first start in a Latics shirt.

The Brighton loanee repaid Caldwell by score the opening goal with a fine finish.

Taylor once again showed his quality with a brilliant run and finish. His sixth goal in the last eight games. It seems incredible that Huddersfield allowed him to leave on loan.

Overall Caldwell’s men were combative all over the pitch with the backline of Chapman, Will Aimson and Jason Kerr giving a solid defensive display.

Caldwell has instilled a determination and fighting spirit into the team along with his tactical tweaks. The signs are promising that they can escape the drop if they can maintain this level of performance.

The attendance of 16,710 (4,609Away) was noticeably much better than in recent times. The atmosphere was therefore much improved.

Obviously the initiative of offering a free ticket to bring a friend had an impact. Hopefully any newcomers will have enjoyed the game and will come back again in the near future.

League One table

Post-match comments 

Speaking to the media afterwards, Caldwell was delighted with the manner of his team’s reaction.

“I am delighted with the reaction,” he said.

“We weren’t happy with Tuesday with how we performed, and I thought the way we dealt with it as a group and the accountability we showed to do something about it today was brilliant.

“The test came at 3 o’clock, and I thought the players were absolutely brilliant today against a very good team.”

Caldwell was also full of praise for Bradford, acknowledging the quality of the opposition his side had to overcome.

“I have seen Bradford a lot – and they’ve done exceptionally well this year. They are a difficult team to beat,” he added.

“I said that at half-time that this team won’t go away and keep coming, and we had to stand up to real pressure in the first 25 minutes.”

Latics eventually doubled their advantage through a fine finish from Joe Taylor, a moment Caldwell felt helped settle the contest.

“Joe then scored a brilliant second goal, which really calmed the nerves. It was a huge win for us.”

Reflecting further on the team’s reaction following Tuesday’s defeat, Caldwell highlighted the accountability shown throughout the Football Club.

“In life, nothing is easy. You sometimes have little dips and things that go against you, and what determines success in that moment is how you respond.

“I thought the whole Club – the players and staff – accepted responsibility for that performance and didn’t hide behind it.

“The reaction was first class. There will be other dips along the way that we have to recover from, and today was a brilliant reaction and result.”

Despite the importance of the victory, the Head Coach was quick to stress that the focus must now turn to maintaining that level, starting with Tuesday’s trip to Oakwell.

“It is only one game – and we now have to back it up, which is the challenge now.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Bradford City, Caylan Vickers, Gary Caldwell, Joe Taylor, League One | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics go into drop zone after a pummelling by the Pilgrims – Wigan Athletic 0 Plymouth Argyle 3

Posted on March 11, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Joe Taylor was a threat throughout
  • Wigan Athletic slipped back into the relegation zone after a 3-0 defeat to in form Plymouth Argyle at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Joe Taylor nearly gave Latics an early lead when he fired over after a brilliant mazey run had outwitted the Pilgrims’ defence.
  • The visitors went ahead on 38 minutes when goalkeeper Sam Tickle dropped the ball at the feet of Bim Pepple who forced the ball home from close range.
  • Two minutes later Pepple doubled the lead from 15 yards as Latics defence went to sleep.
  • Latics were denied a clear penalty in the second half when Taylor’s strike on goal was diverted away by a defender.
  • Soon afterwards Argyle added a third with Latics defence at sixes and sevens, Caleb Watts finished from 12 yards on 71 minutes. 
  • The hosts were completely out of luck on 83 minutes when Taylor’s strike beat the goalkeeper, but came back off the crossbar.
  • Latics are now in 21st place and Argyle are now in 10th place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made three changes to the team that drew at Blackpool with Matt Smith, Callum McManaman and Luke Robinson replacing Raphael, Llyton Chapman and the ineligible Callum Wright.

After a slow opening to the game the visitors threatened first when Alex Mitchell found himself free inside the box, but he headed his effort wide of the post from ten yards out.

Soon afterwards Taylor so nearly gave Latics an early lead lead when he fired over after a brilliant mazey run had outwitted the Pilgrims defence.

Disaster struck Latics on 38 minutes when following a free-kick goalkeeper Tickle uncharacteristically dropped the ball at the feet of Pepple who forced the ball home from close range.

Two minutes later Pepple doubled the lead from 15 yards as Latics defence went to sleep.

Malachi Boateng broke down the right, before rolling the ball into the path of Pepple, who finished a close-range strike into the top corner.

Caldwell made changes at half time with Joe Hungbo and Harrison Bettoni replacing Smith and McManaman.

Bettoni threatened on the hour when forced save out of Luca Ashby-Hammond when his free-kick was parried away for a corner.

Latics were denied a clear penalty in the second half when Taylor’s strike on goal was diverted away by a defender.

Soon afterwards Argyle added a third goal with Latics defence at sixes and sevens. Some chaotic defending resulted in Fraser Murray diverting the ball onto the post, before it eventually fell to Watts, who finished into bottom corner from 12 yards out.

Substitute Caylan Vickers set up Taylor in the dying minutes but his strike beat the goalkeeper, but came back off the crossbar.

It was just not to be Latics or Taylor’s night, on another occasion the on-loan striker might’ve had a hat-trick.

Overview

This was a very disappointing performance by Latics against a strong and forceful Argyle team.

Latics appeared disjointed from the kick off with Caldwell clearly agitated with his players from the touch line.

The changes the Head Coach had made, some enforced and some tactical, had not been beneficial.

The ineligible Callum Wright and the injured Morgan Fox and James Carragher were notable absentees as Latics struggled against Tom Cleverley’s powerful Pilgrims.

Christian Saydee continues to disappoint as a striker and the only bright light was the performance of Joe Taylor.

Taylor was a big threat throughout and on another night he might’ve had a hat-trick. 

The hosts were also unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Taylor’s strike was clearly handled by a defender.

Latics must now quickly regroup and hope to bounce back against Bradford City at the Brick on Saturday.

League One Table

Post-match comments 

Afterwards Caldwell spoke to the media and said “It was a really frustrating game – and a poor performance overall.”

“We didn’t get going in that first half. I just said to the players that we win together, and we lose together, and that we all take responsibility.

“As the Head Coach, I pick the team, and we have to get back to the drawing board. 

“We knew this game was going to be difficult, and it’s a bump in the road that we have to recover from quickly because we are back here on Saturday.

“We need to look in the mirror, learn from the game, and come back stronger and ready to win a game of football on Saturday.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Bim Pepple, Caleb Watts, Gary Caldwell, Joe Taylor, League One, Plymouth Argyle | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics make an important point in the relegation battle – Blackpool 1 Wigan Athletic 1 

Posted on March 8, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Owen Moxon equalised
  • Wigan Athletic came back from 1-0 down to gain an important point at Blackpool in the relegation battle at the bottom of League One.
  • The Seasiders went ahead on four minutes from a Jordan Brown free-kick when Oliver Casey headed past Sam Tickle from eight yards.
  • Latics drew level on 39 minutes when Owen Moxon fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
  • The visitors came closest to grabbing all three points when Joe Taylor produced an electric run and shot which hit the far post and rolled along the goal line before being collected by a relieved Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
  • Latics are now in 19th place and the Seasiders are in 20th place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made two changes to the side from last week’s win over Huddersfield, with Llyton Chapman coming in for his full debut to replace the injured Morgan Fox and Joe Taylor replacing Dara Costelloe.

Blackpool started on the front foot and were ahead after only four minutes when Brown’s free-kick from the right was invitingly delivered for Casey to head past Tickle.

Initially Latics were struggling for any cohesion but they gradually worked themselves into contention. Fraser Murray was posing a threat down the right, and Taylor was keeping the hosts’ defence on their toes.

Latics got back in the game when Raphael played Taylor in on goal, but as Peacock-Farrell closed him down he took it wide and returned it to Rodrigues again.

The wide man took a touch and set the ball inside for Moxon, who finished into the bottom corner of the net to draw Latics level.

Very early in the second half Latics went closest to taking the lead.

Taylor produced an electric run and shot which hit the far post and rolled along the goal line before being collected by a relieved Peacock-Farrell.

Taylor then almost turned provider for Wright, who, in a similar position to Taylor, struck at goal, but the Seasiders managed to clear.

Blackpool had a rare strike at goal on 70 minutes after a long ball upfield from Peacock-Farrell allowed Karoy Anderson the opportunity to shoot but his shot sailed wide after taking a deflection. 

Substitute Joe Hungbo produced a couple of dangerous crosses but no Latics player could capitalise.

Ian Evatt’s team enjoyed some late possession but they didn’t look like penetrating the Latics rearguard and the points had to be shared.

Jimmy Armfield Mural

Overview

Latics weren’t at their best at Bloomfield Road but they showed good resilience after going a goal behind and battled well for a point.

They started the game tentatively and allowed the Seasiders an early advantage but as the first half progressed they came more into the game.

Moxon’s goal gave Latics a boost and they created a couple of good opportunities in the second half with Taylor predominant.

Unfortunately Saydee and Raphael had limited impact and were withdrawn in the second half. Both players will need to improve significantly if they are to keep their places in the starting XI. Saydee won very few headers and was unable to link up play and Raphael made some basic errors and gave the ball away too often.

Caldwell will be pleased that his team came away from the seaside with a point and they maintained their advantage over Blackpool in the league table but he also recognised that they must continue to improve if they are to stave off relegation.

Post-match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards, Caldwell said, 

“It was a really hard, well-earned point. It was a disappointing start after we said about starting the game well, and I thought we looked a little tentative and gave a poor goal away from a set-piece, which we have to get better at.

“I thought we scored a brilliant goal just before half-time and created the better chances in the second half, but I think the reaction to going a goal behind, the players deserve a lot of credit, and a point is probably a fair result.” 

On the supporters, after they brought energy and showed their support for the players:

“They were brilliant. They want to come and see their team win, but we did everything to give them something. They showed their appreciation to the players at the end, and we thank them for their energy and the noise they brought today.

“It’s a quick turnaround – I said it to the players – they need to recover, our supporters need to recover and come out again on Tuesday night.” 

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Blackpool, Gary Caldwell, League One, Owen Moxon, Oliver Casey | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Caldwell’s Latics upset the Terriers – Wigan Athletic 1 Huddersfield Town 0

Posted on March 1, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Full time at the Brick
  • Wigan Athletic defeated play-off chasing Huddersfield Town 1-0 to move out of the League One relegation zone at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics had to survive some concerted pressure from the Terriers who hit the post through Ryan Hardie, with Alfie May’s follow-up cleared off the line.
  • Bali Mumba then saw a shot hit the bar, with the rebound from May being superbly saved by Sam Tickle, and the second rebound from Marcus Harness being headed clear by Owen Moxon.
  • The hosts were much better in the second half with the introduction of wingback Joe Hungbo at half-time.
  • They went ahead on 61 minutes when following a corner Callum Wright found Jensen Weir on the edge of the penalty area and his low shot deflected off a defender through a crowded area past goalkeeper Lee Nicholls.
  • Tickle pulled off a fine save to deny Harness in the 90th minute and Gary Caldwell’s Latics held on for a crucial victory in their fight against relegation.
  • Latics are now in 19th place and the Terriers are in sixth place in the League One table.

Caldwell made four changes to the starting line-up from last week’s defeat at Stockport County, with Will Aimson, Moxon, Raphael and Dara Costelloe replacing Steven Sessegnon, who is suspended, Matt Smith, Joe Hungbo and the ineligible Joe Taylor.

Latics pressed high from the kick off and the first chance of the game fell to Dara Costelloe who latched onto Christian Saydee’s pass and tried to knock it past Lee Nicholls in the Terriers goal, but the former Latics goalkeeper smothered the ball.

The visitors were creating chances and nearly went ahead when Hardie hit the post with May’s follow-up cleared off the line. 

Latics enjoyed plenty of possession but Huddersfield were putting them under pressure in the final third. 

Mumba saw a shot hit the bar, with the rebound from May being superbly saved by Tickle, and the second rebound from Harness being headed clear by Moxon.

The half-time break allowed Caldwell to make tactical changes and replaced Raphael with Hungbo who quickly made an impact attacking down the left.

Costelloe created an opportunity for Saydee. Saydee took a touch one touch before striking towards goal, with the effort taking a deflection and going wide of the post. 

Latics were now on top. They forced a series of corners and from one of the corners Fraser Murray found Wright who cut the ball back to Weir whose low shot deflected off a defender through a crowded penalty area and past Nicholls.

Smith replaced Moxon and later the FA Cup hero Callum McManaman made a rare appearance and replaced Saydee as Latics strived to maintain their advantage.

In the 90th minute Tickle pulled off a vital save to deny Harness and despite six minutes of added time Latics held on for a crucial victory in their fight against relegation.

Overview

What a difference Caldwell has made to the club. Work-rate, desire and commitment cannot be faulted at the moment. They out-fought play-off chasing Huddersfield and deserved the three points.

Under Caldwell Latics are now playing higher up the pitch and putting the opposition under more pressure. They move the ball forward much more quickly and make the opposition have to work harder to defend.

The Caldwell, David Perkins, Peter Atherton and Graham Barrow coaching combo is working wonders for the Tics.

There’s still plenty of room for improvement particularly in forward areas but the changes the coaches have already implemented have been transformative.

In fact the difference between Caldwell and Ryan Lowe’s coaching is like chalk and cheese.

Post-match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards Caldwell enthused about his players.

“I’m really happy for the players. The effort they’ve put in the short period of time I’ve been here has been incredible, and that effort will take us a long, long way. 

“The players put everything on the line. I thought we played well in moments – we looked a bit open in moments, but sometimes, character, desire and hunger go a long way in football, and we had it in abundance today. 

Caldwell reviewed what a trying first 45 minutes at the Brick, though noted how well his men reacted in the second period en route to consecutive home wins for the first time since August.

“I thought we improved as we came back out. The little details we could show them at half-time really helped in the second half. 

“Even in the first half, I thought we had some good attacking moments. We played slightly differently today, and our understanding of that was very good. 

“The players deserve a lot of credit for taking in information, new information, and they’re taking that in, in a few days and applying it under pressure on a Saturday, which isn’t easy, but again I go back to character and desire, team spirit is taking us a long way at the minute. 

“Some of our play, especially in that second half, was very good. We were aggressive, we won the ball back high up the pitch, and we dominated the game in that second half.” 

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Gary Caldwell, Huddersfield Town, Jensen Weir, League One | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments