Lowe must go before it’s too late – Wigan Athletic 0 Lincoln City 1 

Posted on February 1, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Ryan Lowe Wigan Athletic manager
Ryan Lowe must go before it’s too late
  • Wigan Athletic slumped to 1-0 defeat against promotion-chasing Lincoln City at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half against the in-form Imps and it was almost inevitable that the visitors would take the lead.
  • Lincoln’s Jack Moylan broke through the Latics defence on 24 minutes and produced a fine finish over keeper Sam Tickle.
  • Latics did better in the second half and pressed for the equaliser.
  • But they didn’t create many opportunities although loanee Owen Moxon did come close to equalising when a goal-bound effort was cleared off the goal-line by Adam Reach.
  • Latics are now in 19th place and Lincoln consolidated their position in second place in League One.

Ryan Lowe made two changes from the defeat at Wycombe Wanderers with Jensen Weir and Asamoah Jr replacing Joe Hungbo and Christian Saydee.

Lowe decided to make a change in his usual formation and adopted a back four with Weir slotting in at right back.

The visitors went close early on when Street got behind the Latics defence, and lifted the ball over the Tickle and just wide of the post.

Callum Wright rifled an effort towards goal on 12 minutes from just outside the box forcing George Wickens into a good save.

But as the half progressed they were unable to create any other opportunities.

The visitors went ahead on 24 minutes when Conor McGrandles found Moylan on the edge of the area. He went forward into the area and chipped the ball over Tickle and into the back of the net. 

The Imps Reeco Hackett threatened when his shot from the centre of the box was well saved by Tickle on the half hour mark.

Latics had struggled to create any opportunities and the omens were not good for the second half.

Lowe’s half time team talk would be crucial if the Latics were to get anything from the game.

Joe Hungbo replaced Fraser Murray at half-time and he soon created an opportunity for himself when he curled an effort towards the top corner but unfortunately it was headed away. 

The hosts continued to press for an equaliser and Morgan Fox crossed for Moxon arriving into the area, but he struck his effort just over the bar. 

Latics best chance of the game came on 75 minutes Moxon’s strike look destined to find the back of the net, but Reach came to the Imps rescue to clear off the line.

Latics continued to toil but they didn’t look like making the breakthrough which would have secured a point.

Overview 

This was another underwhelming performance by Latics which has cemented the view that a change of Head Coach is necessary.

Lowe has lost the players and the fans. His tactics haven’t worked, his motivational skills aren’t working and the club is going in a downward trajectory.

The board have been hoping that things will turn around but it’s evident to most people that it isn’t working and a change is required.

I believe the board have the best interests of the club at heart, but they are naive to think that Lowe can turn it around

They need to act now before it’s too late.

The only hope is that a change will save the club from relegation to League Two.

Post-match comments

Afterwards Lowe spoke to the media and said he was pleased with aspects of his side’s performance. 

“It was a disappointing result,” he said.

“We felt like we could have definitely gotten something out of the game. Mox (Owen Moxon) had one cleared off the line, and Joe (Hungbo) hit one that was heading in.

“It was a well-worked goal from Lincoln – (Jack) Moylan is a good player, we tried to make sure the lads were aware of that.

“He took two players out of the game, dropped his shoulder, and dinked it over Sam (Tickle) and we didn’t have the chance to recover and stop it on the line.

“Their goal is disappointing to concede, but I thought the lads showed fight, determination, spirit, and resilience to keep going in the second half.

“We didn’t enter the box enough, and didn’t have many clear-cut chances, but the lads were trying to push for the equaliser, and were unlucky not to get one.

“It’s not been working at the moment – and if you don’t change anything, nothing will change. 

“We changed shape, which was different from what they normally do. We only had two days to do it, but I felt like we needed to do it to give the lads the best possible chance of getting a good result.

“I thought the lads had been good over the last two days, and it was evident in the second half to see that it was working. 

“I am pleased with that aspect but disappointed with the result.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Jack Moylan, League One, Lincoln City | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Time for a change as Latics slip further into trouble – Wycombe Wanderers 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 28, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Ryan Lowe Wigan Athletic manager
Time for a change
  • Ryan Lowe’s Latics suffered a demoralising 2-0 defeat against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park as they slipped closer to the relegation places.
  • The Chairboys were gifted a first minute lead when referee Paul Howard controversially awarded a penalty when Junior Quirna went down under a challenge from Callum Wright but the contact was clearly outside the penalty area.
  • Caolan Boyd-Munce converted the spot kick to give the Chairboys a very early advantage.
  • Latics struggled to create much of a response and it wasn’t until the 35th minute that they had an attempt at the Wycombe goal. Fraser Murray’s cross found Christian Saydee whose shot was deflected for a corner.
  • In the second half Joe Taylor had a shot well saved at his near post by Will Norris and later he fired narrowly wide of the target, but these were rare attacks by the visitors.
  • Matters got worse for Latics on 72 minutes when a cross from the right was headed back across his own six-yard box by substitute Raphael and substitute Cauley Woodrow had the easy task of doubling The Chairboys lead.
  • Latics couldn’t summon any meaningful response in the remaining minutes and Wycombe ran out comfortable winners.
  • Latics slip to 19th place and The Chairboys are now in eighth place in the League One table.

Lowe made two changes to his starting line-up from the team that drew with Doncaster with Callum Wright and Joe Hungbo coming in for Raphael and Harrison Bettoni.

In the first minute The Chairboys were gifted the lead when referee Howard controversially awarded a penalty when Quirna went down under a challenge from Wright but it was clearly outside the penalty area.

Boyd-Munce converted the spot kick to give the Chairboys a very early advantage.

Latics enjoyed some early possession but they were unable to create any chances.

Wycombe seemed content to sit back on the lead and allow Latics possession well away from their goal.

Latics only half chance of the first half came on 35 minutes when Murray’s cross found Saydee whose shot was deflected off Anders Hagelskjaer for a corner.

Latics briefly threatened on 49 minutes when Taylor fired towards the near post, but Norris got down to well to parry away. 

At the other end on the hour mark Fred Onyedinma threatened but his strike was well tipped away by Sam Tickle.

Disaster struck for Latics on 72 minutes when a cross from the right was headed back across his own six-yard box by substitute Raphael and substitute Woodrow had the easy task of doubling Wycombe’s lead.

Taylor tried his luck from the edge of the area on 76 minutes but apart from that effort they couldn’t muster any kind of meaningful response in the final 15 minutes.

A very dispiriting display which pushes Latics closer to the relegation places.

Overview

This was an abject performance by Ryan Lowe’s team. 

They were unlucky to concede a controversial penalty in the first minute but otherwise the performance was completely unacceptable. 

The players lacked energy and ideas throughout and rarely threatened The Chairboys goal.

Lowe’s tactics seem to rely on “Hit and hope long balls”, a flawed wingback system, a lack of creativity in midfield and forwards who rarely look like scoring.

One shot on target is a damning statistic against a Wycombe team who are hardly world beaters.

Most of the fans have given up on Lowe some time ago and it now seems that the players have given up as well.

It is time to change the Head Coach as it is evident that Lowe has now lost the faith of both the players and the fans. The Board should act now and make a change before it is too late and the club are relegated to League Two.

Post-match comments

Speaking post-match, Lowe said he truly felt for the 181 Wiganers who made the long midweek trip. 

“We are just not doing enough,” he told the media.

“The penalty in the first minute knocked the boys and rocked us all. 

“To be true to myself and everyone who has travelled, it’s not good enough, and we know that.

“The lads are a little bit down. We tried to lift them – we’ve done everything right with preparations, and they’ve done all the work.

“There are moments in the game where you think nearly, but everything is a nearly thing at the moment.

“I feel for the fans who travelled down, and I feel for the lads, because they are trying. 

“When it’s not working, all we can do is keep trying. We have to keep working hard and keep putting game plans together.

“We will keep trying to give our fans the best version of ourselves. When we have done that, we look like a good team, but at the moment, we are fragile in everything we do, and it’s costing us.”

Player ratings

Player ratings coutesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings coutesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Caolan Boyd-Munce, Cauley Woodrow, League One, Ryan Lowe, Wigan Athletic, wycombe wanderers | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Has Latics’ spirited fightback done enough to keep Lowe in his job? Doncaster Rovers 3 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on January 25, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Owen Moxon heads Latics equaliser
  • Wigan Athletic were heading for a heavy defeat against Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium but they produced a spirited comeback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3.
  • Latics had two very early chances when Harrison Bettoni and Raphael went close but the hosts went ahead on seven minutes when Frankie Okoronkwo fired home.
  • Soon afterwards matters got worse for the visitors as Luke Molyneux found the head of Jay McGrath, and Sam Tickle couldn’t quite keep out his header.
  • Latics looked dead and buried at the start of the second half as they failed to clear their lines and presented Harry Clifton with the chance to curl his strike in off the post.
  • Latics fightback commenced when debutant loan signing Joe Taylor produced a bit of magic to find the top corner of the net on the hour mark and six minutes later substitute Callum Wright reduced the deficit to 3-2.
  • With two minutes of normal time remaining debutant Owen Moxon headed the equaliser from Fraser Murray’s corner to cap a remarkable Latics comeback.
  • Latics are now in 19th place and Doncaster in 22nd place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe made four changes to the side that was defeated by Bolton, with Moxon and Taylor given their debuts and Christian Saydee and Fraser Murray returned to the starting XI.

Latics started the game brightly and Bettoni had a great opportunity to open the scoring. Christian Saydee played him in behind Rovers’ defence and he rounded Zander Clark and fired towards an empty goal, but Jay McGrath got back to block his goal bound effort.

Raphael then had another good opportunity when he broke through the hosts’ defence but his final strike was straight at Clark.

Against the run of play Rovers went ahead on seven minutes when a cross from the left was deflected off James Carragher and Okoronkwo raced onto the loose ball to finish via the crossbar.

Some of Latics’ fans didn’t respond well to the setback and chants of “Lowe’s getting sacked in the morning” emerged from the away end.

Matters deteriorated further soon afterwards as a free-kick from the right, delivered by Molyneux, found the head of McGrath, whose header evaded Tickle’s attempted grasp on the goal line. 

The hosts were well on top now and they continued to have clear-cut opportunities. 

Hakeeb Adelakun broke down the left and set up Molyneux, who fired towards goal, but Tickle did well, diving and parrying away. 

Latics were in disarray and the half time break couldn’t come soon enough.

Manager Lowe needed to reorganise his troops and make changes for the second half.

Wright replaced Bettoni at the break but just four minutes into the second half Latics looked dead and buried as they failed to clear their lines and presented Clifton with the chance to curl his strike in off the post.

Latics fightback commenced when debutant loan signing Joe Taylor produced a bit of magic to find the top corner of the net on the hour mark.

The hosts went close again when George Broadbent tested Tickle but Latics revival continued soon afterwards as substitute Wright finished from close range from Murray’s cross.

It was end to end stuff now as both sides created good opportunities.

The match could’ve gone either way but with two minutes of normal time remaining Moxon headed the equaliser from Murray’s corner to cap a remarkable Latics comeback.

Overview

This was a crazy game at Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium that will live long in the memory. 

It could prove to be near the end of Ryan Lowe’s tenure as manager or it could be a turning point in the season.

Latics could’ve been two goals ahead in the opening six minutes but after 21 minutes they were two nil down and it could easily have been more.

Latics had been overrun in midfield and had defended shambolically.

Things got worse at the start of the second half as Rovers went 3-0 up.

It looked like there was no way back for Latics and Lowe’s tenure in charge looked even more tentative.

A large section of the away supporters were expressing their frustration about Lowe and his tactics.

“Lowe’s getting sacked in the morning” they chanted. 

It was not looking good for the team or the manager.

Whatever your views on Lowe and the players’ performances, chanting negative comments against the manager and team isn’t helping Latics’ cause.

On this occasion Latics defied the odds and produced a remarkable and spirited comeback. 

The players had shown great skill and determination to get back in the game. Loan signings Joe Taylor, Owen Moxon and substitute Callum Wright had been critical to the comeback.

Was this just a stay of execution for Lowe or was it the start of a revival with new loan signings Moxon and Taylor at the forefront. Only time will tell. 

Next up for Latics are Wycombe Wanderers away on Tuesday night.

Full time in Doncaster

Post-match comments

It was a crazy afternoon of League One football to say the least, and Lowe was pleased with his side’s reaction, not accepting their fate and rescuing a point. 

Afterwards Lowe spoke to the media.

“Wow, where do I start?” Lowe said.

“I thought we started brightly, and had a great chance. Harrison (Bettoni) went around the goalkeeper, and on another day, that chance goes in.

“We conceded two sloppy goals – one where the lad runs off the back of someone, and the second comes from a set play.

“To be done by a wide free-kick and someone gets across their man – the game had swung in their favour, and we were nowhere near it after that.

“It wasn’t us, it didn’t look like us, and we were nowhere near the levels. 

“I am really disappointed- we are trying to get messages to the players. They settled down and had a spell where they kept the ball, and didn’t do much with it.

“We made a couple of tweaks at half-time. I brought Harrison off, who found it tough today in the pockets. He’s only a baby, and sometimes that happens, though. 

“To concede another calamity goal at the start of the second half – I can’t put my hat on it. 

“We found ourselves 3-0 down, but the lads reacted and did what they should and can do. 

“It was a crazy game, but I am pleased we got the goals and came away with a point. At 3-0 down, we were dead and buried, and that’s not good.

“The lads have to take a lot of credit for that because they showed guts, desire and determination to get a result, which I am pleased with.

“The fight is there. They are a good and honest group who are probably too nice at times.

“There are no real nasty ones in there, but they are a great group to work with. They give us everything.

“They give me everything as manager and try and give our fans everything every single day. 

“There is disappointment, which I understand. We shouldn’t be where we are, but we have to keep fighting and climbing the table.

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Callum Wright, Doncaster Rovers, Frankie Okoronkwo, Harry Clifton, Jay McGrath, Joe Taylor, League One, Owen Moxon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Latics are very much second best in derby day defeat – Wigan Athletic 0 Bolton Wanderers 1

Posted on January 18, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Ryan Lowe Wigan Athletic manager
Ryan Lowe’s team were outplayed
  • Wigan Athletic suffered a deserved derby day 1-0 defeat to local rivals Bolton Wanderers at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • The visitors dominated possession and created the majority of chances but it took until the 82nd minute for them to go ahead.
  • Josh Sheehan made the breakthrough when his strike from the edge of the area deceived Sam Tickle as it swerved through the air.
  • Wanderers created several good chances with Mason Burstow, Max Conway and Sam Dalby all going close. Latics only real chance fell to Harrison Bettoni but he steered his effort wide of the target.
  • A disappointing afternoon for Ryan Lowe’s men who just couldn’t match Wanderers’ energy and intensity.
  • Latics drop to 18th place and Wanderers are now in fifth place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe opted to name an unchanged eleven from the FA Cup victory at Preston North End.

The visitors started on the front foot and they should’ve gone ahead within the first ten minutes, Xavier Simons shot was parried by Tickle into the path of Burstow, but the striker could only drag his close range effort wide.

Wanderers were soon controlling possession and applying pressure on Latics’ goal.

Tickle made a good block to deny Conway’s header when he got onto the end of a deep cross from the right.

The first half then descended into an evenly fought but scrappy affair with neither side showing much creativity or quality.

On the hour mark Wanderers had another great opportunity.

Burstow fired a low effort across the box where Dalby looked likely to score but his first-time effort flashed wide from close range.

Bolton continued to exert pressure and Tickle had to make a smart save from Dalby.

A cross from the left was met by Dalby who directed his header for the bottom corner but Tickle got down well to push the ball away.

Latics then had a great chance to break the deadlock following a rare counterattack.

On 78 minutes Callum Wright got free inside the box on the left before cutting the ball back to Bettoni, whose first-time strike was agonisingly wide of the target.

However the visitors continued to look the most likely and on 82 minutes they scored what proved to be the winner.

The hosts tried to clear another Bolton attack and the ball fell to Josh Sheehan whose powerful strike from the edge of the box swerved past Tickle and into the back of the net.

Latics huffed and puffed but they couldn’t respond and Wanderers ran out comfortable derby day winners.

Overview 

Latics started the derby slowly and they never really recovered. They could easily have been 1-0 down early on when Burstow missed a glorious chance.

Further chances followed for the visitors and Latics were unable to create anything until Bettoni’s late effort.

Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher had got his tactics right. His team had pressed high and stretched Latics in wide areas. They dominated the midfield and controlled possession for long periods. They were dangerous in forward areas and created good chances.

Latics were lucky not to concede until the 82nd minute. For a while it looked like Wanderers had wasted their opportunities but some poor defending had allowed them to score a late winner.

Schumacher had once again tactically outthought his former colleague Lowe.

This performance was so disappointing after Latics had played so well against PNE in the FA Cup. 

In a derby game you expect the players to be highly competitive but they lost out in most of the battles around the pitch. They were unable to match Wanderers energy and intensity. They were very much second best.

New loan signing Joe Taylor made his debut from the bench, but it’s clear that Latics will need more signings before the end of the transfer window, if they going to counteract their recent drop down the table.

Post-match comments 

Afterwards, Lowe voiced his frustrations at his team’s performance and ultimately the key moments leading up to the deciding goal in the derby.

“Bitterly disappointed. We had a few moments and spells in the game,” he told the media.

“We knew they’d try and play a lot. We didn’t get out to the ball as quick as we’d like, and we didn’t get after them as much as we wanted to.

“We didn’t land on second balls, so we changed a little bit second half, just drop to see who was dictating the game.

“I’m just disappointed with the goal. We limited them; they never had many big chances, we never had many big chances at all, (apart from) Harrison’s (Bettoni) one towards the end.

“The cross and the header, heading down the middle of the goal, then to turn your back when the ball’s gone right down the middle of the goal is disappointing.

“If it’s top bins, 30 yards out, as we have done before, it’s a little bit different.

“There are a few individual errors that have led up to that goal that have cost us.”

The Gaffer further noted his side’s approach in the game, and where he felt the game was won and lost.

“We definitely could have settled. We wanted our midfielders to get on the ball more and take more risks, take more touches, and move the ball side-to-side which we’ve done.

“We’ve done that against a good Championship team last week, we’ve done that in games this season.

“Whether the emotion of the derby got to them a little bit, I don’t know. We need to be braver on the ball. We didn’t settle.”

Lowe, however, concluded his post-match reaction with a clear message to his side, and what he wants the attitude to be following a disappointment.

“I want us to win every game of course, especially derbies. We wanted to get right on the front foot.

“We’ve got to believe a little bit more, because we did it last week.

“I know it’s disappointing for our fans, we’ve got to use it as motivation and try to be better in the next game.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Bolton Wanderers, Josh Sheehan, League One | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Latics upset the Lilywhites – Preston North End 0 Wigan Athletic 1 (FA Cup Third Round)

Posted on January 10, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Harrisobn Bettoni Wigan Athletic

Harrison Bettoni made the breakthrough. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

  • League One Wigan Athletic caused a shock as they deservedly knocked Championship Preston North End out of the FA Cup at Deepdale.
  • Latics were the better team in the first half and Dara Costelloe had a great opportunity to put the visitors ahead on 14 minutes but he fired wide.
  • The second half was more closely fought but Latics took the lead on 75 minutes when Harrison Bettoni’s strike was deflected off Andrew Hughes and wrong footed Daniel Iverson.
  • Sam Tickle made a great save at his near post to deny the Lilywhites substitute Alfie Devine on 79 minutes.
  • Latics substitute Asamoah Junior was brought down in the box on 84 minutes but Callum Wright blazed the resulting penalty high and wide.
  • Asamoah Junior nearly added a second goal for Latics after a blistering run from his own half but Iverson made a good save.
  • With 97 minutes on the clock Tickle made a full length save to deny Devine and substitute Brad Potts converted the rebound only for the linesman to disallow his finish for offside and Latics were through.

Ryan Lowe made three changes to the side that were defeated at Cardiff City last Sunday. Joe Hungbo replaced the suspended Fraser Murray. Matt Smith returned after suspension in midfield and Harrison Bettoni came back in attack with Tobias Brenan and Tyrese Francois missing out.

Latics started brightly and in the first minute Hungbo’s cross was turned narrowly wide by Wright.

PNE went close on seven minutes when Lewis Dobbin’s strike was deflected wide of the target.

The best chance of the first half fell to Costelloe. Bettoni played a superb through ball which put Costelloe in the clear but the striker’s shot was wide of Iverson’s post.

A Will Aimson header from a free-kick forced a good save from the PNE keeper but the referee had already blown for an infringement in the box.

All square at half-time.

Latics started the second half well and Raphael had a shot blocked before Jensen Weir blazed the follow up high over the crossbar.

Costelloe went down in the box on 70 minutes but was booked for simulation.

Former Latics academy product Devine joined the fray on 72 minutes.

Latics made the breakthrough on 75 minutes when Bettoni cut inside and his strike hit Hughes and wrong footed Iverson.

Bettoni who was struggling with cramp was then replaced by Asamoah Junior soon afterwards.

Tickle came to Latics rescue on 79 minutes when he made a superb save at his near post to deny Devine.

Asamoah Junior drove forward into the PNE box on 84 minutes and was brought down by Pol Valentin and referee Oliver Langford awarded a penalty.

Latics missed a glorious opportunity to double their lead from the penalty spot when Wright blazed high and wide.

Substitute Asamoah Junior was causing all kinds of problems and he had a shot well-saved by Iverson on 88 minutes.

Both sides had chances in seven minutes of added time.

First substitute Potts fired over the crossbar for PNE from 20-yards on 91 minutes.

Then on 94 minutes Asamoah Junior made a brilliant run from his own half out pacing two defenders before his final effort from close range was well saved by Iverson.

There was high drama in the final minute of added time.

Tickle made a superb full length save from Devine and substitute Potts converted the rebound only for the linesman to disallow the goal for offside.

Latics deservedly progressed to the fourth round and they will be hoping for a good draw in Monday’s FA Cup draw.

Overview

Latics had upset the odds and overcome the Championship promotion-chasers on their own ground.

It was a very pleasing performance for Latics as they had matched PNE throughout and created the better chances during the game.

The former PNE manager Ryan Lowe will be particularly pleased to get one over his former club.

Lowe had been criticised for his tactics in the defeat at Cardiff but this time he got his tactics right.

Lowe’s men had performed admirably. They were well-organised and hard-working throughout.

They pressed much higher than at Cardiff and set out their stall to pose the hosts problems in the final third.

Costelloe, Wright, Bettoni and substitute Asamoah Junior all worked tirelessly and occupied the hosts’ defence. They created more opportunities than they had in recent games and could easily have scored more goals with some better finishing.

The defence continues to perform to a high standard and the midfielders were much improved on recent games.

This was a memorable performance against a team who could well finish in the play-off places for the Premier League.

Latics must now try to transfer this performance into their League One form and start to move up the table.

Post-match comments

Afterwards Lowe dedicated the victory to the travelling supporters.

“We’ve said to the lads in the last few days that the FA Cup brings magical moments, and that was a magical moment for me, the players and our fans,” he told the media.

“We used Hemel Hempstead Town and Barrow as an example – it was their big game coming to our Stadium, and this was a big game for us and our fans.

“What a moment. I think we had the best chances, and when you come to these places, you have to grind it out and work hard.

“We nullified their threats, found their weaknesses, and scored a good goal through Harrison.

“I am pleased and proud – and that’s for our fans. It’s a local derby, we’ve done one, and we’ve got another one to go next week.”

Posted in FA Cup, Harrison Bettoni, Preston North End, Ryan Lowe, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

One way traffic as Latics are dominated by the Bluebirds – Cardiff City 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 5, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Sam Tickle made some brilliant saves
  • League One leaders Cardiff City recorded their eighth consecutive home win with a dominant performance against Wigan Athletic at the Cardiff City Stadium.
  • Latics were thoroughly outplayed by the Bluebirds who had 80 percent possession, forced 18 corners and had 17 shots.
  • But due to the brilliance of Latics goalkeeper Sam Tickle and some resolute defending the Bluebirds only managed one goal.
  • A superb 25-yard strike by Calum Chambers was ultimately the difference between the two teams.
  • Latics are now in 15th place and the Bluebirds remain in first place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe made one change from the starting line-up against Barnsley on New Year’s Day with Tobias Brenan replacing Harrison Bettoni.

The hosts dominated right from the kick off and they forced the first opportunity in the second minute, when a corner was cleared into Chambers’ path, his well struck volley had Tickle at full stretch.

Latics adopted a low block to try to counteract wave after wave of Cardiff attacks.

On 10 minutes Chris Willock cut inside and shot from 18 yards out but his strike flew over the crossbar.

Tickle had to deny Omari Kellyman twice on 16 minutes, the first getting down low to push the attacker’s goal-bound strike away and then producing quality save in the centre of his goal.

Latics only opportunity of the game came on 19 minutes when Fraser Murray picked up Dara Costelloe’s flick-on and toe-poked his strike towards goal but goalkeeper Nathan Trott did well to push his effort away.

Chambers made the breakthrough in the 24th minute, producing an unstoppable strike from 25 yards out into the top corner. 

Latics just couldn’t get a foothold in the game with the hosts dominating possession and forcing numerous corners as the visitors defended in depth.

On 41 minutes Kellyman had another opportunity. Cian Ashford cut the ball back to the Chelsea loanee, but his strike was just wide of the post.

Finally Alex Robertson fired wide of the target on 45 minutes after a first half totally dominated by the hosts.

Ryan Lowe made a change at half time, replacing Brenan with Asamoah Jr and moving to a 3-5-2 formation.

But the hosts started the second half as they had done the first, by controlling possession.

A Cardiff corner caused a scramble in the Latics box on 53 minutes and on 58 minutes Yousef Salech’s glancing header was narrowly wide of Tickle’s post.

Then on 70 minutes Salech had another great chance but he headed over from close range.

Tickle then produced a series of brilliant saves to deny the hosts. First, he tipped substitute Callum Robinson’s shot around the post, before he somehow backpedalled to claw away Robertson’s deflected strike from under the crossbar. 

Tickle then touched the ball away following a dangerous cross as the Bluebirds continued their onslaught. The Latics keeper made his final save from Ryan Wintle in the 90th minute to keep out the hosts, but it was all to no avail as Latics were unable to summon a late equaliser.

Overview

Latics were outplayed by a superior team and did well to keep the score to only 1-0. 

Lowe may be criticised by some fans for adopting a low block and trying to restrict the number of chances Cardiff could create, but if they had adopted a more expansive approach they would probably have been beaten by a much bigger score.

Lowe did go with two forwards in the second half but the Bluebirds grip on the game was so powerful that Latics just couldn’t create any chances.

Brian Barry-Murphy’s young team are by far the best team in League One and the difference in quality was there for all to see.

Latics are currently an average team in League One and it will require the recruitment of some better quality players if they are to make an advance into the top half of the table.

Latics have a good defence and goalkeeper, but unless they can recruit more creativity in midfield and a proven goalscorer they will continue to struggle in the lower reaches of League One. 

Post-match comments

Lowe had challenged his players to show more belief, especially when competing against teams at the top of the pyramid. 

“It’s disappointing,” he told the media.

“I thought the lads were resolute for large parts of the game. We knew we had to come here with a different game plan and stay in the game as long as we could.

“They (Cardiff) had large spells with the ball. We could’ve done better with the ball, as we turned the ball over too easily.

“We had a word with them at half-time, and brought another striker on because we felt we needed something in behind.

“The lads do a lot of hard miles and ground work with the distances they cover, and the blocks and defending they do, but I am asking for more with the ball.

“I said to the group that they need to believe in themselves more, and that they can have a little spell with the ball. 

“We know what Cardiff are about – they are a fantastic team, and the best in the division. Lo and behold, we were undone by a 30-yard screamer.

“I can’t fault the lads – the belief coming to these types of places is something we have to keep working on, and hopefully one or two bodies coming through the door can give the lads a lift.

“The lads don’t want to let the Football Club down. They are working their socks off to try and represent the Football Club well.

“I can’t fault the lads. They are doing everything that I am asking them to do, but they are getting punished by good teams and good players.”

Sunday marked the end of the festive period, an action-packed time of year which has seen Latics play five matches in the space of two weeks. The manager paid special tribute to the supporters for their backing over Christmas, and expressed how the players will debrief before heading into Friday’s Emirates FA Cup clash at Preston North End.

“It’s been tough. We’ve had three away games over the course of the Christmas period, and the fans have travelled in their numbers. 

“Thank you to the fans for that. It’s been hard for players, let alone the fans, getting up early and travelling.

“The players will have a recovery day tomorrow, and we’ll do some analysis work with them on Tuesday. 

“We’ll get some feedback from the lads on what they believe, and then we’re going into an FA Cup game, which takes the focus off the league a little bit.”

Player ratings

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Posted in Calum Chambers, Cardiff City, League One, Ryan Lowe, Sam Tickle, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Tics and Tykes share the points – Wigan Athletic 1 Barnsley 1

Posted on January 2, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Barnsley defend a Fraser Murray free-kick
  • Wigan Athletic and Barnsley played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics dominated the first half and went ahead after only six minutes when Callum Wright’s cross was superbly volleyed home by Dara Costelloe at the near post.
  • The Tykes had a big chance to draw level when David McGoldrick broke clear but was denied by the left leg of Sam Tickle.
  • Latics had a triple chance to increase their lead but Barnsley goalkeeper Murphy Cooper pulled off a superb double save from Fraser Murray and then Costelloe, before Harrison Bettoni saw a shot deflected off the line.
  • The visitors were much improved in the second half and they equalised on 69 minutes when McGoldrick’s cross was smashed home by Adam Phillips.
  • Substitute Christian Saydee nearly regained Latics the lead but Cooper produced an outstanding save to deny him.
  • The Tykes went down to 10 men with six minutes remaining when captain Luca Connell saw red for kicking Will Aimson in the chest during an off the ball incident.
  • Substitute Asamoah Jnr had a late chance to get all three points but he headed over from a great position.
  • Latics are now in 14th place and Barnsley in 16th place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe made two changes from Monday’s victory at Burton Albion with Jensen Weir replacing Tobias Brenan, while Fraser Murray came back in for Joe Hungbo.

Latics started on the front foot. Straight from kick off, they went on the attack, with Murray almost finding the run of Bettoni at the far post. 

Latics were quickly in front as Costelloe produced a superb finish on six minutes. Murray found Wright on the left who crossed for Costelloe, who fired a superb volley into the roof of the net.

Latics dominated possession and looked likely to get a second goal.

But on the break Barnsley had a great opportunity to equalise.

McGoldrick timed his run to perfection and slipped the Latics defence to go clear but fortunately Tickle was off his line quickly to make an important save with his leg.

Latics almost made it two before the break when they created three good chances but Barnsley goalkeeper Murphy Cooper pulled off a superb double save from Fraser Murray and then Costelloe, before Harrison Bettoni saw a shot deflected off the line.

Barnsley boss Hourihane made a double change at the break, with Reyes Cleary and Jonathan Bland replacing Patrick Kelly and Fabio Jalo. It proved to be a positive change as the visitors were much improved in the second half.

Morgan Fox had to head away with McGoldrick well positioned while Phillips saw his effort well saved by Tickle on the hour mark. 

The Tykes pressure resulted in the equaliser on 69 minutes as Phillips smashed his strike into the net after a swift counter attack.

Substitute Saydee replaced Bettoni and he nearly put Latics back in front with eight minutes left. The former Portsmouth striker forced Cooper into an outstanding save at full stretch. 

The Tykes went down to 10 men with six minutes remaining as captain Luca Connell saw red for kicking Will Aimson in the chest during an off the ball incident.

Latics pressed for a late winner and substitute Asamoah Junior could only head over from a great position and the points had to be shared.

Overview

Latics had produced an impressive first half creating several good chances but they were unable to add to their early goal and this proved critical.

The Tykes were on top at the start of the second half and they deservedly equalised.

Latics did rally late on and substitutes Saydee and Asamoah Junior had good chances to win the game.

In such a tight division taking your goalscoring opportunities will be the difference between mid-table and a play-off position.

Lowe’s men are showing signs of improvement but they are still very much a work in progress.

Recruitment in the January transfer window will be crucial to their hopes of a play-off place. 

It is to be hoped a quality striker, a creative midfielder and another wing-back can be brought in before the end of the window.

Post-match comments 

Afterwards Lowe was particularly pleased with the first half and expressed the importance of taking their clear-cut opportunities. 

“It was a game of two halves,” he told the media.

“We were very good in the first half, and should’ve come in with a minimum two-goal lead.

“We scored probably the hardest chance, and there were some good moments. I thought we were excellent and played some fantastic stuff.

“We knew it was always going to be different in the second half. We knew Barnsley would make changes, and when you’re 1-0 down, it’s easier to find a rhythm. 

“The goal we conceded was poor – we were in possession, turned it over, and we gave a good player a good opportunity to smash it into the roof of the net.

“We had a late rally towards the end, but you always feel vulnerable when the other team goes down to ten. You have to make sure you keep the back doors shut.  

“I am pleased that we got a point and scored again. We had enough chances to win, but it’s another point.

“We needed a little bit more composure. When you have those types of opportunities, you have to put the ball in the back of the net. 

“We need to start converting those chances – we need more composure in front of goal.”

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Posted in Adam Phillips, Barnsley, Dara Costelloe, League One | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics burst the Brewers bubble – Burton Albion 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on December 30, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Harrison Bettoni Wigan Athletic

Harrison Bettoni made the breakthrough at the Pirelli Stadium. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

  • Wigan Athletic got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.
  • The confident Brewers had defeated Northampton Town 5-1 on Boxing Day but Latics burst their bubble with two second half goals.
  • Latics went ahead on 64 minutes when 18-year-old Harrison Bettoni headed home his third goal of the season from Joe Hungbo’s cross.
  • The visitors doubled their lead on 87 minutes when Dara Costelloe finished into the bottom right corner for his second goal of the season.
  • Latics move up to 12th place and the Brewers drop to 18th place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe made four changes to the Latics XI from the defeat at Bradford on Boxing Day with Tyrese Francois, Tobias Brenan, Joe Hungbo and Costelloe starting.

Both teams had good chances to score in the first six minutes.

Hungbo’s left-sided cross was almost back-heeled home by Costelloe, before Francois fired his strike just over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

At the other end Sam Tickle made a good save to deny Tyrese Shade.

Bettoni was the next to go close for the visitors in the 13th minute, his strike had Brad Collins beaten but came back off the post.

Then on 19 minutes Tickle came to Latics’ rescue with a vital save.

Former Blackpool striker Jake Beesley looked odds on to score but the Tics goalkeeper did brilliantly to block the striker’s effort from point-blank range.

Worryingly Latics kept conceding set-piece situations on which the Brewers usually thrive. Alex Hartridge peppered the  visitors penalty box with numerous long throws but the defence held firm.

Costelloe had the final chance of the first half from the edge of the area but his strike was comfortably saved by Collins.

An even first half with chances not taken at both ends.

It was a scrappy opening to the second half with both sides conceding possession. 

Latics then threatened on 51 minutes. A Morgan Fox throw came to Callum Wright, whose volley was straight at Collins.

Bettoni was showing some good touches down the wing. One brilliant run down the right and through ball almost had Raphael in on goal, but Collins recognised the danger and was off his line quickly to snuff out the danger.

Latics made the breakthrough on 64 minutes. Hungbo drove down the left-hand side, and his deep cross was headed home at the far post by Bettoni for his third goal of the season.

Christian Saydee replaced Brenan on 67 minutes and Kgaogelo Chauke fired over for the hosts on 77 minutes.

Fraser Murray replaced Bettoni on 81 minutes.

The Brewers then had a glorious chance to draw level on 87 minutes but Kyran Lofthouse headed just wide of the post.

The points were sealed for Latics moments later when striker Costelloe scored only his second goal of the season. 

Substitute Murray lifted a ball over the Brewers’ defence, and Costelloe produced a composed finish into the bottom right corner.

Latics will want to try for back-to-back wins when they face Barnsley at the Brick on New Year’s Day.

Overview

This was an important confidence boosting victory for Lowe’s men after the two recent defeats.

Both sides had good chances in the first half and Latics had to contend with numerous Burton throw-ins and corners. 

They defended resolutely, but could they find the cutting edge that has been missing for most of the season?

On this occasion they found the back of the net with the exciting prospect Bettoni heading home, before the out of form Costelloe finally managed to get his name on the scoresheet.

Lowe’s men had once again battled hard, but the difference was that this time they were able to convert some of their chances.

Latics are a workmanlike outfit and similar to many teams in a very average division (only three points separate ninth and 21st place) but if they can find some quality reinforcements in the transfer window they might still make a run for the playoffs.

Post-match comments

Afterwards Lowe was made up for the players, staff, and supporters. 

“I am really pleased, and buzzing with the result,” he told the media.

“We knew it was going to be ugly at times – fair play to Gary (Bowyer), as that’s how he sets up his teams.

“I thought we could’ve been 2-0 up at half time, but I’ve got belief in the group, and I’ll always stick with them.

“Dara (Costelloe) has been through a tough time not scoring any goals, and we put belief in an 18-year-old kid.

“I thought we were fantastic without the ball, and I cannot fault the lads’ belief, desire, and determination to come here and get a result, as it’s not an easy place to come.

“When the lads perform like that, the credit goes to the players. We give them the game plan, and it’s up to them to take it into fruition.

“I’m buzzing for the lads, and for the away fans because they’ve certainly gone home happy tonight.”

Player ratings

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Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Burton Albion, Dara Costelloe, Harrison Bettoni, League One, Ryan Lowe, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics’ Boxing Day battle ends in late defeat – Bradford City 2 Wigan Athletic 1 

Posted on December 27, 2025 by ianhaspinall
View from the away end
  • Nine-man Wigan Athletic suffered a late defeat against high-flying Bradford City at Valley Parade.
  • Joe Wright headed home Max Power’s 90th minute corner after Latics had both Jensen Weir and Matt Smith sent off.
  • In an evenly contested first half Raphael fired over the bar for the visitors before the hosts threatened, with Jenson Metcalfe’s long-range shot well pushed away by Sam Tickle.
  • The Bantams took the lead in the 45th minute when James Carragher and Tickle hesitated and former Latic Stephen Humphrys nipped in between them to finish.
  • Latics equalised on 64 minutes when Christian Saydee fed Callum Wright to convert from close range.
  • The game turned on 70 minutes when Latics were reduced to 10 men after Weir was shown his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Ibou Touray.
  • Sixteen minutes later Smith became the second Latics player to be sent off when he was shown a straight red card for a foul on Metcalfe.
  • The nine-men were desperately hanging on at the end but they were cruelly undone when Wright headed home in the 90th minute winner from a corner.
  • Latics drop to 18th place and the Bantams are now in third place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe made one change from Latics defeat against Blackpool last Saturday, with Harrison Bettoni coming in for his first league start, replacing Dara Costelloe.

It was a closely contested opening period but the hosts threatened first as Humphrys produced a dangerous low cross which nearly found Bobby Pointon in the middle.

Bettoni had a couple of opportunities to break forward but was closed down well by the Bantams defence.

Latics probably should have broken the deadlock on 40 minutes but Raphael volleyed over the crossbar from a good position.

At the other end Tickle made an important save to push Metcalfe’s strike wide, before Metcalfe’s deflected strike was almost bundled into the back of the net by Joe Wright. 

It looked like the teams would go into the break level but on 45 minutes Latics’ defence switched off and the Bantams were ahead.

A long ball was flicked on, Carragher and Tickle hesitated, and former Latic Humphrys nipped in between them to finish.

Latics started the second half strongly and were committing players forward. They nearly drew level but a last-ditch Wright clearance came in between Murray’s cross and Bettoni’s left foot.

But Latics deservedly drew level on 64 minutes. Saydee did well to improvise and hook the ball over his head and into the penalty area, and there was Callum Wright to finish beyond Sam Walker.

Latics were in the ascendancy now but the game turned in Bradford’s favour on 70 minutes. Weir was dismissed after a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Touray. 

On 86 minutes Latics were down to nine men as Smith was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Metcalfe.

The nine-men were desperately hanging on at the end but they were cruelly undone when Wright headed home in the 90th minute to break Latics’ hearts.

Overview 

Latics had produced a hard-working and committed performance but the two sending offs changed the game in Bradford’s favour. Both Weir and Smith made reckless challenges which ultimately led to the defeat. If Latics had kept eleven on the pitch they would most likely have come away with a point.

However, the team’s deficiencies remain, a lack of quality in the final third, a lack of creativity from midfield and Lowe’s tactics leave much to be desired.

Just hopefully lumping the ball forward will not get you results in this division.

Wingers Raphael and Murray are employed as wingbacks and have to spend most of the time defending rather than attacking.

The January transfer window provides an opportunity for reinforcements but are Lowe and the recruitment team capable of bringing in players of sufficient quality?

Post-match comments

Speaking afterwards, Lowe was naturally disappointed by the outcome but he praised his players for continuing to fight despite having a clear numerical disadvantage. 

“I am proud of the boys – they deserved more from that,” he told the media.

“We should’ve had a penalty in the first half, as their defender had his arms all over Cal Wright, and body slammed him to the floor. 

“When we scored, the momentum was in our favour, and then Jensen (Weir) got a second yellow card. 

“We were then done by a sucker punch from a set play. We were missing two key players – Jensen is a marker, and Matt is a blocker – and it does become a sickener. 

“I’ve told the lads, through no uncertain terms, that they have to stand up and be counted. 

“They have to be men. I’ll lead them, and they have to follow. We’ve got more games which are going to be tougher and tougher, and we want to try and climb the table as quickly as we possibly can.

“We don’t like being outside of the top 12, but there aren’t many points from where we want to try and get to.

“We need to keep believing and keep doing the right things. I’ll pick the group up because they are on the floor, and we’ll go again.  

“I thought our fans were brilliant from start to finish, and they realised what the lads had done with eight outfield players to carry on, and try and compete.”

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Posted in Bradford City, Callum Wright, Joe Wright, League One, Ryan Lowe, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toothless Tics’ tangerine torment – Wigan Athletic 0 Blackpool 2

Posted on December 21, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Ryan Lowe Head Coach Wigan Athletic
Ryan Lowe’s team continue to lack a cutting edge
  • Two former Wigan Athletic players came back to haunt them as they lost 2-0 to Blackpool at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics had the better of the first half and should’ve been ahead after 16 minutes but Will Aimson could only head over the crossbar from close range.
  • The visitors upped their game in the second half and were gifted the lead in the 59th minute when Matt Smith was dispossessed and substitute and former Latic Dale Taylor crossed for another former player Ashley Fletcher to slot home.
  • The Tangerines doubled their lead five minutes later when Fletcher flicked the ball for Taylor to finish.
  • The hosts tried to respond and substitute Paul Mullin had a goal ruled out for offside, and later blazed over the crossbar from close range.
  • Latics drop to 14th place and the Tangerines are now in 22nd place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe made one change to the side that drew with Huddersfield Town with Dara Costelloe coming in for Luke Robinson, who was named on the bench.

It was a quiet opening to the game with the first shot coming from the visitors on 10 minutes when Josh Bowler’s strike was comfortably saved by Sam Tickle.

At the other end Callum Wright’s header was easily saved Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

The best chance of the half fell to Latics in the 16th minute. 

Fraser Murray’s in-swinging corner from the right resulted in a game of head tennis before it was met by Will Aimson at close range, who really should’ve given Latics the lead.

With both sides lacking a goal threat the scores were level at the break.

The visitors were much improved in the second half.

Almost inevitably it was two former Latics players who combined to open the scoring for the Tangerines.

Smith was dispossessed by the touchline and substitute Taylor crossed for Fletcher to finish at the near post.

The hosts tried to respond and Costelloe’s flick on was met by Aimson, whose header at close range was parried away by Peacock-Farrell.

The visitors doubled their lead five minutes later as they broke quickly and Fletcher’s back flick was finished by Taylor. 

Latics now pushed men forward to try and get back in the game but it was all in vain as substitute Mullin had a goal ruled out for offside, and later blazed over the crossbar from close range.

Latics will need to be much improved if they are to get anything from the trip to high-flying Bradford City on Boxing Day.

Overview 

Latics were the better side for much of the game but they continue to struggle in front of goal.

The visitors only had a few chances but they were clinical when the chances arose.

It was almost inevitable that former players Taylor and Fletcher would come back to punish Latics. 

Taylor was the Tics top scorer last season and it’s such a pity that they couldn’t afford the transfer fee to keep him at the club. Fletcher is something of a journeyman and struggled for goals at Latics, but he now seems to have found his mojo and has scored 13 goals this season.

It’s now evident that Latics’ strike force of Costelloe, Saydee and Mullin lack the quality to get the goals they will need this season. They aren’t getting good service but when the chances do arise they are invariably missed.

Ryan Lowe has invested in Saydee and Costelloe but it’s just not working out, and the on-loan Mullin may return to Wrexham in January.

A rethink is required if Latics are to make a push for the playoffs. 

Young striker Harrison Bettoni should be given his chance and they need to bring in at least another striker in January if they are to make the progress required.

Post-match comments 

Speaking post-match, Lowe showed frustration with missed chances in the game, and the fine details in football that swung the game in Blackpool’s favour.

“I thought we were the better team for most of the game,” he told the media.

“The big moments, that’s what happens in this division, and we had them moments, three big chances and we didn’t score any of them.

“They (Blackpool) have three chances on goal and score two. Sam (Tickle) had nothing to do in the first half, we were good, we dominated.

“Speaking to Ian (Evatt) before the game and we were saying, small margins, and that’s what’s happened.

“It’s been a bit of a smash and grab. People will look at it a bit different because it’s 2-0, but they scored the big chances and we didn’t.

“There’s not much more we can do, I said to the lads in there, we do the work with them on a daily basis, and they followed the gameplan for large parts.

“For the first goal, a throw in back, we give it away and don’t track our runners. The second one was a diagonal, pass round the corner, and we don’t track our runners.

“When that happens, you concede goals. I thought we played some good stuff today.

“We were on the front foot, in good areas, we need to score when we’re on top, we know that.

“We just didn’t have that quality to do that, so, that’s obviously then down to is something going to drop for you, is it not?

“When you leave good players unmarked and good players in the box they can punish you, and that’s what’s happened.”

Lowe, meanwhile, expressed the spirit his side will need to push forward after their unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday.

“We’ve got to go again. Listen, the unbeaten run, seven games, it was three wins and four draws.

“It’s good, but now it’s gone, it’s moved on, it was going to end at some point.

“Now we’ve got to get into this Christmas period, and we’ve got to believe we can go and win games of football.

“We’re going up against some good teams, tough teams, but hopefully we can relish that opportunity of playing against good teams.

“Teams in the playoffs, and first and second, and give a good account of ourselves. That’s got to be the reaction.”

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Posted in Ashley Fletcher, Blackpool, Dale Taylor, League One | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments