Latics edged out in controversial fashion as Stevenage make the playoffs – Stevenage 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on May 3, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Stevenage defend a Latics attack
  • Wigan Athletic suffered a controversial 1-0 defeat to playoff-chasing Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium.
  • As the game moved into injury time, Stevenage were seventh and behind Plymouth in the table.
  • But in the 92nd minute the hosts were awarded a goal by Dan Sweeney following a goalmouth scramble. The ball did not appear to cross the line but the linesman awarded the goal.
  • Latics will have been frustrated that they did not capitalise on their chances and by some erratic refereeing from Matthew Russell. 
  • Joe Taylor was brought down in the penalty area by goalkeeper Filip Marschall but the referee waved away the striker’s appeals.
  • Sam Tickle made some important saves to deny the hosts but Taylor had an effort cleared off the line and substitute Harrison Bettoni went close for the visitors when his 81st minute strike crashed against the crossbar.
  • Latics finish the season in 16th place and Stevenage in sixth in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made one change from the defeat against AFC Wimbledon with Christian Saydee replacing Harrison Bettoni in the starting line-up.

Chances were limited in the opening period but the hosts first chance came after 17 minutes when Jordan Roberts cross to the back post found former Latic Charlie Goode, who headed over the bar from close range.

Latics first opportunity came when Raphael found space down the right and cut inside but his deflected effort found the side netting. 

Latics were frustrated when Taylor was brought down in the penalty area by goalkeeper Marschall but the referee Russell waved away the striker’s appeals.

At the other end Dan Kemp’s deflected half chance from the edge of the area was comfortably saved by Tickle. 

Later Matt Phillips’ strike from the edge of the area just cleared the crossbar.

In the second half Latics had an early chance when Raphael broke free down the right and tried to pull the back to the edge of the six-yard box but the Stevenage keeper did well to block the cross.

Louis Thompson threatened for the hosts when he volleyed towards the top corner but Tickle saved. 

Taylor then nearly broke the deadlock when his clever flick beat the Stevenage keeper but it was cleared off the line by Goode.

Goode then popped up at the other end forcing Tickle into a superb save plucking the ball out of the top corner. 

It was end-to-end now and Bettoni picked up the ball and let fly from the edge of the area, Marschall was beaten but the ball crashed against the crossbar.

News that Stevenage could miss out on the playoffs was spreading around the ground.

The hosts pressed for the breakthrough and in added time they were awarded a goal by Sweeney following a goalmouth scramble. The ball did not appear to cross the line but the linesman awarded the goal.

It was an unsatisfactory finish to the game for Latics but Stevenage advanced to the playoffs.

Overview

Latics will be disappointed to have lost the game when they had matched their playoff chasing hosts.

They had been denied a point at the death by a hugely controversial decision by the referee and linesman. Replays suggest that the ball didn’t cross the line and the score should have remained level.

They had been equal to the home side throughout and on another day might’ve come away with all three points.

They had created enough chances to win the game with Taylor having a good shout for a penalty denied and having an effort cleared off the line. Bettoni went close twice and crashed a dipping strike against the crossbar.

The hosts had also created good chances themselves but Tickle had been in excellent form to deny them.

It looked as though the game would finish in a stalemate until the late controversial decision.

Post-match comments

Afterwards Caldwell spoke the media. He said,

“It’s never nice to lose.”

“I thought we played well in moments of the game, but we weren’t ruthless enough with the opportunities we created, which probably sums up our season.

“When I came in February, this Club was in a dangerous position. We picked up 25 points from 16 games, and the players deserve a lot of credit for that.

“I think we’ve seen again today at this level – the fine margins – and we need to have a big summer ahead of us, and we need to be much, much better overall as a Football Club.

“I was really pleased with the players’ effort and attitude. We have kept going right until the very end – they couldn’t have given much more – but all the little things that ultimately win you football matches and get you to the places you want to be.

“We can’t stand still, and we can’t accept that. We have to keep pushing, keep driving to be better, and we’ll do that over the summer. We will make sure that when we come back in pre-season, we will work extremely hard to give our supporters a team they can be really proud of.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in Dan Sweeney, Gary Caldwell, League One | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Wigan slip up as Wimbledon stay up – Wigan Athletic 0 AFC Wimbledon 1

Posted on April 26, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Gary Caldwell was disappointed with the performance
  • Wigan Athletic slipped to their first defeat in six games as Wimbledon got a last gasp winner to retain their League One status.
  • Latics enjoyed the greater possession and had more shots but the visitors battled hard to stay in the game.
  • The Dons best chance of the first half fell to Layton Stewart but Sam Tickle did superbly to come off his line quickly to block the strike.
  • Latics huffed and puffed but struggled to create any clear cut chances.
  • Just when it looked like the match would end in a stalemate the Dons struck in the 90th minute when substitute Antwoine Hackford converted fellow substitute Zack Nelson’s cross to secure safety for Wimbledon.
  • Latics are now in 16th place and Wimbledon are in 18th place in the League One table with one game of the season remaining.

Caldwell made two changes to the starting lineup following the 0-0 draw with Port Vale, with Captain Jason Kerr replacing Morgan Fox, and Harrison Bettoni replacing Dara Costelloe.

Latics started confidently and controlled possession but without really threatening the Dons goal.

Joe Taylor did well by the touchline to evade a Dons defender but he was unceremoniously brought down when he looked to have broken free.

The hosts approach play was good but when they got to the final third they were unable to penetrate a resolute Dons defence.

In fact the best chance of the half fell to the visitors Stewart but Tickle did superbly to come off his line quickly to block the strike.

Latics continued to dominate possession in the second half but they were once again frustrated by the Dons dogged defence.

Wimbledon did threaten on the counterattack and Stewart appeared to be pulled down by James Carragher on the edge of the box but despite appeals from the visitors, referee Matt Corlett waved away appeals.

Latics continued to press for the breakthrough and Fraser Murray came close when he cut inside and produced a powerful strike towards the top corner but the ball just cleared the crossbar.

Soon afterwards Latics went even closer when the ball bounced around the box following numerous blocked efforts before Taylor’s final effort was blocked on the line.

Just when it looked like the match would end in a stalemate the Dons struck in the 90th minute when substitute Hackford converted fellow substitute Nelson’s cross to secure safety for Wimbledon.

The defeat put a bit of a damper on Latics’ post match celebrations and they will be hoping for an improved performance in their final league one fixture at Stevenage next Saturday.

Overview

This wasn’t how the last home game was supposed to end. 

Latics had been hoping that they would sign off their last home game with a celebratory victory to finish the campaign.

But relegation threatened Wimbledon had other ideas and spoiled the party. The visitors had been defensively solid and tenacious in their desire not to lose the game.

Ultimately they had scored a late winner with a rare attack in a game that Latics had dominated.

The Dons hard work and commitment had shown they just wanted the victory more than Latics.

Latics had lacked a cutting edge and this game demonstrated that if Taylor isn’t firing then goals are hard to come by.

This performance will have given Caldwell plenty of food for thought. It will have given the manager more insights into the type of player that will be needed for next season if Latics are to be successful.

It’s clear that goalscoring has been a problem for most of the season and if it wasn’t for the loan of Taylor Latics might now be contemplating life in League Two.

A goalscoring striker who can lead the line must surely be the priority for next season.

League One Table

Post-match comments 

Afterwards Gary Caldwell spoke to the media.

“It was really disappointing in terms of the result.” He said.

“It was a frustrating game overall – we dominated possession. They came with a clear game plan and carried it out perfectly.

“We didn’t do enough – we didn’t play quickly enough, and didn’t hit the target enough. We had 16 shots, 10 corners and didn’t utilise them well enough to create problems.

“Ultimately, the longer the game went on, I could feel what was coming. We should’ve seen the game out for a 0-0 because when we can’t win like that, we cannot lose the game. 

“It was a big disappointment, but I am learning again about players and what we need to do as a team next season.

“Since we’ve been safe, part one is done, but there’s a big job to do in the summer to make sure that we have a much better team next season.

“The fans have been amazing. They have had a year which they do not want, and I have to make sure that next year they see a team they can be proud of, and hopefully when we play our last game here next season, there’s a much different feeling.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in AFC Wimbledon, Antwoine Hackford, Gary Caldwell, League One | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics held in stalemate with the Valiants who are on the brink of relegation – Port Vale 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on April 20, 2026 by ianhaspinall
View from the away end
  • Wigan Athletic were held to a 0-0 draw by relegation threatened Port Vale in a game of poor quality at Vale Park.
  • Latics had some early chances with Joe Taylor twice and Morgan Fox missing the target.
  • Early in the second half Taylor blazed well wide with another good opportunity.
  • As the half progressed Vale gradually started to create chances and a strike by Ethan Archer produced an excellent save from Sam Tickle.
  • In added time Tickle produced a brilliant reaction save to keep out substitute Ben Waine’s close-range effort and the points had to be shared.
  • Latics had mathematically secured their League One status after Saturday’s results but Vale now need to win all of their four remaining fixtures to have any hope of survival.
  • Latics are in 13th place and the Valiants are in 23rd place in the League One table.

Gary Caldwell made one change to his side from the midweek victory over Rotherham United, with Morgan Fox coming in to replace the injured Jason Kerr. 

Latics started brightly and they could’ve gone ahead after only three minutes when Taylor broke clear but he volleyed over the crossbar. 

Just four minutes later, Latics had another opportunity. Fox latched onto a Fraser Murray corner and looked to guide into the top corner of the net, but the header just cleared the crossbar.

Taylor then had another opportunity when Callum Wright’s ball across the face of goal found the striker but the effort was straight at Joe Gauci.

The hosts first attempt at goal came in the one minute of added time with Liam Gordon firing high and wide.

At the start of the second half Latics could have taken the lead when Taylor capitalised on a mistake and unleashed a powerful strike but it was once again wide of the target.

As the half progressed the hosts upped their game and Latics retreated into defence.

Archer created an opportunity for Ryan Croasdale but his effort was straight at Tickle.

Tickle then came to Latics rescue in added time as Vale pressed for the winner.

A cross from the right came into the six-yard box where substitute Waine was able to flick towards the near post, but Tickle produced an excellent reaction save low down to his left keep the score level and earn a point for Latics.

Overview

Latics 1500 away fans were hoping for a celebratory performance but it never materialised as they rarely got out of second gear against Port Vale.

The normally reliable Joe Taylor had an off day and missed several good chances to open the scoring.

Latics players looked a little jaded after their recent three game winning streak and maybe having their League One status confirmed on Saturday took a little edge out of their game.

They had some good opportunities in the first half but in the second half they were mainly pegged back in their own half.

Against more clinical opponents they might easily have lost the game, but thanks to some excellent goalkeeping from Tickle they came away with a point.

Caldwell’s Tics Transformation

Latics looked destined for relegation under Ryan Lowe and Gary Caldwell has produced a remarkable turn around since he took over in February.

They have picked up 24 out of a possible 39 points and their safety was confirmed on Saturday afternoon following results elsewhere. 

Caldwell’s men having recorded three successive victories over Northampton Town, Mansfield Town and Rotherham United and are now one of the form teams in the division.

If only Caldwell and his coaching team had been appointed at the beginning of the season instead of Lowe, Latics might now have been preparing for the playoffs.

League One Table

Post-match comments 

Afterwards Caldwell spoke to the media and said, 

“It was a really tough game – and we knew it would be before the game.”

“They’ve only lost one in 10 here and have been on a brilliant run since Jon Brady came into the Club.

“I thought we started the game well and created good opportunities in the first half, and probably needed to take one of them to make the game easier.

“In the second half, we had to defend because they put us under a lot of pressure and put a lot of balls into our box. We defended well, and Sam (Tickle) came up with an unbelievable save at the end of the game.

“It was a hard, well-earned point, and we’ll take it and move on. 

“We have to be a team that is hard to play against and hard to beat. It’s another clean sheet, which is a really important foundation that any good team needs to be defensively sound. I am pleased with a lot of aspects – there are areas we can definitely improve.”

After a magnificent run of results from February under Caldwell’s leadership, Latics’ 2026/27 Sky Bet League One status was confirmed yesterday following results elsewhere. 

While the travelling supporters celebrated survival, Caldwell struck a measured tone about what it means for the Club moving forward.

“Staying up was the first task since I have come back, and it should never be the case that we celebrate that, because we should be looking at a much different challenge next season in trying to be up the other end of this league.

“In the situation we were in, the players have really performed well and got the points we needed, and it’s important we never find ourselves in this position again.”

Jason Kerr missed Sunday’s match through injury, while Ryan Trevitt had to go off late through injury. The Gaffer is hoping the pair both return to action before the end of the campaign.

“Jason (Kerr) is injured and will hopefully be back at some point next week. It’s not a serious one. 

“I don’t know what Ryan (Trevitt) has done yet, but we had made all of our substitutes, and he had to go off. It’s really frustrating for him because he’s worked so hard to get to the level he is at. 

“Fingers crossed it’s not serious, and he can get back quick.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Gary Caldwell, League One, Port Vale, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Latics move into mid-table as the Millers are relegated – Wigan Athletic 3 Rotherham United 0

Posted on April 15, 2026 by ianhaspinall
Callum Wright scored his third goal in three games
  • Wigan Athletic moved into mid-table as they comfortably defeated League Two bound Rotherham United 3-0 at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics went ahead after 15 minutes when a well-worked move ended with captain Jason Kerr heading home from close range.
  • The hosts doubled their lead on 59 minutes when the prolific striker Joe Taylor converted Matt Smith’s through ball.
  • The visitors offered very little attacking threat and the hosts increased their advantage on 63 minutes when Callum Wright’s strike took a big deflection and looped over the Rotherham keeper Ted Cann.
  • This was Latics third straight win and the result has moved them eight points above the relegation zone with just three games remaining.
  • Latics are now in 13th place and the relegated Millers are in 22nd place. 

Gary Caldwell named an unchanged side for the fourth consecutive match.

Latics started brightly and they created a couple of early chances. Following a corner James Carragher flicked on at the near post, but the Rotherham defence managed to clear.

Soon afterwards Fraser Murray got past his marker down the left and cut the ball back to Dara Costelloe on the edge of the six-yard box whose first-time shot was tipped around the post by Ted Cann.

Following a well-worked move Latics went ahead on 15 minutes.

Smith set a ball back to Raphael who crossed towards the back post for Carragher to nod back across goal to Kerr who headed home from close range.

Rotherham briefly threatened just before half-time but Sam Nombe fired high and wide from the edge of the area. 

Latics started the second half in strong fashion and they doubled their advantage on 63 minutes when Smith played a superb through ball to Taylor, who produced a first time finish past the on-rushing Cann.

Four minutes later Wright added a third with his third goal in three games.

The midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the area and his strike deflected off a defender before looping over Cann and into the net.

Rotherham had offered very little throughout and Latics had run out comfortable winners.

Overview

After three consecutive victories Latics are virtually safe from relegation with three games remaining.

Gary Caldwell has made such a difference since he took over as Manager. The team was in dire straights and looked destined for relegation under Ryan Lowe. Those same players are now performing to a high level and producing promotion level performances under Caldwell’s direction.

Admittedly Caldwell has been lucky to have the services of one of the best strikers in League One. Since joining in January on loan Joe Taylor has scored a remarkable 11 goals.

But the manager has galvanised the whole club and given the players the confidence to be a force in the division.

If he is backed with some sensible resources in the summer the signs are very promising for next season.

League One Table

Post-match comments

Speaking afterwards to the media, Caldwell said,

“He was really delighted to win back-to-back for the first time all season and then have a Tuesday night game.

It was important the players recovered and then came out again with a winning mentality. A ruthless mentality.

I thought they showed that from the start of the game. We were aggressive, we scored a brilliant goal from a second phase set-piece, we could’ve had more in that first half.

Second half I think we went up a level. I thought some of our play was as as good as it’s been since I’ve been back in terms of our passing through lines, scored two goals, could’ve scored more, clean sheet, so really happy.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in Callum Wright, Gary Caldwell, Jason Kerr, Joe Taylor, League One, Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 could 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

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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