Paul Cook said ‘I can guarantee to the supporters that we will not be lying down and just fading away’.

It’s been an incredibly difficult and emotional week for everyone associated with Wigan Athletic and things didn’t get better on the pitch as they were outplayed by an in-form Brentford at Griffin Park.

Said Benrahma scored a hat-trick for the hosts as Latics failed to re-create their recent good form against their free-flowing opponents.

It was difficult from the off for the visitors as they lost centre half Leon Balogun to injury after only five minutes with Kal Naismith having to drop back into defence and Benrahma giving Brentford the lead after only 19 minutes.

It was one-way traffic as Latics failed to come to terms with the Bees slick pass and move.

Early in the second half Benrahma’s speculative effort floated over goalkeeper David Marshall for the Bees second.

Before Benrahma completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes when he shot low into the bottom corner after good work down the right flank from Josh Dasilva and Christian Norgaard.

The visitors just couldn’t get a foothold in the game and matters got course when substitute Joe Garner was given a red card for a high boot on 81 minutes.

Latics drop to 16th place in the table on 50 points but the EFL’s proposed 12 point deduction would put them at the bottom of the table.

Brentford remain in third place just two points behind West Brom who play Hull City today.

Paul Cook made one change from Tuesday’s night’s starting line-up with Kal Naismith replacing Michael Jacobs.

Latics were under pressure from the kick off as the Bees went in search of three points in their quest for promotion to the Premier League.

Latics lost centre half Leon Balogun after only five minutes with Kal Naismith having to drop back into defence and substitute Gavin Massey replacing Naismith on the wing.

The Bees buzzed from the kick off, dominating the game and it seemed only a matter of the time before they would go ahead.

It didn’t take too long as Benrahma fired home from inside the area on 19 minutes from Emiliano Marcondes’ header.

Benrahma’s second came 12 minutes into the second half when what appeared to be a cross deceived David Marshall and floated into the top right corner for 2-0.

By the 66th minute, the Algerian forward completed his hat-trick shooting low into the bottom corner from just outside the area.

Matters got worse for Latics with nine minutes remaining when substitute Garner was given a red card card for a high boot on Jan Zamburek.

The Bees deservedly ran out comfortable winners in what had been a devastating week for Latics.

The team must now pick itself up and regroup for Wednesday night’s game against QPR at the DW Stadium.

The battle for survival continues both on and off the pitch. With five games remaining Paul Cook’s men must accumulate as many points as possible and hope that the EFL see sense and that the decision to deduct points is rescinded.

Let’s Hang On Appeal

The Wigan Athletic Supporters Club “Let’s Hang On” appeal has already raised over £110,000 to ensure that Wigan Athletic Football Club have the necessary funds  to complete the season.

The club have confirmed that they will use the funds raised to help with travelling to away fixtures, overnight stays and helping to pay the wages of over 500 staff.

If you have not already done so please PLEDGE NOW to support Wigan Athletic Football Club

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/official-wigan-athletic-football-club-fundraiser