Martlal Godo

• Fulham loanee Martial Godo produced an impressive performance to help Wigan Athletic get back to winning ways against Cambridge United.
• Latics had lost their last two games but the on-loan winger making his debut helped to make the difference against the U’s.
• The Tics might have gone ahead in the first half when Charlie Wyke hit the post and later forced a double save from goalkeeper Will Mannion.
• In a rare attack for the visitors Sullay Kaikai’s long distance strike was well saved by keeper Sam Tickle.
• In the second half Stephen Humphrys broke the deadlock on 57 minutes when he cut inside and curled a superb strike into the corner.
• Five minutes later the Tics doubled their lead. Godo received the ball at the back post and the winger turned the defender inside and out before teeing-up Thelo Aasgaard who smashed the ball in off the crossbar.
• Substitute Callum McManaman made a rash challenge in the box on James Brophy on 76 minutes and Fejiri Okenabirhie converted the subsequent penalty for Cambridge.
• Despite late Cambridge pressure Latics held on for the three points.
• Latics remain in 20th place in the League One table and Cambridge are now in 10th place.

Shaun Maloney made several changes to the team which lost at Blackpool with Godo, Omar Rekik, Aasgaard and Charlie Hughes all starting.

The visitors threatened first when Kaikai fired across goal but Sam Tickle saved with his feet before Gassan Ahadme’s header was easily saved by the Tics keper.

The hosts had a glorious opportunity to take the lead on seven minutes, Aasgaard put Wyke through on goal, but the normally prolific striker could only hit the base of the post and the visitors survived.

Wyke went close again soon afterwards Sean Clare crossing for the big striker but his close range efforts were twice denied by goalkeeper Mannion.

Godo was causing the visitors plenty of problems down the right hand side but also defending well when required.

Tics were enjoying the lion’s share of possession but the visitors threatened when Kaikai tried his luck from distance forcing a good save from Tickle before Michael Morrison headed wide of the far post. 

The Tics broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Humphrys drove forward down the left before cutting inside and curling a superb strike into the far corner.

Five minutes later the Tics doubled their lead. Godo received the ball at the back post and the winger turned the defender inside and out before teeing-up Thelo Aasgaard who smashed the ball in off the crossbar.

George Thomas had an opportunity for the visitors on 65 minutes, but he fired over from 20 yards.

However, the visitors pulled a goal back on 76 minutes when substitute McManaman made a rash challenge in the box on Brophy and Okenabirhie converted from the penalty spot.

Cambridge applied pressure as Latics sat deep in added time and Okenabirhie was denied a second after some great last-ditch defending.

It had been a mixed display by Maloney’s men but they held out at the end and were relieved to have got back to winning ways.

Overview

Latics certainly looked more of an attacking threat against Cambridge with Godo impressing on his debut. The Fulham loanee comes to the club highly regarded by the Fulham fans. If he can continue like he has started the Tics fans are in for a treat this season.

Maloney now has good attacking options with wide men Godo, McManaman, Humphrys, Jonny Smith and Jordan Jones all competing for a place in the starting line-up.

Charlie Hughes returning to the team after suspension brought much needed stability to the defence and Liam Morrison probably had his best game for the Tics.

There is, of course, still room for improvement as the build up play can be too slow and the team sometimes struggles to play through the centre of midfield. A more central role for Aasgaard would help to rectify this and link up play with the forwards.

However, overall Maloney’s new team have started the season very well. It’s worth noting that without the eight point deduction this team would be on the verge of the play-offs.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney was happy with how his players performed both in and out of possession and with how they protected their lead at the end. 

“The last 10 minutes – we showed a side to us which I think we’ve shown previously,” he said.

“When we have to defend, we can defend when we are at it out of possession. The game shouldn’t have ended like that.

“At two-nil, we should’ve been taking control of the game more, but I am very happy. I am very happy with a lot of it.

“I know it’s tough for the fans, everyone has to stay patient, and sometimes we can move it quicker but it’s hard to break these teams down.

“When we get it right, we’ve got talented players and we scored a brilliant goal to break the deadlock.

“I am confident. I’ve seen enough in training and in previous matches this year that we are a goal threat.

“It’s something very different to what we were in my spell last season and a way of speed. 

“I’ve still got confidence, and I can feel the Stadium. When we’re more clinical, the feeling is different but overall I am very happy with the players.”

Martial Godo set up Aasgaard’s decisive goal, and Maloney heaped the praise on the Fulham loanee for his impressive debut display.

“I’m very pleased. I pushed really hard to get him from Fulham, and for a first senior game, I think he was very good.

“He’s a talented boy, and it’s a good start. He knows he needs to keep it going because there are players breathing down every starter’s neck.”

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