• Wigan Athletic produced a much improved display to defeat bottom club Carlisle United 2-0 at the DW Stadium.
• Latics had lost their last three games but they were quick out of the blocks against the Cumbrians with Liam Morrison hitting the post after two minutes.
• The hosts went ahead on 16 minutes when Josh Magennis scored from the penalty spot after Stephen Humphrys was tripped in the box.
• Latics increased their lead in the 36th minute when Jonny Smith’s in-swinging corner was fired home by Morrison from close range.
• The hosts were in dominant mood and could easily have been further ahead at half time.
• Carlisle rallied in the second half as Latics took their foot off the pedal and they went close as Sam Tickle tipped over a Ryan Edmondson shot before a Jack Robinson free-kick was diverted just past the post by Jack Armer.
• Former Latic Joe Garner had the best opportunity for Carlisle but he headed just wide from close range.
• Latics move up to 18th place and Carlisle remain bottom of the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made four changes from the defeat against Derby County, with Jonny Smith, Liam Shaw, Thelo Aasgaard and Josh Magennis returning to the starting line-up.

Latics were quick out of the blocks and they almost took the lead in the second minute as Jonny Smith’s corner was headed across goal by Charlie Hughes at the far post and Morrison hit the post from close range before Carlisle cleared.

Latics did go ahead on 16 minutes after Humphrys won a penalty for Latics after Josh Emmanuel tripped him in the box.

Magennis stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick into the corner of the net.

Soon afterwards Shaw burst into the Carlisle box but he fired just over the crossbar.

Carlisle then had an opportunity when Emmanuel cut in from the right and curled an effort over from just outside the penalty area.

Latics doubled their lead on 36 minutes as Morrison converted a superb in-swinging Smith corner from close range.

Shaw headed over another good chance and then Aasgaard had another chance in added time, but he scuffed his effort wide.

Early in the second half Ryan Edmondson had an effort on target but Sam Tickle was equal to it.

Jonny Smith then had a great chance when he drove forward before cutting inside, but his shot was straight at Gabe Breeze.

The visitors then went close when Jack Armer deflected a free-kick towards the far post but it was inches wide.

Carlisle’s best chance of the game fell to substitute Joe Garner on 68 minutes but he headed a free kick just wide when completely unmarked inside the box.

A Ben Barclay free-kick was comfortably saved by Tickle before Latics substitute Charlie Wyke fired just over from the edge of the box.

On 84 minutes Garner had an effort deflected just wide of the target.

A frustrating night for the 4,000 travelling Carlisle fans in a crowd of 13,224, but a deserved three points for Latics.

Overview

This was a much improved performance by Latics, particularly in the first half.

Maloney had set his team up to be much more attack orientated with Magennis leading the line and wingers Jonny Smith and Humphrys pressing.

Shaw was given a much more advanced midfield role and he got into the box on several occasions.

Maloney’s men were getting crosses into the box and in contrast to recent games there were players there to receive them.

Carlisle are obviously struggling in the league and could easily have been three or four goals behind at half time.

However, in the second half the visitors pushed forward and had several good chances, which a better team might have converted.

Latics had eased up and they might have suffered the consequences. This should be a concern for Maloney as other teams will not be as profligate as Carlisle in front of goal.

Barnsley will provide much sterner opposition on New Year’s Day.

Post match comments

Maloney was pleased that his side ended the recent run of three defeats in the league and showed different sides to them throughout the 90 minutes.

“The first half was good, and then we had to show a different side in the second,”

Maloney said afterwards,

“I was very pleased with the first half. I liked how we attacked – we were very aggressive, and I think you could sense that.” 

After seeing several players sit out in recent weeks due to injury and illness, the Latics boss was relieved to see a few of them return to the squad and make an impact on the pitch. 

“We managed to get a few players back in the team, and we had a bit more speed. I thought Josh Magennis led the line well and did everything we asked of a number nine.

“I also think Charlie Wyke did well because he hasn’t trained over the past few days after being with his wife, but I was really happy with the players.

“They had that freedom with the ball, but when we have the same intensity when we don’t have it, we can be a decent team.” 

The result brings with it a clean sheet, which impressed Maloney, but he insists there is still work to be done. 

“There is still some work to be done. When they went to back five in the second half, we were still trying to be aggressive with a back four, and when you do that, you have to cover big spaces. 

“I think we could have been better with the ball in the second half. Their big chance came from a wide free-kick, but it was good tonight.

“I say it all the time, but I still want more, and there are still areas I think we could get better at, and we will need to because the games are coming thick and fast.” 

With points on the board ahead of Latics’ New Year’s Day trip to Barnsley, Maloney reserved praise for the home support, who spurred the side on to a win on home soil. 

“I think the players and the fans fed off each other. It was a really fast start. Carlisle brought a lot of support, and I always thank my fans when they travel, so credit to them. 

“Our fans are always good. I know they’re behind the team, and I appreciate the support when we win and when we don’t.”

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