• Wigan Athletic produced some sublime football in a convincing 2-0 victory against Bristol Rovers at the DW Stadium
• Latics created plenty of early chances and they deservedly went ahead when Josh Magennis steered home Luke Chambers’ cross on the half hour mark.
• The hosts started the second half with a stunning goal from Jonny Smith. The winger cut in off the right-hand side and fired into the opposite corner of the net.
• Magennis had a goal disallowed for offside and Thelo Aasgaard curled a strike just over the crossbar before substitute Martial Godo fired past goalkeeper Jed Ward only for James Wilson to clear off the line.
• The margin of victory should have been much greater but this had been a consummate performance by Shaun Maloney’s team.
• Latics finish the season in 12th place and Bristol Rovers in 15th place in League One.

Maloney made two changes to his starting XI from the victory at Portsmouth with Magennis coming in for Charlie Kelman and Callum McManaman replacing Godo.

Latics threatened from the kick off and could have been ahead inside the first 30 seconds as Magennis laid the ball off for Chambers who drove towards the box and fired a low strike at goal which Ward did well to push away down to his left.

Four minutes later Magennis found Jonny Smith down the right and he fed the overlapping Baba Adeeko. Adeeko fired a low effort across Ward, but the Rovers keeper made another fine save low down to his left.

The visitors then had a rare attempt at goal with Elkan Baggott heading a corner over the crossbar.

Aasgaard was then denied by Ward following a free header at the back post following an inviting cross from Charlie Hughes.

At the other end former Latic Scott Sinclair cut inside and hit a low drive which Liam Morrison deflected wide of Sam Tickle’s far post.

Latics’ pressure resulted in a deserved first goal on the half hour mark as the excellent Chambers crossed for Magennis to poke the ball home from close range.

Jason Kerr replaced Liam Morrison in the centre of defence at half-time.

The hosts started the second half even better than the first as Jonny Smith added another superb goal to his growing collection.

Adeeko found Smith on the right wing and he cut inside and fired a superb strike into the far corner from 25-yards to double the lead.

Maloney made more changes on the hour mark with Godo and Chris Sze replacing Jonny Smith and Callum McManaman.

Latics had a goal disallowed on 63 minutes. Chambers crossed for Magennis to finish from close range but he was flagged offside.

An Aasgaard free-kick from 30 yards was well saved by Ward as Latics continued to press for more goals.

Charlie Kelman and Scott Smith replaced Magennis and Sessegnon on 70 minutes.

On 80 minutes Aasgaard went close again, this time curling a dipping effort from the edge of the area, just over Ward’s crossbar.

Godo then nearly got on the scoresheet when he fired past goalkeeper Ward but James Wilson did well to clear off the line.

Latics continued to search for a third goal in added time with Sze, Godo and Kerr all having attempts at goal but somehow the game ended at 2-0.

Overview

Maloney’s men had been totally dominant throughout and they could easily have won by four or five goals.

It’s been a pleasure to watch the last few games against Lincoln, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers where they have produced some of their best football of the season.

Maloney and the players must take great credit for achieving a top half finish this season in such difficult circumstances.

The manager will have some big decisions to make about the composition of his squad for next season in the coming days, but if he can keep the majority of this team together the prospects look very good.

Hopefully owner Mike Danson can see the potential in this team and will back Maloney in the transfer market so the club can make a speedy return to the Championship.

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Post match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards Maloney was full of praise for his team after they ended the season on the back of three consecutive victories. 

“Today was brilliant, and the last few games have felt like that,” he said. 

“The level of performance – and the way of playing – can really hurt teams. I loved watching that today, it reminded me of Wigan of those Premier League years under Roberto Martinez.

“I know it’s taken some time to get things right, but today, we got it right in a big way. We got chances, were attacking and aggressive, and out of possession, we showed the same.

“I loved today. I know it was the last game of the season, but it meant the world to me. I was so happy for the players.

“The players were brilliant. From the first whistle, they tried to win the game. I hope the fans have seen moments like this in a season where we’re trying to bring back a certain way of playing.

“I mentioned the DNA of this Club and the amazing history, and it highlights the talented young players we have.”

It’s been an incredible season for the Tics, who continued their proud tradition of defying the odds by surviving comfortably despite an eight-point deduction. Maloney thanked his players, the owner, and his family for their efforts in 2023/24. 

“I’ve had 15 points taken off- including eight this season – before the fixtures even came out.

“I think what the players have done is incredible. We got to 70 points with one of the youngest teams in all four divisions and an embargo.

“The players have to take huge credit and Mr Danson, and his family. We wouldn’t be here without him and his family.”

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