• Wigan Athletic were denied three points against Lincoln City when referee John Mulligan awarded a controversial late penalty at the Brick Community Stadium.
• James Carragher was adjudged to have fouled Adam Jackson in a typical goalmouth pushing and shoving incident which is not usually penalised.
• James Collins converted the penalty at the second attempt after Sam Tickle saved the initial spot kick and the game ended 1-1.
• Latics had gone ahead in the 36th minute when Dale Taylor drove forward before setting up Jonny Smith who curled his strike into the bottom corner of the net.
• Former Latic Tom Bayliss curled a free-kick against the crossbar for the Imps in the first half, but Latics had chances to seal the points with Taylor, Jensen Weir and substitute Will Goodwin all going close.
• Latics remain in 16th place and Lincoln are in 12th place in League One.

Shaun Maloney made four changes from their defeat at Peterborough with Jon Mellish, Harry McHugh, Jonny Smith and Jensen Weir coming into the starting line-up. 

Latics had the first attempt at goal as Taylor broke down the right and fired a low effort at goal which was blocked by Jackson.

Paudie O’Connor headed straight at Tickle at the other end before former Latic Bayliss crashed the crossbar with a free kick from 25-yards out.

Unfortunately winger Silko Thomas left the field on a stretcher with a nasty looking injury and Joe Hungbo replaced him on 25 minutes.

Latics went ahead in the 36th minute when Taylor drove forward before setting up Jonny Smith who curled his strike into the bottom corner of the net.

Weir then tried his luck from the edge of the box as Latics ended the half on the front foot.

The hosts might’ve doubled their lead on 58 minutes when Carragher won the ball high up and fed Jonny Smith who slipped in Taylor, but he dragged his effort inches wide of the post.

Latics threatened again when Scott Smith’s volleyed effort was headed towards goal by Taylor and pushed away by Zach Jeacock.

Weir then cut in from the left and fired narrowly wide of the near post.

Soon afterwards Weir crossed for substitute Will Goodwin who headed just over.

With two minutes remaining the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty by referee Mulligan as Carragher was adjudged to have fouled Jackson in the box.

Collins spot kick was saved by Tickle, but the striker followed up to bundle the ball home.

A frustrating end to the game after a much improved display by Latics.

Overview

This was a big improvement on Tuesday night but so frustrating to draw a game Latics should’ve won. 

Maloney’s men had produced an abysmal display at Peterborough, but they were far more competitive and forward thinking against Lincoln with ten shots compared to none at Peterborough.

Taylor led the line superbly and Jonny Smith provided a big threat down the wing. Scott Smith had one of his better games and was combative in midfield.

Carragher produced a superb defensive display winning some impressive headers and tackles. It was such a pity that he was adjudged to have given away a penalty.

Football fans crave consistency from referees in their decision-making and referee Mulligan failed to apply that consistency.

Throughout the game there had been plenty of pushing and shoving from both teams at set-pieces so it seemed unfair to penalise Carragher and award Lincoln a penalty.

Post match comments

Shaun Maloney believed his side did not get the result that their performance deserved.

“It was a difficult one to speak to the players at the end because they didn’t get what they deserved,” he told the media afterwards.

“If we’re being really critical, we had enough chances to finish that game before they won the penalty. 

“There were moments where we really played through their pressure. I thought we were tentative in the first 20 minutes, but after that, I was a lot happier. 

“Lincoln are very good at the long diagonal and they get players around the second ball. They are really good at winning free-kicks and are dangerous at set-plays.

“I feel for the players. I’m normally pretty honest, and I think the referee probably let us down today.

“I couldn’t ask too much more of the lads – we didn’t give up many opportunities, created more than enough, and the referee’s impact at the end has decided the result. 

“I’m disappointed- I don’t think we got what we deserved.”

Silko Thomas was unfortunately stretchered off with a knee injury in the first half, and Maloney expressed it didn’t look “too good” for the on-loan Leicester City winger.

“It’s early. It’s a knee injury, and we’ll probably find out on Monday. It doesn’t look too good.” 

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