Latics bow out of the FA Cup after creditable display – Wigan Athletic 0 Manchester United 2 – FA Cup 3rd Round

Posted on January 9, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Latics and Man Utd come out to fireworks

Wigan Athletic and Manchester United come out to fireworks

  • Wigan Athletic produced a creditable performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round but were defeated 2-0 at the DW Stadium.
  • Latics had a great chance to go ahead in the fourth minute as Martial Godo crossed to the back post and Thelo Aasgaard forced an excellent save from Andre Onana.
  • United enjoyed the majority of possession and made the breakthrough on 22 minutes when Diogo Dalot’s curled strike found the corner of the net.
  • The visitors created plenty of chances with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho hitting the bar and Marcus Rashford forcing a good save from Sam Tickle.
  • Latics threatened when Stephen Humphrys’ cross shot found Martial Godo but the Fulham loanee failed to make the opportunity count from close range.
  • United sealed their progress to the fourth round when Bruno Fernandes won a soft penalty, from Liam Shaw’s challenge, and the Portuguese international stepped up to convert the spot kick.

Shaun Maloney made two changes from the draw away at Barnsley, with Thelo Aasgaard and Stephen Humphrys replacing Callum Lang & Josh Magennis.

Manchester United manager Erik den Hag named his strongest possible side at the DW Stadium.

Latics had a great chance in the opening four minutes when Sean Clare surged forward to feed Godo in down the right. He played an early cross to Aasgaard at the back post but the young Norwegian international was denied by an excellent save from Onana.

United responded and Tickle did well to divert Rashford’s strike around the post before Scott McTominay steered an effort just past the post from close range. 

The visitors did go ahead on 22 minutes when Rashford’s initial effort at goal was charged down by Clare before Rachford set up Dalot and the full back took a touch before curling a finish into the bottom corner.

United continued in the ascendancy and they went close when Rashford hit a dipping effort at goal, which Tickle kept out superbly, before McTominay flicked wide from close range. Garnacho then crashed a powerful strike against the crossbar.

Latics had an early half chance in the second half as Aasgaard crossed to Godo inside the area, but the Fulham loanee couldn’t quite make the vital contact.

McTominay then had an opportunity as the ball came to him inside the area, but the outstanding Charlie Hughes made a vital block.

At the other end Godo was able to make a surging run forward but he was denied by Mainoo as he tried to shoot.

United effectively sealed the victory in the 74th minute when Liam Shaw was adjudged to have brought down Fernandes in the area. It looked a soft penalty with the Portuguese midfielder making a meal of the challenge.

Referee Anthony Taylor decided to point to the spot and Fernandes converted the penalty.

Latics continued to battle to the end but they couldn’t quite make the vital breakthrough. Aasgaard had a late strike towards the bottom corner, which Onana was able to see creep just wide of the post.

Overview

This was a creditable performance by a Latics team made up of Academy graduates, free transfers and loan players.

54 places separate the two teams but Latics were not overawed.

The club nearly went out of business recently and they have faced an eight point deduction this season but they gave a very good account of themselves against one of the richest clubs in the world.

Tickle, Hughes, Morrison and Godo all showed they are tremendous talents who are capable of playing in the Premier League. Latics must surely retain their talents for as long as is reasonably possible.

An inconsistent United turned up on the night and deserved to go through to the next round, preserving manager Erik ten Hag’s job in the process.

Latics get back to the nitty gritty of League One on Saturday, as they travel to in form Northampton Town, needing to move away from the bottom end of the table.

Wigan Athletic V Manchester United

DW Stadium – Wigan Athletic V Manchester United

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney was full of praise for his side’s performance and effort levels against the Premier League giants.

“I am proud of the effort that they put in,” he said.

“It was always going to be a difficult match for us. When you play against a team a couple of divisions above, it’s difficult. 

“The application of the players was very good. The one thing that I will take away is I want even more belief that they can play under pressure. I can’t criticise the players at all tonight. 

“We had some really good performances, and in games like this, it’s tough because you’re never happy when you get beat. I was really happy with the performance and the effort levels, but we’ll be back in tomorrow getting ready for Saturday.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, FA Cup, Manchester United, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review – Unfit and Improper Persons: An Idiot’s Guide to Owning a Football Club by Kevin Day, Kieran Maguire, & Guy Kilty

Posted on January 4, 2024 by ianhaspinall

Unfit & Improper Persons Cover

This irreverent new guide to running a football club is from the people behind ‘The Price of Football’ Podcast. Writer Kevin Day, football finance expert Kieran Maguire and producer Guy Kilty have created a fictional football club, West Park Rovers and we discover what is really going on behind the scenes as they rise through the leagues.

West Park Rovers implausibly romps up the FA pyramid from the lowest level to the heights of the Premier League and Europe. They encounter challenges along the way, but it is always amusingly easy progress at the ‘Kleanwell Stadium.’

Writer Kevin Day adopts a jokey style, which may not be to everyone’s taste, but there is plenty of important detail about the problems of owning and running a professional football club.

We learn that there is currently very little to stop unscrupulous individuals owning your football club and that there is a long list of dodgy owners who have reaped havoc such as Ken Richardson at Doncaster Rovers, The Oystons at Blackpool, Steve Dale at Bury and Au Yeung at Wigan.

We learn about serious matters such as Financial Fair Play, Parachute Payments, Elite Player Performance Plan, the Transfer Window, Amortisation, the Multi-club model of ownership and the Super League but this is all presented in Day’s light-hearted style.

Finally, we are left with numerous scenarios about what might happen to West Park Rovers when the Podcast group sell up. Although the journey through the leagues has been written in Day’s self-deprecating and light-hearted style there is no doubt about the many serious issues that the book raises.

‘Unfit and Improper Persons’ provides a timely reminder of the perilous state that many of our football clubs are in.

There is a desperate need for a football regulator and new legislation to ensure that our football clubs are protected from unscrupulous owners and corrupt practices.

Everton’s recent ten-point deduction and the looming decisions about Manchester City’s and Chelsea’s punishments for breaches of Premier League rules can only have damaging effects on our football league system. It is likely that more chaos will ensue due to the greed of owners, their corrupt practices, and the push for a European Super League.

Unfortunately, football in this country is increasingly run by nation states and unscrupulous rich people and the threat to our national game is now an existential one.

Unfit and Improper Persons: An Idiot’s Guide to Owning a Football Club by Kevin Day, Kieran Maguire, and Guy Kilty. Published by Bloomsbury, Price £16.99.

This review first appeared in the January/February 2024 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Football Book Reviews, Guy Kilty, Kevin Day, Kieran Maguire, Late Tackle magazine, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Latics frustrated not to take the three points – Barnsley 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 1, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Jonny Smith Wigan Athletic

Jonny Smith produced a superb strike for the equaliser. Photograph by Bernard Platt.

  • Wigan Athletic were held 1-1 by Barnsley at Oakwell in a game they really should have won.
  • Latics wasted several good chances in the first half and the Tykes went ahead just before half time when Devante Cole converted from Adam Phillips cross after Latics failed to clear.
  • It was the visitors who dominated the second half as Barnsley faded. Josh Magennis had a glorious opportunity to equalise on 51 minutes but he volleyed wide from 10 yards out in the centre of the goal.
  • Jonny Smith thought he had equalised when his in-swinging corner was clawed into his own net by goalkeeper Liam Roberts but referee Seb Stockbridge inexplicably ruled out the goal for an infringement.
  • Smith was not to be outdone however, and he rifled home a superb equaliser from 20 yards on 87 minutes.
  • Latics move up one place in the table to 17th and Barnsley move up to sixth in League One.

Shaun Maloney made four changes from the the victory against Carlisle United with Baba Adeeko, Jordan Jones, Callum Lang and Martial Godo returning to the starting line-up in place of Scott Smith, Jonny Smith, Thelo Aasgaard and Stephen Humphrys. Luke Robinson returned from his loan at St Johnstone and took a place on the bench.

Both teams started slowly but on five minutes Godo provided an excellent cross for Magennis, but the Northern Ireland international didn’t make a good headed connection and the chance went begging.

Jones and Godo then linked up well in attack, but a Barnsley defender managed to intercept the danger before a strike on goal.

At the other end, Devante Cole had an opportunity when he met John McAtee’s cross but Sam Tickle did well to tip over his goalbound header.

Tickle saved well again on 16 minutes when he got down at his near post to again deny Cole.

The best chance of the half fell to Jones on 17 minutes as Latics counter attacked with pace.  Godo fed Jones in the centre of the box, but the winger blazed high over the crossbar.

Barnsley were enjoying the greater possession but Maloney’s men continued to be dangerous on the counter attack. Jones cross nearly found Magennis in the centre of the box on 22 minutes.

Another Jones cross on the half hour mark found Liam Shaw at the back post but the midfielder couldn’t make a good contact.

Phillips then had a scuffed goalward effort deflected by McAtee in the box but fortunately for Latics it went into the arms of Tickle on 40 minutes.

Another dangerous Jones cross was well held by the Barnsley keeper on 42 minutes.

In first-half stoppage time the hosts went ahead after Stephen Sessegnon failed to clear and the ball fell to Phillips who set up Cole to score from close range.

1-0 to Barnsley at half time.

Magennis had a glorious opportunity to equalise for Latics on 51 minutes but he volleyed wide from 10 yards out in the centre of the goal.

At the other end, Barnsley had a rare opportunity when McAtee volleyed onto the roof of the net from a tight angle on 57 minutes.

The visitors were now dominating the second half with plenty of possession and patient build up play.

Maloney replaced Lang and Magennis for Thelo Aasgaard and Charlie Wyke on 58 minutes.

Jones continued to cause problems and from another of his dangerous crosses Shaw headed across goal but it didn’t have the power to find the corner of the Barnsley net. 

Luke Robinson and Callum McManaman replaced Sesssegnon and Liam Morrison on 75 minutes.

Latics were now loaded with attacking players as they went for the equaliser.  Smith’s superb in-swinging was clawed into his own net by keeper Roberts for what looked like a perfectly good goal, but referee Stockbridge inexplicably disallowed it on 84 minutes. 

But Smith was not to be denied and from a short free-kick he took the ball from 20 yards out and struck a superb dipping strike into the top corner of the net for the equaliser on 87 minutes.

On the 90 minute mark Jones rifled a powerful strike just over the Barnsley crossbar from 25 yards out.

Then on 93 minutes yet another dangerous Jones cross found McManaman at the back post, but the winger’s close range strike could only find the side netting.

Latics were just unable to get the all important winner, in a game they should really have taken the three points.

Overview

Against promotion-chasing Barnsley, Latics really should have come away from Oakwell with the three points. 

They created several clear-cut chances with Magennis and Jones being wasteful in front of goal. Referee Stockbridge also disallowed what looked like a perfectly good goal from Jonny Smith.

Latics had dominated the second half with plenty of possession and patient build up play. If only they could have moved the ball a little quicker in the final third, they would have surely created even more chances.

It is no coincidence that Latics’ improvement has come because players have returned from injury. It is very unfortunate that other players such as Scott Smith, Stephen Humphrys and the on-loan Josh Stones have now been struck down by an injury.

Maloney’s players will now be looking forward to the challenge of facing Manchester United in the FA Cup Third Round on Monday. It should be quite an atmosphere at the DW Stadium. Could Latics pull off another famous FA Cup shock?

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney was full of praise for his players and expressed they could have left Oakwell with all three points on another day. 

“I really liked how we played,” he said.

“We changed our style today because of how good Barnsley are when they press high. 

“It’s one of those games where you go in at half-time and there wasn’t anything wrong with the game.

“We shouldn’t have gone in behind, but then it was the same again in the second half. We created a lot of opportunities today and the least we deserved today was a draw.

“I am really happy with the performance – and the result. With the amount of chances we had, I thought we were brilliant and deserved to win the game.

“We’ve got good players and a good squad. I know it’s a little bit inconsistent at times, but we’ve got a good group.

“You can see the connection between the fans and the players – and we are fighting every game. Today, I wish we won because our performance- and the chances we created – deserved the win.”

Maloney also gave a special mention to Smith, who he believes was fully deserving of that moment in front of the travelling Tics. 

“Jonny deserved it. He had to be patient for a couple of months and had a difficult injury at the start of the season, but he has that talent.”

Player ratings  

Player ratings Wigan Athletic

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

 

 

 

Posted in Barnsley, Devante Cole, Jonny Smith, League One, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics get back to winning ways – Wigan Athletic 2 Carlisle United 0

Posted on December 30, 2023 by ianhaspinall
The last game of the year at the DW Stadium
  • 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.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Carlisle United, Josh Magennis, League One, Liam Morrison, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics late rally just isn’t good enough – Wigan Athletic 0 Derby County 1

Posted on December 27, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Manager Shaun Maloney Wigan Athletic
Manager Shaun Maloney with plenty to contemplate after third consecutive defeat
  • Wigan Athletic slumped to 1-0 defeat against in form Derby County at the DW Stadium.
  • Craig Nelson’s header in the 19th minute was enough to give the Rams a deserved victory.
  • The visitors dominated the first half and could easily have been three up at half time.
  • Latics rallied in the second half and enjoyed more possession but rarely looked like equalising until the last 10 minutes.
  • However, Derby held out to avenge their defeat at Pride Park in August.
  • Latics drop to 19th place and Derby remain in fourth place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made four changes from the defeat against Reading with Charlie Hughes, Baba Adeeko, Chris Sze and Stephen Humphrys coming in for Callum McManaman, Charlie Wyke, Jordan Jones and Liam Shaw.

Latics made a brisk opening but the visitors soon started to assert their dominance.

Tom Barkhuizen blazed over from a corner after nine minutes.

Kane Wilson was then denied by a brilliant save from Sam Tickle on 11 minutes, diving low down to his right to keep out Wilson’s header. Eiran Cashin tried to convert the rebound from a tight angle, but the ball came off the post before it was bundled away.

Derby took a deserved lead on 19 minutes as Humphrys gave the ball away to Tom Barkhuizen and his cross was headed home by Curtis Nelson.

Craig Forsyth then had a goal disallowed for a foul on Steven Sessegnon on 22 minutes.

It continued to be one-way traffic as the Rams pressurised the Latics defence.

Sean Clare played a dangerous back pass but Tickle did superbly to deny James Collins when one-on-one.

Latics failed to have a shot on target in a miserable first half which was completely dominated by the visitors.

Maloney introduced Callum McManaman and Jonny Smith for McHugh and Sze at the break, but it was Derby who first went close.

A cross from the right found its way through to Barkhuizen at the back post, but he scuffed his effort into the side netting.

Barkhuizen then tried his luck from distance, forcing another very good save from Tickle who tipped his effort over the crossbar.

Latics then started to gain more possession and finally threatened when Scott Smith’s cross was met by Humphrys at the back post, but the striker’s volley from a narrow angle was straight at keeper Joe Wildsmith.

McManaman was posing a threat down the left and he cut into the box and fired a shot at goal but unfortunately it hit the side netting.

Liam Shaw replaced Sessegnon on 71 minutes as Latics continued to press forward.

Clare then headed over from Jonny Smith’s free kick on 81 minutes.

Josh Magennis replaced Lang on 82 minutes.

Jonny Smith then did superbly as he drove down the right before having an effort deflected wide.

Latics continued to push for an equaliser for the remaining minutes, but the rally was all too late and Derby came away with the three points.

Overview

This was another game of two halves as Derby dominated the first half and could easily have been three or four goals ahead if it wasn’t for keeper Sam Tickle and some poor finishing.

Latics who are missing several players through injury, lost Jordan Jones to illness and Charlie Wyke due to his wife going into labour prior to kick off.

With seven academy graduates in the starting eleven they lacked cohesion and completely failed to threaten the Derby goal in the first half.

Callum McManaman and Jonny Smith replaced McHugh and Sze at half time and Latics were much better in the second half.

They pushed Derby back and gave them more of a game but without creating any clear-cut chances.

Humphrys had a half chance at the back post and McManaman found the side netting.

Latics are lacking a cutting edge at the current time. Humphrys and Lang were once again anonymous throughout and Sze had a disappointing first half.

Maloney needs to adjust his system so that we have players in the box. When Humphrys is allowed a roving role Latics often have no striker in the danger zone.

The manager may now be regretting his decision to allow striker Josh Stones to go on loan to Oldham Athletic.

At least Thelo Aasgaard made a return from injury in the second half and he may add some much needed creativity to the midfield going forward.

After three straight defeats Latics will be desperate to get back to winning ways against Carlisle United on Friday night.

League One Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney credited his players for their second-half display and expressed the importance of bouncing back in a few days’ time.

“It was miles better in the second half,” he said.

“I’ve said that a couple of times recently, but in this game, we had seven Academy boys in there.

“Derby are a very good team – very strong and very experienced – so I can’t fault the players. 

“The effort was there in the first half, and it was very difficult for them to have that many (Academy graduates) on the pitch.

“I asked too much of them in the first half, and it’ll be a big experience for them and me.

“We went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the league (in the second half), and it felt like a proper performance.

“We had more threat in the final third, and very different in the second half. The dynamic of the game changed, and I am reasonably pleased about that. We’ve got a massive game against Carlisle in a few days.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Craig Nelson, Derby County, League One, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Latics frustrate in a game of two halves – Port Vale 3 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on December 17, 2023 by ianhaspinall
View from the away end - Port Vale v Wigan Athletic

View from the away end

  • Wigan Athletic’s nine game unbeaten run came to an end at Port Vale as they were defeated 3-2 in a game of two halves.
  • Latics were woeful in the first half and were 2-0 down at half time as Ethan Chislett scored in the 21st and 43rd minutes for the hosts.
  • The visitors were much improved in the second half and they drew level through substitutes Chris Sze and Charlie Wyke in the 63rd and 77th minutes.
  • It looked as though Latics had rescued a point but with seven minutes remaining Chislett completed his hat-trick via a deflection off defender Charlie Hughes.
  • Latics drop to 17th and Port Vale move up to 15th in the League One Table.

Shaun Maloney had made one change to the starting XI who had drawn with Lincoln City as Steven Sessegnon came in for Liam Morrison who dropped to the bench.

The hosts were quickly out of the blocks and Latics were fortunate not to be behind inside five minutes as former Tics academy graduate Alfie Devine crossed for Conor Grant whose effort hit Chislett and fortunately for Sam Tickle, rebounded off the crossbar and into his hands.

Chislett was proving to be a big threat and five minutes later he picked up a loose Latics pass and darted in behind, but his cross was deflected over.

Latics were completely off the pace and Vale were dominant with the dangerous Devine feeding Oliver Arblaster whose effort deflected wide. After 20 minutes there was a scramble in the box, the ball fell  into the path of Chislett, but he dragged his shot wide.

The visitors were strangely subdued and on 21 minutes Port Vale deservedly went ahead.

Former Latic Gavin Massey’s low cross was met by Chislett who steered his effort low past Tickle.

Jordan Jones and Jonny Smith briefly threatened from out wide with crosses, but it was mainly one-way traffic and Arblaster tried his luck from 20 yards out but Tickle saved.

Smith had a rare chance for Latics on 35 minutes, his effort from the right beat goalkeeper Conor Ripley but also evaded the post.

Grant then curled an effort over the crossbar from the edge of the box before Chislett doubled the hosts lead on 43 minutes.

Arblaster played the ball into the path of Chislett who took a touch before finding the bottom corner.

Latics had been desperately poor in the first half but Stephen Humphrys had a glorious chance to reduce the arrears in added time as Jones fed him down the left, but he disappointingly dragged his effort wide of the far post.

Maloney must surely have given his players a rocket at half time and he made two changes as Morrison and Wyke came on for Kell Watts and Smith.

Ben Garrity had the first effort of the second half, but Tickle was equal to it before a cross from the right from Massey was so nearly met by the dangerous Chislett.

Chislett was again denied by Tickle on 52 minutes before he had to be quickly back up on his feet to deny Devine’s powerful strike.

Clare was in the right place in the right time to deny Arblaster before Morrison did likewise on the goal line to deny Vale a third.

McManaman and Sze replaced Humphrys and Clare on 61 minutes and both substitutes were soon in the action.

Latics reduced the deficit on 63 minutes when Sze grabbed his first league goal.

Lang nicked the ball in midfield and drove towards the box, before pulling the ball back for the arriving Sze who fired high into the roof of the net, via the head of a Vale defender. 

Latics started to threaten now and Lang went down in the box following a long throw, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals before Sze was slipped in again, but his cross was inches away from Wyke at the far post.

The Tics did draw level on 77 minutes as a pumped up McManaman did superbly down the right to turn his marker before delivering a quality cross for Wyke at the back post who finished first time.

At the other end Devine was denied by the post on 80 minutes as he found space in the box.

With seven minutes remaining Baba Adeeko appeared to be pushed in the back but Chislett was allowed to continue and the midfielder’s strike deflected off Hughes and agonisingly looped over Tickle for what proved to be the winner. 

Wyke had a half chance into added time, but unfortunately his header just cleared the crossbar.

A much improved second half performance by Latics but the first half performance had been so abysmal that Port Vale had deserved to run out winners.

Wigan Athletic attack Port Vale

Latics on the attack

Overview

This had been an unacceptable first half performance by Latics as they could barely string two passes together. They lacked energy and seemingly commitment. Rumours that the players had been partying in midweek may have had an impact. They had badly let down the travelling fans in the first half.

No doubt Maloney and Graham Barrow etc will have had strong words in the dressing room and they made good substitutions at the break bringing on Wyke and Morrison and soon afterwards introducing McManaman and Sze.

It was a much improved display after the substitutions and the level of effort and commitment was significantly better.

Maloney’s men have struggled to get goals from central positions in recent games and it was significant that they looked much more of a threat with Wyke and Sze in the box and McManaman providing the crosses.

Wyke, Sze and McManaman should all start at Reading next Saturday.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney described the defeat as a game of two opposite halves, with the second pleasing him to an extent in terms of his side’s response. 

“I’ve said to the fans all along, I can’t guarantee wins, and we’ll win and lose games,” he said.

“The way we played in the second half, I can accept if we lose. It was the very opposite in the first half.

“The players and staff have been brilliant for two months, and when the levels are slightly down in any game, we can get hurt.

“We definitely got hurt in the first half today, and I’ll give Port Vale a lot of credit because they were very good.

“The first half, from my team’s point of view, we were down on our levels, and when we are like that, we are not going to win games.

“The second half was everything I wanted to see from our team, and I’d rather go out like that than in the first half.”

Latics will have an opportunity to bounce back and start a new run next weekend when they travel to Reading FC.

Maloney spoke about the importance of remaining focused and showing the desire to pick up all three points at Reading.

“Before we even think about the result, we have to think about the performance and the levels of effort and desire to win a game.

“If we get that right, we’ll give ourselves a chance at Reading. Football can hurt you when you start to become a little bit complacent.

“It’s my job to drag this team and Club out of any form of complacency.”

Player ratings

Wigan Athletic player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Charlie Wyke, Chris Sze, Ethan Chislett, League One, Port Vale, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Referee’s mistake denies Latics the victory – Wigan Athletic 0 Lincoln City 0

Posted on December 11, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Chris Sze Wigan Athletic

Chris Sze had a goal disallowed

  • In form teams Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City cancelled each other out in a 0-0 draw at the DW Stadium.
  • Neither team created many chances in a chess-like game but Latics were denied a late winner by the referee.
  • The hosts best chance of the first half fell to Jonny Smith but he blasted over and the Imps best opportunity came at the beginning of the second half after a goalmouth scramble, the ball was flicked behind for a corner as TJ Eyoma tried to force the ball home.
  • Latics looked like they had won it with five minutes remaining when Jordan Jones’ cross was spilled by keeper Jensen and substitute Chris Sze fired home from close range. But the referee incorrectly whistled for a foul on the goalkeeper.
  • Latics remain in 14th place and Lincoln in ninth place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made three changes from their last league victory against Fleetwood Town, with Liam Morrison, Kell Watts and Jonny Smith coming into the starting line-up in place of the injured Omar Rekik, Tom Pearce and Martial Godo. 

The Imps started the better and they had an early chance after Danny Mandroiu slipped in Lasse Sorensen behind Jordan Jones, but Jones did well to get back to stop the shot.

Ethan Hamilton then tested Sam Tickle from distance, but it was an easy save.

Latics nearly went in front on 10 minutes when Jonny Smith’s excellent in-swinging corner was punched away from under the crossbar by Lukas Jensen.

Neither team pushed many players forward and chances were very rare in the first half.

The best chance of the half fell to Latics as they broke dangerously on the counter attack on 43 minutes.

Stephen Humphrys drove forward feeding Callum Lang who played in Jonny Smith inside the box, but the winger blasted over from 20 yards. If he had showed a little more composure the hosts might’ve been ahead at the break.

The Imps had the first opportunity of the second half as Jack Burroughs fired over from 25 yards after the ball had been pulled back to him from the right.

The visitors best chance of the second half came came on 49 minutes following a corner. During a goalmouth scramble TJ Eyoma tried to force the ball home but the ball was flicked away for a corner by Liam Morrison.

Maloney introduced Callum McManaman for Jonny Smith on 59 minutes and he quickly made an impact.

He played a neat one-two with Sean Clare who fed Humphrys, but his deflected effort flew over the crossbar.

Jack Vale was brought down on the edge of the penalty area by another Latics substitute Steven Sessegnon, but he did well to get out and block the free-kick.

Charlie Wyke and Sze replaced Humphrys and Lang with 10 minutes remaining and they quickly started to pose problems for the visitors.

Latics and Sze were denied what looked like a perfectly good winner with five minutes remaining.

The goalkeeper had spilled the ball into Sze’s path and the young striker finished well, but the referee Charles Breakspear adjudged that there was a foul on Jensen in the build-up and disallowed the goal.

Let’s just hope the two missed points doesn’t prove to be crucial at the end of the season.

Overview

This was an extremely hard fought encounter against an in form Lincoln who are well drilled under new manager Michael Skubala. The Imps are unbeaten in four games and look like they may be good enough to challenge for the playoffs.

The visitors had come with a game plan to thwart Latics and they achieved their objective.

The Tics defence looked solid throughout but the forwards generally struggled to make an impact. Humphrys didn’t have his best game and his roaming role can often mean there is no striker in the box when crosses come in. It is a quandary for Maloney to resolve in the next game at Port Vale.

Although both teams had cancelled each other out for most of the game Latics were denied the victory by a dreadful refereeing decision. It was clear to everyone that goalkeeper Jensen was not impeded in the build up and Sze’s goal should have stood.

Looking positively Latics remain unbeaten in nine games and considering the high number of injuries to key players that is quite an achievement.

With substitutes Wyke and Sessegnon returning to the team, at least Latics are getting some players back fit for the Christmas games.

Legue One Table 10 Dec 2023

League One Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney praised his side’s effort levels at the end of a block of fixtures.

“I thought Lincoln were very hard to break down and very aggressive,” he said.

“Analysing their last four games, their manager has had a really positive impact on them defensively. Their mentality was very good.

“In the second half, I liked more from us. It’s a game where we have to stay patient to try and break a team down who are very good defensively. 

“We probably didn’t do enough creatively in the final third but I cannot fault the players for their effort.

“They continued to try and do the right thing but there were moments where we weren’t quite at the levels in the final third as we have been in the last two months.

“What they’ve done in the last two months has been an incredible run, and the only message for when they come back to training is the mentality has to still be as strong. 

“Today was tough. The conditions were tough against a good team defensively, and we just couldn’t break them down.

“I’d have loved to have won today but you’ve got to respect the opposition. We were slightly off it in terms of our attacking play and that made it a difficult match. 

“We have to go again. I’ve liked what I’ve seen over the last couple of months but I’ll still demand more from the players and staff.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Chris Sze, League One, Lincoln City, Michael Skubala, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review – Food of the Cods: How Fish & Chips Made Britain by Daniel Gray

Posted on December 6, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Food of the Cods cover

Daniel Gray is an accomplished writer of football books, but his latest offering is an entertaining homage to Britain’s favourite meal fish and chips. Gray ponders the delights and social history of fish and chips and travels the country visiting chippies from Dundee to Devon. This mouth-watering book is as much about who we are as what we eat.

In the debated story about how fish and chips came to be found come themes of immigration, race, war, class, women’s equality, and local and national identity. It is not a comprehensive social history but is fundamentally a celebration of fish and chips. The book is primarily a love letter, hopefully not a eulogy and was written as prices rose in the spring and summer of 2023.

Gray notes that the modern fish and chip shops are much more diversified affairs than they had been previously and include a variety of drinks as well as other fried ‘delicacies’ such as the famous deep fried Mars bar.

We are introduced to oddities like the Orange Chip in the Black Country. Shops there have, since the middle of the twentieth century, been dousing their chips in a batter that includes paprika, orange colouring or turmeric. Hull has American chip spice – a paprika powder scattered at the counter.

Gray travels the length and breadth of the country and provides glimpses of places you want to visit like Val D’Orso in Glasgow. Gray loves every element of the shop,

“…the art deco arms of the seating booths; the beige tables they bookend; the mid-century flooring in faded planet Mars maroon and dying house plant green; and the gallery of photographs and clippings that camouflage the walls, transforming them into a museum of everything that matters from family history to Juventus Scudetto wins.”

The first fish and chips originated in the Lancashire Mill towns such as Oldham and the first chip shop was in Mossley.  Fish and chips are now part of the British identity, but they somehow taste better when consumed at the seaside. Possibly because we are on holiday or having a day out. There is certainly a pleasure in eating outside. Gray describes an outing on a school night,

“Eating outside extinguished etiquette. Under the sky, we could talk with our mouths full and pincer our food with eager fingers. Wooden forks were plunged into a plump chip and left dormant, like tiny Excalibur swords welded into Maris Pipers. There would be no pots to wash, either. After a while we’d find a wall to roost upon, now rinsing our waxy mouths with Panda Pops. Everything felt slow and tranquil, especially compared to our other dining arenas of the boisterous school dinner hall and the family dining table with its sibling squabbles.”

We no longer have our fish and chips wrapped in newspaper but for a long time it was part of British folklore. Professor John K. Walton, a leading fish and chips academic, wrote in ‘Fish & Chips & The British Working Class, 1870 -1940,’    

“Eating out of newspaper, like eating out in the street more generally, put forward a claim to unpretentiously democratic values and a spontaneity and informality that were widely prized in some kinds of working-class culture.”

The fish and chip industry has played a significant and enduring part of our culture. For example during World War One it was deemed an essential trade and, in his book, Professor Walton revealed that the continued availability of the dish prevented starving people from rebelling, as had happened in Germany and Russia.

After the Second World War there was also an acknowledgement that fish and chips had contributed enormously to the war effort. Chippies had played a symbolic role, bolstering the national mood through bleak times. And they had fulfilled a physical one, keeping workers well fed for a few pence.

Lancastrian playwright Bill Naughton identified that: “There was about fish and chips a sound democratic touch that no other food possessed; the poorest person could stop alongside the poshest…You were all one in the kingdom of fish and chips.”

‘Food of the Cods’ is a slim volume, but it provides an inviting insight into the nation’s favourite cuisine. Gray enlivens the tastebuds and encourages the reader to want to go and enjoy their favourite meal at their designated fish and chip emporium. Right now, I’m off to the chippy.

Food of the Cods: How Fish & Chips Made Britain by Daniel Gray is published by Harper North. Price £12.99

Posted in Book Reviews, Daniel Gray, Fish and Chips, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Humphrys’ quality shines through the fog as Latics progress – York City 0 Wigan Athletic 1 – FA Cup 2nd Round

Posted on December 2, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Man of the match Stephen Humphrys scored his ninth goal of the season

  • In foggy conditions and in front of the BBC cameras Wigan Athletic defeated York City 1-0 at the York Community Stadium to progress into the third round of the FA Cup.
  • Latics had chances to go ahead in the first half with Stephen Humphrys and Callum Lang going close.
  • York kept Latics at bay until the the 61st minute when man of the match Humphrys broke the deadlock. He latched onto a long ball before producing a cool finish by rounding goalkeeper David Stockdale and slotting home.
  • The hosts best chance to equalise came in added time when Lendell John-Lewis headed wide from a good position.
  • Latics now go into the third round draw which will be shown live on ITV at 1.15pm on Sunday.

Manager Shaun Maloney named an unchanged starting XI from the midweek victory against Fleetwood Town.

Latics made an hesitant start to the game and it was not until the 20th minute that they tested the York goalkeeper. Lang setting up Martial Godo but the Fulham loanee shot straight at Stockdale.

Eight minutes later Latics had a good chance to take the lead after great work by Humphrys. Latics top scorer created space in midfield and drove forward purposefully into the York box before firing at goal but Stockdale did well to save low down. 

Humphrys had another opportunity a minute later but this time his strike was well blocked by a York defender.

Lang then had an opportunity when he broke beyond the York defence and was one-on-one with Stockdale but the former Brighton and Wycombe goalkeeper did well to thwart him.

Latics had had the best opportunities in the first half but they had lacked the killer touch against the Minstermen.

0-0 at half time.

In the second half York continued to get men behind the ball and frustrate Latics.

Humphrys fired over the crossbar from a short free-kick on 54 minutes and Lang fired over the crossbar on 57 minutes after good work by Scott Smith.

But Latics did break the deadlock on 61 minutes when Humphrys latched onto a long ball before producing a cool finish by rounding Stockdale and slotting home.

Latics continued to look the most likely to score as York rarely threatened. Godo had a shot from distance on 67 minutes and Stockdale was lucky not to be red carded when he denied Lang by handling  outside his area on 69 minutes.

York had a rare chance on 77 minutes following a corner when Olly Dyson had an effort that was narrowly wide of the target.

Tom Pearce had to be replaced on 85 minutes after badly twisting his knee in a challenge. Harry McHugh came on to slot into the left back role. 

Sam Tickle then produced the best save of the game tipping a strike from substitute Maz Kouhyar onto the crossbar and over on 86 minutes.

It was end to end stuff now and Humphrys had a shot blocked on 87 minutes and substitute Callum McManaman should’ve scored when he ran free into the box but Stockdale saved in the bottom right corner on 88 minutes.

Sean Clare then broke free down the right hand side with only one defender back, but his pass failed to find Lang free in the centre of the box on 91 minutes.

John-Lewis then had a great chance to equalise on 92 minutes but his header was high and wide.

Liam Shaw and Josh Mageniss replaced Humphrys and Lang on 93 minutes as Maloney looked to run down the clock.

In the 99th minute McManaman had another great chance as he ran clear of the defence and was one-on-one with Stockdale but he fired over from close range.

The game ended after 112 minutes and Latics deservedly progressed into the third round.

Overview

Latics will be pleased to have overcome a potential banana skin at National League side York City. The margin of victory could easily have been much greater if Latics had been more clinical in front of goal. They certainly had enough chances to have put the game to bed much earlier.

York defended in depth in the first half and Latics found it hard to break them down. At least in the second half they moved the ball quicker and got more players forward.

Towards the end of the game they could have been pegged back if York had converted their late chances.

Man of the match Humphrys was the difference on the night creating several good chances for himself and coolly scoring the winner. 

Nine goals for the re-invigorated striker, but there is still a feeling that he is capable of much more. Maloney must keeping pushing him to score more, but for now he deserves all the plaudits.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney spoke of his happiness that his side overcame the test and booked their place in the next round of the competition. 

“I am very happy that we’re in that Third Round draw,” he said. 

“I was reasonably happy with the performance – definitely in the second half. The last few minutes got a bit nervy but I’m really happy. 

“The only criticism is that we could’ve been more clinical and I have to also give credit to York as they had a fair few chances as well.

“Once we started to control the game, I thought we played well. I am really happy with the players.

“After the first 20 minutes, I started to like the game. The biggest thing was to get through to the next round and we’re looking forward to that draw.”

FT York City 0 Wigan Athletic 1 graphic

Posted in FA Cup, Shaun Maloney, Stephen Humphrys, Wigan Athletic, York City | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Maloney’s men move on up – Wigan Athletic 3 Fleetwood Town 0

Posted on November 29, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Tom Pearce scored a superb free-kick

Tom Pearce scored a superb free-kick

  • Wigan Athletic emphatically defeated Fleetwood Town 3-0 at the DW Stadium.
  • Latics were ahead after only four minutes as Tom Pearce’s pass found Jordan Jones in the clear and the winger fired past Jay Lynch.
  • It was 2-0 on 31 minutes when Stephen Humphrys worked a short corner and crossed for Sean Clare to bundle the ball home via goalkeeper Lynch.
  • In first half stoppage time Fleetwood’s Joshua Earl picked up a second booking for diving in the box, reducing his side to 10 men.
  • Latics’ Pearce completed the scoring with a superb free-kick which was very similar to his curled near post strike against Fleetwood in the EFL Trophy.
  • Latics move up four places to 14th place and Fleetwood remain in 21st place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made three changes from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient, with Kell Watts, Liam Shaw and Callum McManaman being replaced by Pearce, Scott Smith and Martial Godo.

Latics were quick out of the blocks, with Godo winning a corner within the opening minute as they applied early pressure to the Fleetwood backline.

They were ahead in the fourth minute with Jones on target for his second goal of the season.

The winger ran onto Pearce’s excellent pass behind the Town defence before slotting the ball past Lynch.

Latics nearly added a second goal in the ninth minute. Humphrys burst into the Fleetwood penalty area but saw his powerful strike deflected away from goal.

After the initial Latics pressure, the visitors rallied and probably should’ve equalised in the 14th minute. A deep free kick to the far post found Ben Heneghan, but his header went narrowly wide of Sam Tickle’s near post.

In the 19th minute Heneghan drew a save from Tickle, with the Latics keeper having to palm his effort over the crossbar following a succession of Fleetwood corners.

The hosts had taken their foot off the pedal and the visitors were now threatening to equalise. 

Tickle had to palm away Ryan Broom’s curling effort after the visitors had won the ball off of the Latics backline on the edge of the area.

Heneghan might’ve been dismissed in the 25th minute as he brought down Callum Lang as the last defender. The Fleetwood captain was lucky to only be shown a yellow card for his late challenge as Lang looked to be through on goal.

Just after the half hour mark Latics doubled their lead.

A short corner was played to Humphrys, who made his way into the penalty area before firing a low cross into the six-yard box, with Clare sliding in to score via the Fleetwood keeper Lynch.

The hosts were now in confident mood and they looked to go further ahead in the 39th minute.

A speedy counter-attack saw Humphrys, Godo and Lang all involved before Lang played Jones through on goal, with the winger drawing a superb save from Lynch diving low to his right.

In first half stoppage time the visitors were reduced to ten-men when Earl was dismissed after being shown a second yellow card for diving in the box.

2-0 to Latics at half-time.

Lang nearly added a third in the 57th minute after excellent work from Godo down the right-hand side. The winger’s cross found Lang free in the penalty area, but Lang’s header went wide of Lynch’s far post.  

However, Latics did add a third goal in the 61st minute through Pearce’s superb curled free kick which was reminiscent of his free-kick against Fleetwood in the EFL Trophy.

In the 67th minute Chris Sze, Josh Magennis and Callum McManaman replaced Lang, Humphrys and Jones.

In the 78th minute Josh Stones and Liam Shaw replaced Godo and Clare. 

The visitors tried to get a consolation goal but Latics held firm in the remaining minutes. Maloney’s men are now unbeaten in six games and are gradually moving into mid-table.

Overview

This was a much improved team performance after the disappointing draw at Leyton Orient on Saturday. Latics were much sharper going forward and this time they got the early goal that they had craved at Orient with Jones firing home after only four minutes.

Man of the match Godo had an outstanding game and was a constant thorn in the visitors side. Twisting and turning the Fleetwood defence and creating opportunities for his colleagues. Lang was also much improved on recent displays and could with a bit more luck have got on the scoresheet. 

Latics looked fairly solid defensively although it’s fair to say the opposition are not the best they will face this season. Omar Rekik had one of his best games and Charlie Hughes was excellent as usual.

Tom Pearce also had one of his better games and scored another superb free-kick. He now needs to be more consistent and produce good performances week in, week out.

Positive signs for Maloney’s men, but it is important that they keep the momentum going as they now face a potential banana skin when they travel to York City in the FA Cup on Friday night.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney was pleased with his side’s free-flowing attacking display. 

“It was good especially in the first half. The second half was a different contest, with them down to 10 men, he said.

“Some of the attacking play was very good. In that final third, when you have [Stephen] Humphrys, [Martial] Godo and [Jordan] Jones we’re a big threat. I thought Callum Lang was excellent as well.”

“It was his movement I was most pleased with. When a team high presses us you have to attack the space in behind. Jordan Jones was unplayable at times tonight. He was very, very good.”

Maloney was also pleased with the defensive performance of his team after a clean sheet and also paid credit to Tom Pearce after his goal.

“What also pleased me was the back four today. Even in the last seconds, we had Charlie Hughes diving to put his body on the line to keep a clean sheet.

“[Tom] Pearce’s set plays are very good. We’re continuing to work with Tom, he’s really improved. He’s working really hard. Tom was at his best today and my challenge to him is to do it everyday. I’m pleased for Tom, he keeps his head down and works hard. He got his rewards tonight.”

The Gaffer concluded by admitting he felt the mentality was spot on today before shedding some injury news ahead of Latics Emirates FA Cup tie against York City on Friday.

“It was pretty controlled. If the scoreline was different we may have been more aggressive. Today it felt more controlled. I was really happy with the boys that came on. It was a good night.

“We try to (keep winning at home). I loved the mentality out of possession. The talent we have going forward, even some of the player’s we’ve got injured at the moment.

I know they’re talented. I think the fans are enjoying watching them right now.

“On Friday we’ve got a big test. I will give everyone until the last moment. I don’t think Charlie Wyke will be ready for Friday [hip]. James Balagizi will be more like weeks [hamstring]. Liam Morrison won’t be available after his injury with Scotland.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Whoscored.com notes

Whoscored.com notes

Posted in Fleetwood Town, Jordan Jones, League One, Sean Clare, Shaun Maloney, Tom Pearce, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment