Latics replicate league win in FA Cup – Exeter City 0 Wigan Athletic 2 – FA Cup 1st Round

Posted on November 5, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Steven Sessegnon Wigan Athletic

Steven Sessegnon scored his first goal for Latics Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

  • This FA Cup victory for Wigan Athletic was a replica of the league fixture at St James Park as the visitors absorbed pressure and hit Exeter on the counter-attack winning 2-0.
  • Latics rode their luck as Exeter threatened in the first half with former Latic Yanic Wildschut going close on several occasions.
  • In the 58th minute and against the run of play Latics went ahead as Jordan Jones shot was only partially saved by Viljami Sinisalo and Thelo Aasgaard followed up.
  • The visitors progression to the second round was confirmed when Steven Sessegnon curled a superb strike into the top corner from 25 yards on 87 minutes.
  • Latics will be ball number 5 in the second round draw which takes place on Sunday.

Shaun Maloney made four changes from the defeat against Charlton Athletic with Stephen Humphrys, Martial Godo, Sessegnon and Scott Smith coming into the starting line-up.

Wildschut threatened in the first five minutes and Charlie Hughes had to concede an early corner.

On nine minutes Wildschut’s right footed strike from a tight angle was pushed away for a corner by Sam Tickle.

Harry Kite and Vincent Harper had shots blocked before Alex Hartridge headed wide from a corner as the hosts pressed forward.

Sean Clare had to be withdrawn due to an injury on 19 minutes and replaced by Omar Rekik.

On 26 minutes Latics had their first serious attack and Scott Smith’s strike from outside the box was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Sinsalo.

But the hosts were still enjoying plenty of possession as Wildschut continued to be their most dangerous forward.

Harper had a great chance to break the deadlock on 38 minutes but he headed wide from the centre of the goal.

Wildschut then had a shot straight at Tickle on 40 minutes as Latics held firm.

In first half added time Godo broke away but was unceremoniously brought down by Harry Kite. It could have been a straight red card, but Godo was still 40 yards from the Exeter goal and Kite only received a yellow card from referee Craig Hicks.

Exeter continued their dominance at the start of the second half and they should’ve gone ahead when Wildschut cut the ball back to James Scott but he ballooned his effort from the centre of the box over the crossbar on 52 minutes.

It was to prove a costly miss as on 58 minutes as Aasgaard broke the deadlock. Jones strike was pushed away by Sinisalo and the Norwegian U21 international followed up to give Latics the lead.

Latics held their shape and continued to defend until in the 87th minute Sessegnon curled a superb strike from 25 yards into the top corner to seal their progression into the second round of the FA Cup.

Overview

This was not an easy watch for Latics’ fans as they had to endure plenty of Exeter pressure with Wildschut posing a big threat.

Although they defended very well, they also rode their luck as the Grecians wasted some very good opportunities.

Latics were always a threat on the break with Humphrys, Jones, Godo and Aasgaard dangerous and this proved to be the difference between the two teams.

As in the league fixture, the visitors hit the hosts on the counter this time through Aasgaard before Sessegnon scored a fantastic goal to seal progression to the next round.

Maloney once again got his tactics just about right against Exeter, but against another team with more prolific finishers they would probably have lost.

It was important that Maloney’s men quickly got back to winning ways but they cannot afford to take such risks against most other teams as they will be seriously punished.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney said: 

“It was a very good team performance,

“In the second half, we changed things tactically. I didn’t feel like there were massive issues in the game, I just wanted to get our attacking players higher up.

“We changed our system. The first half was very even with not much in it, although I didn’t feel like we were under a massive threat.

“I felt we were dangerous on the counter attack but I wanted more of the ball in the second half. We saw the game out and I was really happy. In the end, it was a really good performance. 

“We take it game by game, and we’ve got a history in the cup. I spoke to the players before the game, and there have been some amazing moments in recent history. Hopefully it’s our turn to create some memories.”

Over 350 Tics made the 400-mile round trip for the second time in two weeks, and Maloney was pleased to send the supporters home happy. 

“I’m so glad we gave the fans another win here. This one meant a lot to everyone, myself included.”

Thelo Aasgaard - Exeter 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Image courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Posted in Exeter City, FA Cup, Shaun Maloney, Steven Sessegnon, Thelo Aasgaard, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics unbeaten run comes to an end – Wigan Athletic 2 Charlton Athletic 3

Posted on November 1, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Manager Shaun Maloney Wigan Athletic

Shaun Maloney took responsibility for the defeat

  • Wigan Athletic’s three game winning run came to an end as Charlton Athletic recorded their first away win of the season.
  • Latics manager Shaun Maloney decided to tinker with his starting line-up and it had a detrimental effect as his team were outplayed in the first half.
  • Alfie May opened the scoring in the 21st minute following a corner and he doubled the lead on 31 minutes with a low drive into the bottom corner.
  • With Latics in disarray the visitors Corey Blackett-Taylor added a third two minutes before half-time with a powerful strike.
  • Maloney made a triple substitution at half-time and substitute Martial Godo assisted Thelo Aasgaard pull a goal back with six minutes remaining.
  • Substitute Stephen Humphrys fired home on 90 minutes to further reduce the deficit but it was all too late as Charlton held on for the three points.
  • Latics remain in 19th place and Charlton are in 11th place in League One.

Maloney surprisingly made three changes to his starting XI as Tom Pearce, Lang and Charlie Wyke all returned to the team replacing Steven Sessegnon, Martial Godo and Stephen Humphrys.

The visitors had the first effort at goal as May cut inside onto his right foot and fired an effort just wide of Sam Tickle’s far post.

At the other end Jordan Jones crossed to Aasgaard, but he couldn’t get his shot away and the ball was cleared.

But the Addicks continued to look dangerous and Blackett-Taylor’s deflected effort from the edge of the box was superbly tipped over by Tickle.

Latics went close on 15 minutes when Aasgaard was tripped outside the box and Lang stepped up to take a free kick, but despite clearing the defensive wall, he was denied by the Charlton crossbar.

Charlton were ahead on 21 minutes. A corner from the right was initially cleared, but the cross came back in from Louis Watson and was met by the unmarked May. His header was kept out by  Tickle, but the ball rebounded off the Charlton striker and found its way into the net.

Just ten minutes later and it was two. May picked the ball up on the edge of the box, took one touch and drilled a low strike into the far right corner and beyond Tickle.

Three minutes before half-time the Addicks made it three. George Dobson found Miles Leaburn who laid the ball into the path of Blackett-Taylor who finished powerfully into the corner.

Charlton had produced some clinical finishing but Latics defence had just been too open.

Maloney made three changes at the break as Humphrys, Godo and Scott Smith came on for Wyke, Lang and Liam Shaw.

But it was the visitors who had the first attempt at goal in the second half as Tyreece Campbell struck Tickle’s near post and rebounded away for a goal kick.

Humphrys tried his luck from distance but his powerful effort was straight at Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

But the visitors still looked threatening and Campbell forced Tickle into a low save at his near-post. 

Substitute Callum McManaman replaced Jones on 62 minutes and he was soon in the action, crossing for Aasgaard whose effort hit the crossbar and then went over.

Aasgaard went close again on 72 minutes as Maynard-Brewer denied him following a back-post header.

But on 84 minutes Godo and Aasgaard combined skilfully before the Norwegian U21 international fired high into the net from 15 yards out.

In the 90th minute Humphrys lashed the ball into the top home from just inside the box to make it 3-2 but it was all too late for Latics to get an equaliser. If only Maloney hadn’t tinkered with his team.

Overview

Unfortunately Maloney got his team selection wrong against Charlton. Martial Godo and Stephen Humphrys had been very impressive at the weekend against Shrewsbury but they were surprisingly dropped to the bench for Lang and Wyke. Tom Pearce presumably came into the team because Steven Sessegnon was injured.

The manager may want to try to keep all his players happy by rotating his team but on this occasion he got it badly wrong.

Callum Lang is struggling for form and he often runs around energetically to limited effect. Charlie Wyke still looks a little off the pace and he lacked service from the wings.

Maloney has at least admitted his mistake and he will have learned a hard lesson.

I believe Michael Appleton may have surprised Maloney with his tactics. Charlton had come with an attacking 4-3-3 formation and they pressed high and in numbers exposing Latics back three.

Appleton had out-thought Maloney and the visitors could easily have been more than three goals ahead at half-time. Charlton had been clinical but Latics had stood off and allowed them the space.

Latics rallied after the interval but the damage had been done in the first half.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Shaun Maloney took full responsibility for the defeat.

“Standing here, I’m still very angry about the first half,” he said.

“The second half is everything I want to see in our team, and the first half was the very opposite.

“I spoke previously and said we could be a decent team when our mentality is right. When it isn’t right, we can get beat by any team in this league, and the first half showed that.

“I have to give them (Charlton Athletic) credit, they were good and it could’ve been more (at half-time). I made three changes before the game, and take responsibility for that. I didn’t get the team right.

“From top to bottom, we have to make sure that we never get complacent. We can’t ever be over confident. I’ve tried to keep things as level as we can, and the first half was not the right mentality.

“We didn’t start the game at all, and Charlton were far superior in the first half. 

“I got this wrong, and I’ll take this one for the group. I’ve spoken to them about this weekend which is a huge game (to bounce back in).”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Alfie May, Charlton Athletic, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Michael Appleton, Shaun Maloney, Stephen Humphrys, Thelo Aasgaard, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics ease past Salop – Wigan Athletic 2 Shrewsbury Town 0

Posted on October 29, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Stephen Humphrys Wigan Athletic

Stephen Humphrys gave Latics the lead

  • Wigan Athletic comfortably defeated 10-man Shrewsbury Town 2-0 at the DW Stadium.
  • The visitors had former Latic Chey Dunkley red carded for a foul on Thelo Aasgaard after only four minutes and they struggled to contain the hosts throughout.
  • Latics created plenty of chances and should’ve been ahead before Stephen Humphrys opened the scoring with a superb strike from 20-yards on 35 minutes.
  • Latics played some lovely passing football with Martial Godo, Jordan Jones and Humphrys always a threat.
  • But for all their dominance Latics only sealed the three points when substitute Callum McManaman crossed for fellow substitute Callum Lang to head home on 66 minutes.
  • Latics move up to 19th place and Shrewsbury drop to 18th place in League One.

Latics’ starting line-up was unchanged from the 2-0 victory against Oxford United in midweek. Maloney adopted a 3-4-3 formation with Sean Clare, Charlie Hughes and Liam Morrison in the back three.

Latics started on the front foot and threatened almost from the kick off,  Jones fed Martial Godo down the left and his dangerous low cross somehow evaded everyone in the box.

Four minutes in and the visitors were reduced to 10-men. Former Latic Dunkley tripped Aasgaard who had been played through by Humphrys and referee Daniel Middleton had no hesitation in issuing a straight red card.

Jones fired an effort just wide from the left side of the penalty area as Latics upped the tempo.

Jason Sraha was perhaps a little lucky to stay on the pitch after a late tackle on Aasgaard on 16 minutes.

Godo then threatened on 20 minutes as he was played through on the left and then cut inside, but his low shot was well saved by goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

Just before the half hour mark Humphrys unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards which goalkeeper Marosi did superbly to save one handed.

But Humphrys was not to be denied and on 35 minutes he broke the deadlock with a brilliant strike. 20-yards out he did one step over before rifling the ball low past Marosi.

Salop then had a lucky escape when a Jones cross from the left rebounded off Mal Benning and came off the post.

The visitors then enjoyed some possession towards the end of the first half, but they were unable to threaten Sam Tickle’s goal before the break.

After the break Latics almost increased their lead when Adeeko tried his luck from 30-yards. The ball deflected off a Shrewsbury defender and nearly found the arriving Liam Shaw, but the ball just drifted past him and the visitors survived.

Humphrys should definitely have doubled the lead on 58 minutes when a perfect cross from Godo found him free at the back post, but he somehow headed wide from inside the six yard box.

A minute later and Jones went close as he cut inside on his right foot and curled a delightful effort which crashed against the crossbar.

On 65 minutes Maloney made a triple substitution as Lang, McManaman and Josh Magennis all came on for Liam Shaw, Humphrys and Godo.

It didn’t take long for two of the substitutes to combine for the second goal. McManaman twisted and turned down the right hand side before swinging in a perfect cross for Lang to head home his second goal in two games.

Aasgaard then tested Marosi from 25-yards before Tom Pearce’s similarly long range distance was comfortably saved. Substitute Josh Stones had the chance to add a third in added time, but his chipped effort flew over with Marosi well out of his goal.

Latics ran out comfortable 2-0 winners but it could and should have been so many more.

Overview

The sending off of Dunkley certainly gave Latics an early advantage, but they are currently in such a rich vein of form and playing such lovely football, they would probably have won comfortably anyway.

They dominated possession, controlled the tempo and created numerous chances. The only criticism was that they should have been more clinical and scored more goals.

Humphrys, Godo and Jones were a constant threat and on another day Latics would have won by four or five goals.

Baba Adeeko and Liam Shaw were once again tenacious in midfield with Clare, Hughes and Morrison strong in defence and Latics now look much more solid through the middle of the park.

After a very good start to the season Latics experienced a worrying dip in form but after three straight wins the situation is looking far brighter for Maloney’s men and if they can secure another victory on Tuesday night against Charlton Athletic they can push on towards mid-table.

League One Table 28 October 2023

League One Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney said:

“We started the game really well, and then the sending-off changed the dynamic. We had to stay really patient, and it was a very professional performance. 

“We could’ve been more clinical but I have to be happy with what the group gave me today. 

“I liked the second half – we created a lot of chances and didn’t give them too many opportunities on our goal. 

“It was a reward to stick with the same team, as I thought we were excellent both on and off the ball against Oxford. 

“The biggest thing is the mentality – we’re very hard to beat at home and we have to do things with an intensity without the ball means that any team that comes here has a hard game.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Lang, League One, Shaun Maloney, Shrewsbury Town, Stephen Humphrys, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Review – Answered Prayers: England and the 1966 World Cup by Duncan Hamilton

Posted on October 26, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Answered Prayers: England and the 1966 World Cup by Duncan Hamilton cover image

‘Answered Prayers’ is Duncan Hamilton’s personal homage to Alf Ramsay and the England World Cup winners. 1966 is still England’s crowning football achievement and it may never be surpassed, but Ramsay and the players never got the rewards and recognition they deserved and were treated poorly by the Football Association.

Hamilton is a great storyteller, and he captures the pervading atmosphere of the time. There was a tremendous significance in a World Cup final against West Germany only 21 years after the Second World War. The fear England would lose was palpable among those who could not bear the prospect of defeat against the Germans.

In 1963 Ramsay had predicted that England would win the World Cup in 66 but few believed him at the time. However, in the build-up to the World Cup Bobby Charlton said that Ramsay’s ‘attention to detail’ was ‘quite fanatical’ and he began to believe that England might just win it.

The key events of the final are well known but Hamilton highlights some significant ‘What if’s’. What if Ray Wilson hadn’t dropped his marshmallow header towards Helmut Haller? What if Helmut Schon hadn’t made a technical mistake by binding Franz Beckenbauer to Bobby Charlton?

Arthur Rowe defined what made a truly great manager. ‘It isn’t only what he knows about football, but what he knows about men,’ he said. ‘What if Alf Ramsay hadn’t possessed that quality?’ Here is the most significant ‘What if’ of all.

Hamilton is nostalgic for the football of the period, for example, no pitch side advertising, every player in black boots, shirts unsullied by sponsors’ logos spread across the chest or on the back.

He believes, ‘While 1960’s football was slower than today’s Premier League – how could it not be? – everything was simpler and less wrapped up in the kind of anal micro-tactics that today fill hours upon hours of pre- and post-match TV analysis.’

He states that the attributes that won Alf Ramsay the World Cup – obstinacy and his implacable belief that he was always right – meant he would never win another. After England failed in 1970 Ramsay rather foolishly said ‘I don’t think we can learn anything from the Brazilians.’

Ramsay’s removal as England manager after failing to qualify for the 1974 World Cup was probably necessary but it was ineptly done by the FA and edged with malice. The world had moved on from 66 but Ramsay and his team didn’t or couldn’t always move with it.

Some struggled in their football careers and didn’t receive the rewards they might have expected, George Cohen and Bobby Moore were diagnosed with cancer, Nobby Stiles had thoughts of suicide and Jimmy Greaves turned to alcohol.

Sadly Ramsay never got the proper recognition he deserved. He never appeared as the subject of ‘This Is Your Life’ or as a guest on ‘Desert Island Discs’. He declined to appear on chat shows.

Hamilton is one of the most accomplished sportswriters and this book superbly captures the feeling of summer 1966 as an ending rather than a new beginning. It was a time when English football shined brightest but the good times didn’t last long for the manager or the players.

You can stream Goal! FIFA 1966 World Cup film here

Answered Prayers: England and the 1966 World Cup by Duncan Hamilton. Published by Riverrun. Price £19.29.

This review first appeared in the November/December 2023 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in 1966, Duncan Hamilton, Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Wigan Athletic, World Cup | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Maloney works his magic – Wigan Athletic 2 Oxford United 0

Posted on October 25, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Stephen Humphrys Wigan Athletic

Stephen Humphrys on target for the Tics

  • Manager Shaun Maloney produced a tactical masterclass as Wigan Athletic defeated second place Oxford United 2-0 at the DW Stadium.
  • The visitors started confidently stroking the ball around but the hosts absorbed the early pressure before counterattacking superbly for the opening goal.
  • Stephen Humphrys calmly finishing after good work by Liam Shaw and Thelo Aasgaard in the 17th minute.
  • In a game of real quality both teams played attractive football creating plenty of chances at both ends.
  • But it was Latics who sealed the victory on 81 minutes when substitute Callum Lang curled a superb free-kick into the top corner for his first goal of the season.
  • Despite the victory Latics remain in 21st place in League One and Oxford remain in second.

Maloney made three changes to the starting line-up that defeated Exeter on Saturday with Jordan Jones,  Shaw and Aasgaard replacing Tom Pearce, Scott Smith and Josh Stones.

Oxford started confidently and quickly exerted pressure on Latics goal. In the 7th minute Marcus McGuane tested Sam Tickle from range, but the Tics keeper did well to push the ball away.

Stan Mills then called Tickle into action again on 12 minutes as he cut inside and forced a good save down to his left.

On 17 minutes after absorbing the early pressure and against the run of play Latics counterattacked superbly and took the lead.

Shaw did well to hold off his man and feed Aasgaard. On the turn, he slipped in Humphrys one on-one with the keeper and he made no mistake by calmly slipping the ball into the far corner of the net.

Latics continued to defend solidly, they gradually grew more into the game and they were always dangerous on the counter attack through Jones, Godo and Humphrys.

Mills tried his luck from 35 yards, two minutes before the interval, but Tickle saved comfortably.

1-0 to Latics at half time.

Early in the second half Rodrigues had the first effort at goal but Tickle once again saved comfortably.

Maloneyball was now in full swing as they continued to grow in confidence passing the ball with precision and skill.

Jones crossed for the unmarked Aasgaard, but his header went straight at James Beadle.

Maloney’s men were getting better and better and when Steven Sessegnon played in Godo, it looked like he would score but somehow Beadle got a hand to his strike and tipped the ball round the post.

From the resulting corner Charlie Hughes headed onto the roof of the net before at the other end Tickle did well to tip over McGuane’s dipping effort.

Substitute Pearce crossed for the arriving Godo on 68 minutes, but Ciaron Brown produced a superb block to deny him.

With ten minutes remaining Godo broke forward dangerously and was unceremoniously brought down on the edge of the box.

Substitute Lang stepped up to curl in a fantastic free-kick from 20 yards into the top corner to seal the three points for Latics.

Substitute Josh Stones might’ve added a third in added time, but his effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Beadle and from the resulting corner Beadle denied Stones again this time with a downward header.

Latics celebrated back to back wins which should give them a big boost going into the next three home league fixtures against Shrewsbury Town, Charlton Athletic and Peterborough United.

Overview

This was a tactical masterclass by Shaun Maloney. His team had carried out his instructions superbly. They had set up to absorb the high-flying visitors pressure and they hit them on the counter.

Oxford are a very good team under Liam Manning and they will be serious promotion contenders but Latics handled them excellently. Maloney has organised his young team very well and they are much improved defensively after a stern test at Exeter. They generally restricted Oxford to shots from distance and they played out from defence with great composure.

There were some very good performances on the night with Tickle, Baba Adeeko, Shaw, and Humphrys particularly impressive but the whole team is now showing improvement.

If they can continue to perform in this manner they will soon pull away from the relegation zone.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney said he was delighted that his side were able to back up their victory at Exeter City with another outstanding huge three points against an Oxford side who had not lost since September.

“I’m really pleased. I thought the performance had a bit of everything.

“We played against a good opponent and limited them to not too many chances. At the moment, we are clinical at the moment.

“It’s a big thing we’ve been working on, and for large parts of the season, we’ve been very good attacking.

“We’ve been less so defensively and the last two games have been a big improvement. Let’s not take our foot off the gas and go again this weekend.

“Once we got a grip of what they wanted to do with the ball, it gave us a platform to go and play, and I want even more.

“Back to work tomorrow and we go again Saturday. The last two games have been good as a team. I’ve loved the impact of the players coming off the bench, and it’s making it really hard. They were very good today.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Lang, League One, Oxford United, Shaun Maloney, Stephen Humphrys, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics ride their luck in Devon – Exeter City 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on October 23, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Martlal Godo gave Latics an early lead

Martlal Godo gave Latics an early lead

  • Wigan Athletic got back to winning ways after four successive League One defeats with a 2-0 victory at Exeter City.
  • Latics went ahead after eight minutes when Stephen Humphrys broke quickly down the left hand side before playing the ball to Martial Godo to side foot home from inside the box.
  • Despite enjoying plenty of possession the hosts couldn’t create any clear cut chances in the first half.
  • Latics struggled to get out of their own half after the break and it looked only a matter of time before the Grecians would equalise.
  • But Latics held on due to some resolute defending and Exeter’s poor finishing.
  • In the final minute of added time Latics sealed the three points when substitute Jordan Jones drove forward and beat two men before his shot deflected off Will Aimson and flew in at the near post.
  • Latics move up to 21st in the League One table and Exeter drop to 16th place.

Shaun Maloney made four changes to the side that lost at Stevenage with Liam Morrison, Tom Pearce, Scott Smith and Josh Stones all coming into the starting line-up.

Exeter created the first opportunity of the match. A corner found Will Aimson who volleyed wide from close range in the seventh minute.

A minute later and Latics were ahead. Humphrys drove forward down the left-hand side before playing the ball to Godo to side foot into corner of the net.

The hosts nearly drew level in the 18th minute. Defender Zak Jules burst into the Latics’ penalty area, and it took great block from Charlie Hughes to divert his low drive into the side netting.

Gary Caldwell’s Exeter then pinned Latics in defence with a succession of corners but they were unable to breakthrough.

The hosts were enjoying the majority of the ball in the first half, but they were struggling to carve out any clear cut opportunities and it was Maloney’s men who nearly added a second goal in the 31st minute.

Tom Pearce’s free kick from the left-hand side fell to Liam Morrison, who saw his shot deflected wide of Viljami Sinisalo’s far post.

After the break Latics struggled to maintain any meaningful possession and the Grecians continued to dominate the ball.

Whether by desire or necessity Latics sat deeper and deeper which inevitably led to more pressure on their own goal.

Liam Shaw replaced Josh Stones in the 62nd minute in an attempt to reinforce the Tics midfield.

After absorbing the hosts attacking pressure the visitors carved out their first opportunity of the second half in the 70th minute.

Humphrys cut inside from the right-hand side and drove at the Exeter defence but his left-footed strike was wide of the far post.

Maloney made a double substitution in the 71st minute and brought on Josh Magennis and Omar Rekik to replace Stephen Humphrys and Steven Sessegnon.

Pressure continued to mount on the Latics defence and Sean Clare made a vital sliding challenge to deny Mitchel playing the Exeter forwards in behind the Latics defence in the 82nd minute.

Latics just couldn’t maintain any serious possession and it looked almost inevitable that the Grecians would equalise.

A free-kick found Aimson free in the Latics penalty area in the 85th minute but his header was narrowly wide of Sam Tickle’s post.

It was to be a very tense finish as the home side pinned Latics back in their own penalty area and it took a superb effort from Tickle to push Mitchell’s goal-bound strike over the crossbar in added time.

Tickle was in action again only moments later, making a vital save to deny former Latic Yanic Wildschut, tipping his shot onto the post and away.

The pressure was relentless now and Scott Smith made a fantastic last-ditch block to prevent James Scott from grabbing a late equaliser.

It was to prove a critical block as in the 97th minute substitute Jones sealed the three points for Latics.

Jones drove forward and beat two men before his shot deflected off Will Aimson and flew in at the near post.

Jubilant scenes ensued as 500 travelling Latics supporters, players and coaching staff celebrated a much-needed return to winning ways.

Jubilant Tics fans at St James Park

Jubilant Tics fans at St James Park

Overview

In truth Latics were somewhat fortunate to come away from Exeter with the three points. Exeter had enjoyed 70 per cent possession and had 30 shots while Latics only managed five.

Latics had defended resolutely throughout and Tickle had made some vital saves but Exeter had been profligate in front of goal. Maloney’s team had been a little lucky but its also true that Caldwell’s team just didn’t have a cutting edge.

They will face a much stiffer test against second place Oxford United on Tuesday night and they will have to be much better at keeping possession if they are to secure another victory.

Humphrys and Godo are a big threat when they get the ball in the final third but they just weren’t getting enough decent passes against Exeter.

The forwards will require much better service against Oxford if they are to prevail. A better link up between the strikers and midfield is vital.

They will at least be boosted by the return of striker Charlie Wyke after his suspension.

Maloney’s young team showed great spirit at Exeter but they are still very much a work in progress with plenty of room for improvement.  

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney was delighted that his team could send the 500-plus supporters home happy with a huge victory. 

“It was an incredible performance, a very different kind of performance from what we’ve seen,” he said. 

“It had everything, plenty of heart from each player in the team today.

“I’m really proud but also really pleased for the travelling support. It’s a long way to come and they gave absolutely everything to give them something to go home with.”

Latics had to defend for large spells in the second half, putting their bodies on the line to protect their lead. 

Maloney praised his young players for showing the heart and desire to get the victory following a difficult run of results. 

“There were brilliant blocks on the line,” he said.

“These are moments I hope the fans take satisfaction from.

“I think when it’s that young, I doubt there’s any younger team in the four divisions today. I was always concerned that if there were moments of adversity and how the young kids would cope but from the very first whistle the mentality was right. They were there to fight.

“I have an emotional attachment to this club. It hurts me when we don’t win. It hurts me when the supporters don’t have something to travel home with. 

“We have to show the same desire and fight in the game on Tuesday.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Exeter City, Gary Caldwell, Jordan Jones, League One, Martial Godo, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chaos reigns on the pitch as Latics lose at Stevenage – Stevenage 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on October 9, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Callum Lang dismissed for a second yellow card.

  • Wigan Athletic were defeated 1-0 at Stevenage in a chaotic match that was spoiled by the poor decisions of referee Alan Young. 
  • The referee sent off Callum Lang and Alex MacDonald and booked 12 others in a crazy game at Broadhall Way.
  • The hosts went ahead after nine minutes when Baba Adeeko was adjudged to have fouled Jordan Robert’s and Aaron Presley converted the penalty.
  • Latics’ skipper Callum Lang was harshly given a second yellow card for an innocuous collision with Jake Forster-Caskey on 34 minutes as the visitors were reduced to 10 men.
  • As the numerous stoppages and bookings continued in the second half as Stevenage substitute Alex MacDonald saw a straight red for a foul on Charlie Hughes on 74 minutes.
  • The visitors Josh Magennis should’ve equalised eight minutes from time but the hosts held on for the three points against the 10 men.
  • Latics remain second bottom and Stevenage move up to fourth place in the League One table. 

Shaun Maloney made four changes to the Latics team who were defeated by Burton Albion in midweek. Steven Sessegnon, Thelo Aasgaard, Martial Godo and Stephen Humphrys replaced Tom Pearce, Liam Shaw, Callum McManaman and Josh Magennis in the starting XI.

The match started badly for the visitors and they were behind after only nine minutes.

Roberts went down under the challenge of Adeeko and to the surprise of everyone,  referee Young pointed to the penalty spot. Pressley converting the spot kick to give the hosts the advantage.

Latics tried to respond and Humphrys went close. The striker drove forward from his own half and when he was just inside the box he curled a low strike which looked destined for the corner of the net but keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond did superbly to push the ball away.

Aasgaard curled an effort wide from 25 yards on 30 minutes.

Lang had been booked on 21 minutes for something he said to referee Young, before he was then shown a red card on 34 minutes after picking up a second yellow for an innocuous collision with Forster-Caskey. Latics now had a mountain to climb as they were down to 10 men.

A lengthy stoppage followed soon afterwards as Luther James-Wildin received treatment following a head collision with team-mate Carl Piergianni.

Pressley had a great chance to double the hosts lead, but Tickle did exceptionally well to deny him from point-blank range before the rebound was tapped wide.

Magennis replaced Kell Watts at half time with Humphrys moving to the right.

Tickle was called into action as he denied Elliott List at his near post. List then had another opportunity on 51 minutes, but Tickle saved again.

Maloney then introduced Liam Shaw, Jonny Smith and Tom Pearce for Aasgaard, Humphrys and Sessegnon.

Despite being down to 10 men, Latics still posed a threat with Godo prominent.

With 20 minutes remaining the Fulham loanee managed to get a strike on goal from a tight angle but Jonny Smith might’ve been the better option in the box.

Referee Young continued to give out cards as Stevenage substitute Macdonald was shown a straight red for a tackle on Hughes before both sets of players squared up to each other with Hughes and Clare yellow carded for Latics and Dan Butler booked for Stevenage.

With eight minutes remaining Magennis had a glorious opportunity to draw Latics level but he scuffed his effort over from 10 yards.

Both sides had chances late on, as first Kane Hemmings had an effort which was just wide of the post, before Shaw fired over from 30 yards.

The match ended 1-0 but it was referee Young who will be remembered from this game for his shambolic decision making. A truly awful referee who completely spoiled the game and effectively gave the three points to Stevenage.

Overview

The standard of referees in the EFL is, to say the least, variable. Latics have already had some major decisions go against them this season but referee Alan Young demonstrated a new level of incompetence at Stevenage.

The penalty given against Adeeko was very debatable and the second yellow card for Lang for a collision was nonsensical.

The referee lost control of the game and his excessive use of his 12 cautionary cards created a chaotic environment which ruined the game.

Despite going down to 10 men Latics probably deserved a point on the day but the current run of six defeats in seven games is very worrying.

Latics have struggled because several players have lost form and they have also missed Charlie Wyke and Matt Smith in recent games. Maloney’s team is just too fragile in midfield at the moment and the opposition find it far too easy to penetrate the defence.

After the EFL Trophy game against Fleetwood, Latics have 11 days before travelling to Exeter and Maloney desperately needs to find a solution to their midfield soft centre.

Latics must eradicate the mistakes and quickly get back to winning ways or Maloney’s job will inevitably be under threat.

I personally believe Maloney should be given time to turn it around, but football is a results based business and the longer Latics go without a victory the less likely it is he will survive in the role.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney felt for the travelling supporters who had made the trip to Stevenage and was disappointed with how the match unfolded at the Lamex Stadium. 

“I’ve only seen one angle, and I don’t think it was a foul. It started the match that unfolded,” he explained. 

“After the goal, the reaction was good. I’ve been here for eight months and I’ve been consistent with how I speak about referees, and I’m not one to complain.

“Today felt like a game where the referee had a big impact on it, and unfortunately for us, it was a big negative.

“I just feel for the supporters who travelled down here. What I would say to the support was that I had a team that gave everything to try and get something from this game. 

“It (the red card) changed the dynamic and it was a ridiculous decision to give him a second yellow. 

“When it happened, we had to stay in the game, but still put attacking players on the pitch. We knew we would have a few chances, but we didn’t manage to take them.

It’s heartbreaking. We’re trying extremely hard to get points on the board and win again.

“I feel sorry for the supporters who paid to watch us and travelled down. The only thing I can give them is that every player who stepped onto the pitch was fighting for our Club. 

“After they scored, we started to settle the game down, but it turned into a massive fight for us.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Aaron Pressley, Callum Lang, League One, Shaun Maloney, Stevenage Borough, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Lacklustre Latics in downward spiral – Burton Albion 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on October 4, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Charlie Hughes gave Latics the lead with a superb volley

  • Wigan Athletic slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at fellow League One strugglers Burton Albion.
  • Latics had been unconvincing in the first half but they taken the lead with a superbly executed volley by Charlie Hughes on 44 minutes.
  • The Brewers drew level on 68 minutes as Sean Clare gave the ball away on the edge of the box and Joe Powell hit a low strike from 25-yards which found the bottom corner of the net.
  • With six minutes of normal time remaining Latics defender Kell Watts handled the ball in the area and Powell converted the spot kick.
  • Beryly Lubala was given a red card on 89 minutes but despite seven minutes of added time the Brewers comfortably held on, with Latics only managing one shot on target all night.
  • Latics drop to 23rd place in the table and the Brewers move up to 18th place.

Shaun Maloney made six changes from the team defeated by Portsmouth on Saturday with Sean Clare, Tom Pearce, Liam Shaw, Callum McManaman, Callum Lang and Josh Magennis all starting.

Latics started strongly and they had three early opportunities to go ahead. Almost from the kick-off Magennis had two chances when he broke free of his marker and ran towards goal. His first attempt was blocked by a defender and then when he looked odds on to score his second strike was deflected for a corner.

From the resulting corner the ball fell loose in the six-yard box but Hughes was unable to make a good contact and the chance went begging.

On 18 minutes Lang played a good through ball to McManaman and the winger looked to have evaded his marker but his final shot lacked conviction and dribbled wide of the post.

As Maloney’s men failed to capitalise on their chances the hosts grew in confidence and gradually started to assert themselves.

A shot from distance was spilled by Sam Tickle, the ball fell to a Latics defender who cleared but only as far as Gordon whose strike from outside the area had to be tipped over the crossbar by Tickle.  

A minute later Steve Seddon’s header from inside the six-yard box just cleared the crossbar and soon afterwards Lubala’s strike was narrowly wide of the post as Latics were under pressure.

But against the run of play Latics went ahead in the 44th minute. A Magennis long throw from the right  was headed out to Hughes on the edge of the area and he powerfully volleyed into the bottom corner.  

There was still time for the hosts to threaten however, as Lang made a brilliant block in the area to deny Adedeji Oshilaja an equaliser.

1-0 to Latics at half time.

Maloney replaced the yellow carded Baba Adeeko with James Balagizi at half time. 

The game became very scrappy for awhile with neither team able to demonstrate much cohesion but the hosts once again started to take control as Latics were giving the ball away far too easily.

Shaw was dispossessed in midfield on 64 minutes and Powell’s strike from outside the box was well saved by Tickle. 

Martial Godo replaced the tiring McManaman on 65 minutes as Maloney looked to improve his attacking options.

But it was hosts who continued to dominate and from a set-piece situation Ryan Sweeney headed just wide of the target.

The Brewers were ahead two minutes later as Clare gave the ball away on the edge of the box and  Powell’s low strike found the bottom corner from 25-yards.

Magennis and Pearce were replaced by Steven Sessesgnon and Stephen Humprys on 74 minutes.

But the hosts continued to press forward with Kwado Baah having a strike from the left side of the box  blocked on 76 minutes.

Latics struggled to build any meaningful momentum going forward and matters got worse on 84 minutes when Kell Watts handled the ball in the area and referee Sunny Sukhvir Gill awarded a penalty to the Brewers.

Watts appeared to be pushed as he went up for the ball, but his hand was way above his head and the referee was always likely to give a penalty in the circumstances.

Powell converted the spot kick to put the Brewers in control.

In the 89th minute Lubala was shown a red card for a foul on Balagizi.

But despite the man advantage and seven minutes of added time the hosts comfortably held on for the victory.

Overview 

Latics’ fans who were expecting an improved performance at Burton were sadly disappointed as Maloney’s men turned in a dire display against fellow strugglers. 

Apart from the opening period when Latics had three good chances to take the lead, they rarely threatened the Brewers’ goal and several players underperformed against some very average opposition.

The defending was shambolic at times with Clare presenting Gordon with the opportunity for the first goal and Watts handling the ball for the penalty. Latics too often gave the ball away in defensive positions and a better team than Burton would have made the most of the opportunities.

Latics have gone backwards in recent weeks and the performances have become increasingly disappointing, Bristol Rovers was pretty dreadful and tonight’s performance was not much better.

Maloney’s team selection was a strange one tonight with six changes and the combative Scott Smith left out of midfield, striker Stephen Humphrys on the bench and their best attacking player Martial Godo also on the bench. The manager may have had his eyes on the weekend game at Stevenage but not securing the three points at Burton was a big mistake.

For whatever reason several of the players are just not performing to their abilities at the moment. Lang, Aasgaard, Clare, Rekik and Pearce are all out of form and the team overall are making too many silly mistakes. 

Latics have now lost five of their last six games and are second bottom of the table.

The optimism of early season has now dissipated and unless there is a massive improvement there are worrying times ahead.  

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney was reluctant to accept that his team had performed badly.

He believed there was not much to separate the two sides, and emphasised there is no time for disappointment, and Latics’ focus must swiftly turn to Stevenage. 

“I think the performance was everything I expected really. It was a very difficult game. The two goals are really difficult to take. Everything I asked the players to do, they did. Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve. I don’t think there was a lot (between the two sides) in the game, maybe just a couple of moments.

“We created some chances. I was happy with the performance. We knew the way Burton played, they play two or three passes and then they really put a lot of numbers on your last line, that’s why we played a back three tonight. What has been an issue for us recently is giving up big chances. Today, we limited them to very little and it’s difficult for the players to take. 

“Two mistakes have cost us. We don’t have much time to dwell on that, and we have to go again. Tonight it’s just one of those nights where we didn’t get what we deserved, but that’s football.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Burton Albion, Charlie Hughes, Joe Powell, League One, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics edged out by the League leaders – Wigan Athletic 1 Portsmouth 2

Posted on October 2, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Martial Godo gave Latics the lead

  • Ten-man Wigan Athletic were narrowly defeated 2-1 by League One leaders Portsmouth at the DW Stadium.
  • Latics went ahead on 27 minutes after a flowing move superbly finished by Fulham loanee Martial Godo.
  • The visitors drew level four minutes later as Jack Sparkes’ corner was flicked on by Colby Bishop for Regan Poole to bundle over the line.
  • Portsmouth took the lead on 37 minutes when Paddy Lane fired the ball past Sam Tickle after Joe Rafferty had headed the ball down.
  • The hosts were reduced to 10-men early in the second half when Charlie Wyke was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Marlon Pack.
  • The ten-men battled to the end and they had a strong shout for a penalty for hand ball by Pack but Portsmouth held on to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
  • Latics are in 22nd place while Portsmouth are now one point ahead of second place Oxford United.

Maloney made four changes to the side that were defeated 4-1 by Bristol Rovers, with Sean Clare, Liam Morrison, Matt Smith and Callum Lang being replaced by Kell Watts, Scott Smith and Stephen Humphrys, with Steven Sessesgnon also coming in to make his Latics debut.

In a closely fought opening period the first opportunity came in the 18th minute.

Thelo Aasgaard broke into the Portsmouth penalty area and went down under a challenge but referee  Will Finnie waved away Latics’ appeals.

Latics had a great opportunity to go ahead a minute later as Godo cut the ball back to Scott Smith inside the area but the midfielder fired over the crossbar. 

The hosts did go ahead on 27 minutes with the impressive Godo scoring his first League One goal. After a flowing move involving Rekik, Scott Smith and Wyke, the on-loan winger Godo went past his marker and cut inside before firing a low strike into the corner of the net.

The hosts now needed to not let the visitors back into the game, but they were quickly undone as Poole equalised in the 31st minute. Sparkes’ corner was headed towards goal, and as Latics defence failed to clear Poole bundled the ball over the line.

It was not long before Pompey added a second goal. Marlon Pack’s cross was headed back across goal by Rafferty to find Alex Robertson, and Lane fired past Tickle.

Early in the second half Latics’ task got much harder as they went down to 10-men after Wyke’s late challenge on Pack.

Maloney now had to make changes and he brought on Sean Clare and Callum Lang to replace Rekik and Aasgaard in the 54th minute.

Despite being a man down Latics worked hard to draw level but they struggled to create chances against a resolute Pompey. 

Jonny Smith replaced Humphrys in the 68th minute as Latics pushed for the equaliser but it was the visitors who went closest in the 72nd minute.

After a neat piece of skill Gavin Whyte broke into the Latics penalty area and produced a low drive towards the near post, but Tickle did well to get down and push the ball wide of the goal.

Maloney continued to make changes to try and draw his team level, with Callum McManaman and Josh Magennis replacing Godo and Sessesgnon.

Latics best chance of the half came when McManaman did well to beat his marker and cross to the far post to find Jonny Smith, but unfortunately the winger headed wide of the target.

Pompey might have increased their lead in the 84th minute but for a superb save by Tickle. Robertson’s low drive from the edge of the area looked destined for the bottom corner, but Tickle produced a full length dive to his right to tip the ball around the post.

The hosts continued to work hard against the 11-men, but they just couldn’t fashion any real goalscoring opportunities and Pompey held out fairly comfortably.

Overview

This performance wasn’t as bad as Bristol Rovers, but Latics were outplayed in the first half and then after Wyke’s red card they just couldn’t repair the damage against tough opposition.

Latics will not come up against much stronger opponents than Portsmouth who are unbeaten in 21 games and deservedly lead the League One table. 

Maloney’s young team are still learning and some careless defending and a red card put paid to their hopes against Pompey.

Referee Finnie had a poor game and incensed the home crowd with many of his decisions. On another day the referee might’ve awarded at least one penalty as Aasgaard and then Wyke were pushed in the box and Pack handled the ball.

Looking positively Fulham loanee Godo was again very impressive on the wing and he took his goal with great aplomb. Scott Smith was tenacious in midfield and added more steel to an area where Latics have struggled recently. Stephen Sessesgnon had a promising debut at right back, and as he gets fitter he should be a good addition. 

Latics travel to Burton Albion on Tuesday night knowing they must quickly get back to winning ways after the recent setbacks. They will be without striker Wyke, so it is likely that Magennis will deputise and there could be a start for midfielder Liam Shaw who impressed against Leicester U21’s in the Football League Trophy. 

Post match comments

Maloney was disappointed with the defeat, but was proud of his team’s efforts after their resolute second half display with a man less.

“I was really proud of the team in the second half, Maloney said afterwards, “I think the difference in the game was they defended their box better than we did. For the first 35 minutes, I was very happy with how we played against the best team in the league at the moment.

“When we went down to 10 men I think the effort the team showed and the supporters really got behind the players and clapped them off at the end. It’s never nice to get beat, but the difference between how I feel this week to last week is very different.”

“Our goal was brilliant with how we played through Portsmouth, but it’s not enough. I think that’s a big lesson the youngsters have to take. That intensity has to be there to stop a cross, the concentration and understanding of the positions to defend when a cross does come in. We’re all in a rush to win games and get to where we’re trying to get to. I’m the same, but we also have to improve the younger players and it’s that balance between developing players and trying to win games.”

On the difference between his side and the visitors Portsmouth, Maloney admitted that Latics need to improve their defending in their own box. 

“I think the difference in the game was they defended their box better than we did. For the first 35 minutes, I was very happy with how we played against the best team in the league at the moment.

“When we went down to ten men I think the effort the team showed and the supporters really got behind the players and clapped them off at the end. It’s never nice to get beat, but the difference between how I feel this week to last week is very different.”

Godo was impressive and took his first Latics goal very well and the Gaffer was quick to point that out.

“Martial’s been excellent. In the three games he’s had he’s been brilliant. He trained like that the first 10 days he was here. That’s why, straight away he started. He’s been excellent.

“This is what we want. We want exciting players in wide areas. When I came in I made us very hard to beat, now I want us to be exciting to watch. I want us to win games, desperately want us to win games, but we do have talented players, and Martial is definitely one of them.”

Maloney was quizzed on the red card to Charlie Wyke and a number of penalty shouts which were turned down.

“I haven’t seen those two back (Aasgaard and Wyke penalty appeals). The handball one I think the referee got it wrong, but I never stand hear and complain too often about referees. Maybe that one went against us but you get that in football. Maybe in a few weeks, we’ll get one go for us,” he continued.

“(On the red card) At the time I thought it was harsh. I’ve seen it again, but I’ll have to see it from the other angle. From the angle I’ve just seen I think maybe the referee got it right, but I’ll have to see it again from the other angle. It had a big impact on the game. It was hard enough 11 v 11 against the best team in the league. It became even harder with one less man”.

The manager also added that despite the result, the focus must now switch to Burton on Tuesday night.

“We go straight into training tomorrow. I don’t like losing games, but there are certain ways you can accept it. Last week I couldn’t accept. This week, sometimes things happen in a match that makes things harder in terms of sending-offs,” he concluded.

“I was proud of the performance and pleased with large parts of it, but we have to improve on our defending of the box. If we do that then we’re a match for any team in this league. This (Portsmouth) is the best team in our league and for the majority of the game, I thought we were very good. But we need to understand the importance of stopping crosses and defending our box or otherwise, we’re going to need three or four goals every game.”  

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Charlie Wyke, League One, Martial Godo, Paddy Lane, Portsmouth, Regan Poole, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rampant Rovers thump fragile Latics – Bristol Rovers 4 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on September 25, 2023 by ianhaspinall

A rare Latics attack at the Memorial Ground

  • Wigan Athletic were comprehensively defeated 4-1 at Bristol Rovers.
  • The hosts were ahead after only 13 minutes when Luke Thomas was too easily allowed to cut in from the right and shoot past Sam Tickle.
  • Latics briefly rallied and Charlie Wyke brought the visitors level on 21 minutes when he tapped home from close range.
  • But Rovers were soon back in front as five minutes later Jack Hunt scored from a tight angle with Latics defence statuesque.
  • Things got worse for the visitors in the second half as Rovers dominated, and they increased their advantage when Aaron Collins finished from 12 yards after Tickle’s scuffed clearance went straight to a Rovers player.
  • The Tics just couldn’t get out of their half and Rovers added a fourth when John Marquis headed in at the near post from Hunt’s cross on 68 minutes.
  • Latics drop to 21st place in the League One table and Rovers are now in 12th place.

Shaun Maloney made one change to the starting line-up hat defeated Cambridge United, with Callum Lang replacing Stephen Humphrys, who was named on the bench.

Latics had an early chance to take the lead when Sean Clare won the ball and found Wyke, who fed Thelo Aasgaard in a good position but Aasgaard’s shot was dragged wide of the target.

The home side responded and in the 12th minute they were ahead. Rovers winger Thomas was allowed to cut inside and he curled the ball into the far corner of the net.

The Tics were level on 21 minutes. Martial Godo got past his defender and crossed towards the far post, Callum Lang headed the ball back across goal, and goalkeeper Cox could only push the ball to the edge of the area. The ball fell to Clare whose deflected shot was tapped home by Wyke for his sixth goal of the season.

But the home side quickly regained the lead six minutes later. Aaron Collins unleashed a powerful shot from range, which Tickle did well to push away, but Rovers continued the attack and the ball come to Hunt at the far post who managed to score from a tight angle with Latics’ defence statuesque.

2-1 to the hosts at the interval.

Maloney introduced wingback Tom Pearce to replace Omar Rekik for the second half, but it was the home side who soon increased their lead.

Finley picked up Tickle’s scuffed clearance and played the ball over the top into the path of Collins, who smashed the ball into the far corner.

Maloney needed to make changes if the Tics were to get back in the game and he introduced Stephen Humphrys for Aasgaard on 55 minutes.

But the visitors continued to be pegged back in their own half and it took a full length low save from Tickle to keep out Antony Evans’ powerful long-range strike.

Josh Magennis and Scott Smith replaced Lang and Clare on 65 minutes in an attempt to change the direction of travel but Joey Barton’s team added a fourth in the 68th minute. Hunt found space down the right and his cross into the near post was headed powerfully into the net by Marquis.

Callum McManaman replaced Godo in the 79th minute as Latics tried to get a consolation goal but it was to no avail as Bristol Rovers ran out deserved winners.

Latics will require a big improvement if they are to overcome unbeaten Portsmouth at the DW Stadium next Saturday.

Overview

This was a very disappointing performance by Latics as they lost the battle in most areas of the pitch.

They were just too fragile throughout and their soft centre was exposed by a more competitive Rovers. Matt Smith, Baba Adeeko, Charlie Hughes, Liam Morrison, Tickle and Rekik all had an off day.

Maloney’s men currently lack tempo and often their decision making is just too slow. Lang and Aasgaard were particularly ineffective in this game.

After this sub-standard display Maloney will have plenty of food for thought. Latics are a young and inexperienced team but this performance fell well below the standards required.

His preferred line up is failing at the moment and changes will have to be made in defence with a possible return for Kell Watts and Pearce and in midfield with a start for Liam Shaw.

Wyke and Godo did their best but they just didn’t get the service they require and deserve.

Humphrys did ok as a late substitute and he should surely start next week against Portsmouth.

Shaun Maloney with plenty of food for thought

Post match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards Maloney said it was the first half display which disappointed him, admitting his side lacked desire and aggression.

“I was really disappointed with the first half, I think I’ve spoken before on camera about almost wasting a half of football. I felt we had chances in the first half, but that we were actually lucky to go in 2-1 down. I thought we were nowhere near it in terms of just our desire without the ball.

“The second half were when mistakes happen. There’s things within in it where I still want more in terms of being a lot more aggressive when we have the ball. But at the point where it starts to get to three, and four goals, they’re (Bristol Rovers) very happy.

“I think with the squad we have, there’s moments where in the first part of the season we’ve won three or four and we think everything’s very, very good. Then we have two back-to-back away defeats. I felt a similar feeling as I did last time and it’s something I have to eradicate. We have to play every single game like it means the absolute world to us.”

On the goals conceded, Maloney believed Latics could have defended better, but admitted Bristol Rovers were the better team on the day.

“We could have sprinted quicker to recover, and then particularly the fourth goal we could have defended our box better,” he continued.

“We were two vs. one against their nine. It sort of summed up the day really. They were better than us in terms of how they wanted to compete. They were the better team than us today. It’s a sore one when that happens.”

The manager went on to admit that consistency is something his young Tics’s side must now try and find.

“Some of these players have played less than 10 league games in their senior careers. I have to be aware of that. I take it for granted Charlie Hughes is 19 years-old, I don’t even know if he’s played 30 games yet but I’m relying so heavily on him, the same as Sam Tickle.

“Sometimes, we’re going to have to take a blow like this. You can lose games. That’s football, you have to get used to it at times. It doesn’t make it any easier, but as long as we give 100% in every action, generally, I won’t be too angry with the players. But when they don’t, then I can’t accept it.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

 

Posted in Aaron Collins, Bristol Rovers, Charlie Wyke, Jack Hunt, John Marquis, League One, Luke Thomas, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment