Top of the table clash ends in stalemate – Rotherham United 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on February 18, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Latics on the attack

  • Second-placed Wigan Athletic and League One leaders Rotherham United fought out a combative 1-1 draw at the New York Stadium.
  • Latics went ahead in the 28th minute when Stephen Humphrys lashed home a fine left-footed strike from 20-yards.
  • Callum Lang had a goal disallowed for a foul on the Rotherham goalkeeper by substitute Will Keane.
  • Ollie Rathbone equalised with a powerful right-foot strike from 25-yards out on 70 minutes.
  • Neither team could get the upper hand in the latter stages and the points had to be shared.
  • Latics remain six points behind Rotherham with two games in hand and are six points ahead of third place MK Dons with two games in hand.

Leam Richardson made four changes from Tuesday’s victory against Crewe with Jason Kerr, Curtis Tilt, Gavin Massey and Humphrys replacing Kell Watts, Tendayi Darikwa, Gwion Edwards and Will Keane.

In a frantic opening period it was the hosts who first went close when Shane Ferguson’s low cross from the left-hand side almost found Michael Smith at the far post.

The tackles were flying in from both sides and referee Jeremy Simpson struggled to cope producing some random decisions.

Latics went in front in the 28th minute when Humphrys produced a stunning strike from just outside the area.

The Millers tried to respond but Latics held firm with the former Rotherham centre-half Curtis Tilt outstanding at the back.

The Millers started strongly in the second half and Ben Amos had to produce a superb save to keep the visitors ahead.

Ogbene pulled the ball back from the right to Smith whose low effort was heading towards the bottom corner but Amos was somehow able to push it away.

Latics had the ball in the back of the net in the 74th minute when Lang fired home at the far post after Josh Vickers had spilt Max Power’s free-kick, but the referee Simpson gave a free-kick for a foul on the goalkeeper by Keane.

Almost out of the blue the hosts drew level with a thunderous strike from Rathbone from 25-yards out which flew past Amos into the bottom corner.

Both teams continued to press for the three points but ultimately they had to settle for a point each.

Nothing is settled as far as the title is concerned but both teams are in the prime positions for automatic promotion.

League One Table

Afterwards Richardson reflected on a positive week that has seen his team take seven points from three games in seven days.

A week that culminated in an intense battle at the top of League One.

“It was everything that we expected,” Richardson said.

“Compliments to what they have done this year, with the amount of balls they put in your box, the pressure they put on teams at home and you have to match it.

“We played Saturday and Tuesday so to then play again on Friday made it a tough turnaround for us and we had to match fire with fire.

“I thought we defended well all night, Stephen [Humphrys] took his goal really well and we could have had a couple of chances in the first half on the counter attack.

“When you come to Rotherham, you have to defend and you have to totally respect what they do. Any point away from home is a good one.

“Probably the only bits of quality in the game – without disrespecting anything else that happened because it was competitive – were the two goals.

“We had to defend without the ball, work hard on the ball and second half I thought they got the momentum – which you’d expect – and then I thought we grew into it towards the end of the game and possibly could have had a breakaway.

“To take seven points in the week, credit goes to the players and to the staff for how hard they’ve worked, recovered and travelled.

“Both sets of fans were great; our fans were unbelievable again and even the conditions didn’t stop them coming across. Their energy at the end of the game got us through.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in League One, Leam Richardson, Ollie Rathbone, Rotherham United, Stephen Humphrys, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

McClean’s quality proves decisive – Wigan Athletic 2 Crewe Alexandra 0

Posted on February 16, 2022 by ianhaspinall

James McClean

  • Wigan Athletic edged closer to league one leaders Rotherham with a 2-0 victory against relegation threatened Crewe Alexandra.
  • Latics dominated but were denied by an in-form Crewe goalkeeper Dave Richards and some bad luck in the first half.
  • The hosts broke the deadlock on 57 minutes when James McClean’s superb left-wing delivery was headed home by Callum Lang.
  • The visitors rarely threatened and Latics confirmed the three points on 82 minutes when McClean produced a powerful drive into the far corner of the net.
  • Latics are now six points behind the leaders with two games in hand and are five points ahead of MK Dons with three games in hand. Crewe drop to the bottom of the table after Doncaster won at Lincoln.

Leam Richardson surprisingly only made two changes from Saturday’s victory against Charlton with Kell Watts and Gwion Edwards replacing Curtis Tilt and Jason Kerr in the starting lineup. The manager reverted to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

Ahead of the game there was a touching eulogy to Mr. Al Jasmi’s son, Muhammed who sadly passed away recently. 

Latics started confidently and Max Power’s free-kick was turned goalwards by Will Keane but goalkeeper Dave Richards produced an excellent save to deny him though it would not have counted as the flag was raised for offside. 

Keane had another chance soon afterwards as Josh Magennis applied pressure on the Alex defence and forced a mistake which resulted in the former Manchester United striker being presented with a shot on goal but his effort was unluckily deflected for a corner.

Crewe then had a rare foray forward when a deep free-kick was headed across goal to Chris Long who took a touch before firing his effort just wide of the post. 

Latics continued to dominate however and in the 25th minute Power’s free-kick was met by Magennis but his powerful header was well saved by Richards. 

McClean then blazed an effort well wide of the target when he did well to take down Lang’s lofted pass.

Richards then produced another excellent save to deny Kell Watts glancing header from Power’s free-kick.

Latics continued to pressurise and Power’s clever free-kick set Lang free on the right but his low cross shot evaded several Latics attackers and Watts who couldn’t quite make contact at the far post.

0-0 at half time with Latics frustrated by Richards and the football gods.

But Latics made the breakthrough in the 57th minute when McClean’s perfect cross was headed home by Lang at close range.

Latics didn’t sit on the lead but pushed forward for further goals and they nearly added to their lead when Watts’ low shot was spilled by Richards but substitute Stephen Humphrys was unable to capitalise as the Crewe goalkeeper was able to push the ball away.

With eight minutes remaining McClean demonstrated his quality with a decisive finish. The Republic of Ireland international produced a superb angled drive which flew past Richards into the back of the Crewe net.

Tom Lowery had a late chance for the Alex when he shot from the edge of the area but his effort was narrowly wide of the target.

Overall Latics had been by far the better outfit and they deservedly gained another three points in their quest for automatic promotion.

They increased their advantage over their promotion rivals and are now five points ahead of third place MK Dons with three games in hand.

Latics now face their third game in just seven days when they travel to leaders Rotherham on Friday night for what could prove to be a title decider.

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in Crewe Alexandra, League One, Leam Richardson, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Latics back to winning ways – Wigan Athletic 2 Charlton Athletic 1

Posted on February 12, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Stephen Humphrys on target

  • Wigan Athletic consolidated their place in the automatic promotion places with a 2-1 victory against Charlton Athletic at the DW Stadium.
  • The Addicks were in front on seven minutes when Elliott Lee headed home and they might have increased their advantage when former Latic Alex Gilbey hit the crossbar soon afterwards.
  • Latics should’ve had a penalty when Josh Magennis was brought down in the area but referee Tom Nield waved away Latics’ appeals. However, on 26 minutes Callum Lang was tripped in the box and this time the referee pointed to the penalty spot and Will Keane converted the spot kick to restore parity.
  • Latics upped their game in the second half and they deservedly went ahead on 74 minutes when Max Power’s deep corner was headed back by Jack Whatmough and substitute Stephen Humphrys poked home from close range.
  • The visitors battled to the end but Latics held out to increase the pressure on leaders Rotherham who play Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
  • Latics are now six points behind Rotherham with two games in hand and two points ahead of third place MK Dons but with four games in hand. Charlton drop to 14th place in the table.

Leam Richardson made two changes to the team which lost at Sheffield Wednesday with Jason Kerr and Keane replacing Graeme Shinnie and Jamie McGrath. 

Latics had an early opportunity when Curtis Tilt headed James McClean’s right-sided corner over the crossbar.

But the visitors were ahead on seven minutes when Lee headed Adam Matthews’ inviting cross into the top right corner in the seventh minute.

The Addicks threatened to add to their lead in the 15th minute when Gilbey crashed an effort against the crossbar from inside the box. Latics breathed a huge sigh of relief and it seem to spark them into action.

Callum Lang forced his way into the penalty area on the right side but his cross was cut out by Craig MacGillivray before the ball could reach Keane.

Latics appeared to have won a penalty soon afterwards when Magennis was taken down in the box but referee Nield waved away appeals.

But in the 25th minute Latics were awarded a penalty when when Lang was tripped in the area by Sean Clare.

Keane calmly drove his spot kick high into centre of the net for his 16th goal of the season.

Latics were visibly lifted by the goal and looked the more dangerous team now although Clare’s cross from the right-hand side had to be dealt with by Ben Amos.

Lang was once again the catalyst for Latics’ best moves and he created a great opportunity for himself in the 36th minute after he allowed Tom Naylor’s excellent pass to roll across his body inside the penalty area but he was denied by an excellent last-ditch block from Ben Purrington.

1-1 at half time but Latics had started to click into gear in the latter stages of the first half.

Latics started the second half strongly and Tilt pushed forward on several occasions and in the 63rd minute the former Rotherham player evaded two defenders on the left before cutting onto his right foot inside the area but his low effort was turned behind for a corner.

Latics then had a big chance when McClean’s early cross was knocked towards the far post by Lang but the ball just evaded the diving Magennis who was just six-yards out.

Humphrys replaced Keane in the 71st minute and just three minutes later he gave Latics the lead.

Power’s corner was headed back across goal by Whatmough and Humphrys was on hand to poke the ball home from close range.

But Latics did not sit on the lead and looked to increase their advantage. They were determined to take all three points and there was some tremendous tackling from Whatmough, Tilt and Tom Naylor in particular.

McClean produced a superbly driven ball across the face of the goal but Magennis was unable to make the vital connection inside the six yard box.

As the clock ticked down Humphrys fired a powerful effort from 25-yards out but it was well pushed away by MacGillivray.

Despite five minutes of added time Latics held out comfortably and Amos was left untroubled despite the visitors best efforts.

After a shaky opening period Latics had been the better side and they had showed great determination, skill and resilience to get back to winning ways after the midweek blip at Sheffield Wednesday.

The games continue to come thick and fast with Crewe at home on Tuesday before they travel to Rotherham on Friday for a top of the table clash.

League One Table

Afterwards Richardson speaking to the media praised his side’s efforts as they got back on track for automatic promotion.

“It was hard-fought, challenging in spells, but I thought we carried the momentum for most of the afternoon,” Richardson explained.

“The start of the game was obviously disappointing, but I thought the character and the response from the lads were fantastic.

“Charlton are obviously going to offer a real threat and keep you honest all afternoon, they’ve been going well themselves.

“I thought on the balance of play, we deserved the win today.

“The lads were on a fantastic run, they then lost their first away league game since the opening day of the season at Sheffield Wednesday, and the lads take full credit for that because of the hard work that they put in.

“Eleven players never win a league, never win a cup, it’s about the squad and we’ll need every player in our squad going forwards because we have a lot of healthy challenges going forwards as well, starting Tuesday.”

Stephen Humphrys came off the bench to get the decisive goal for Richardson’s side and Latics’ manager praised the forward’s impact.

“We know how important our squad is and it was great to have Will [Keane] back after a short time out,” he added.

“Stephen Humphrys came off the bench and we always say to the subs, either maintain or lift the levels, and thankfully Stephen has got the goal to win us the game today.

“From the outset, Josh Magennis, Will and Callum Lang led the line tirelessly all afternoon and Stephen gets the credit for their hard work. With his attributes, Stephen took the tempo of the game up a level as well.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored,com

Posted in Charlton Athletic, Elliott Lee, League One, Leam Richardson, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics disappointed with performance and penalty decision – Sheffield Wednesday 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on February 9, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Leam Richardson Wigan Athletic

Leam Richardson disappointed with the penalty decision

  • Latics suffered a setback to their automatic promotion hopes when they slipped to a controversial 1-0 defeat at Hillsborough.
  • In a very competitive first half both teams had good chances and Josh Magennis had a goal ruled out for offside for the visitors.
  • In the second half Wednesday were the dominant force and created more opportunities but ultimately it was a controversial penalty decision by referee Tim Robinson which enabled Wednesday to take the three points.
  • Jack Whatmough was penalised for a foul on Massimo Luongo but replays showed that the Latics defender didn’t commit a foul on the Australian midfielder.
  • Latics remain in second place in the table and are now nine points behind leaders Rotherham with three games in hand. Sheffield Wednesday remain in seventh place one point outside the play-off places.

Leam Richardson made eight changes to the side which lost 2-0 to Stoke City in the FA Cup. Only Max Power, Jamie McGrath and Josh Magennis retained their starting places.

In an exciting opening period both teams created good chances.

After only four minutes Callum Lang’s dangerous cross was headed by Magennis into the path of Tom Naylor inside the box but the midfielder failed to hit the target from a good position. 

The hosts Liam Palmer tried his luck from 25-yards out but Ben Amos saved comfortably on seven minutes. Soon afterwards the Latics keeper was in action again when he spilled a cross from the right but no Wednesday player was on hand to capitalise.

On 11 minutes Jack Hunt ‘s corner found Jordan Storey at the near post and the defender headed narrowly wide when he looked odds-on to score.

At the other end Magennis headed over as he was falling backwards from Naylor’s cross on 21 minutes and then McGrath volleyed wide from the edge of the area following a long throw from Power.

On 36 minutes Amos pushed away a strike from Florian Kamberi and luckily for Latics the ball rebounded off a Wednesday player for a goal kick.

As the game moved towards half time Latics went close to breaking the deadlock when Tendayi Darikwa’s shot came back off the post and Magennis finished only for the referee’s assistant to flag for offside. 

0-0 at the break after a fiercely competitive first half with both teams having created some excellent  goalscoring opportunities.

Richardson reshuffled his team at the interval with Darikwa moving to right back, James McClean to left back and Power pushed into a midfield role.

Latics struggled to rebuild their momentum from the first half as the hosts started to dominate possession.

The game’s turning point came in the 51st minute when Whatmough was adjudged to have brought down Luongo in the penalty area.

Replays subsequently showed that the Latics defender had not committed a foul but that the Australian midfielder had dived and deceived the referee. Barry Bannan converted the spot kick to give Wednesday the advantage.  

Soon afterwards Kamberi had a chance to double the hosts lead but he fired well wide from eight yards out.

Wednesday were in the ascendancy now as Latics couldn’t find their usual rhythm. On 65 minutes Bannan’s corner was headed just over the angle of post and crossbar by Storey.

Jason Kerr and Stephen Humphrys replaced McGrath and Graham Shinnie on 65 minutes as Latics moved to three centre backs and two wing backs in an attempt to get back into the game. 

However, the hosts continued to dominate as Latics struggled to get out of their own half. Callum Paterson’s strike from 25-yards out drifted wide of the far post on 77 minutes and Bannan forced an excellent tip over from Amos three minutes later.

Latics huffed and puffed but they had been unable to compete with the hosts physicality in the second half. Throughout the second half they had been unable to trouble Bailey Peacock-Farrell in the Wednesday goal.

Lang tried desperately to get a shot on target in the dying seconds of added time but his attempt was easily blocked and Latics slipped to a disappointing defeat.

Wednesday had been the better side in the second half but Latics will feel the penalty should not have been awarded. Wednesday have now done the double over Latics and will feel they are capable of going on to claim a play-off place.

Latics will be looking for a big improvement against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. They are still in a very strong position for automatic promotion but they must not allow one poor game to derail their season.

League One Table

Speaking to the media afterwards, Richardson was disappointed that the match outcome was decided by a penalty decision that did not fall in their favour. 

“It was a very narrow game with not much in it,” he said.

“I thought in the first half we shaded it and probably had the best chances. In the second half the game petered out. There were too many stoppages and too many changes, and games like that need to be decided by the players, and the players haven’t decided the result which is disappointing.

“I think the game has got to be decided by the players and not any outside influences. It was a drab 0-0 and no team really played that well. They are used to playing on their pitch more than us but in the second half, we’ve got to be better. If we’re not going to win and be fluent going forwards, then we will take our point but I always think the players should decide the result.

“From my angle, it wasn’t a penalty, but the game has been decided on it. Someone has decided the game and we’ll quickly move on.”

Attention will quickly turn to Saturday when Latics return to the DW Stadium to face Charlton Athletic, and Richardson expressed the importance of his players not being caught in the emotion of a result and continuing to be consistent with their standards both on and off the pitch.

“We’re in a place where we have put ourselves. It’s a campaign that is really healthy and challenging and you cannot get emotionally attached to results and games.

“We’ve got to be consistent in what we do, work hard on the training ground and make sure that every single team we celebrate a win, it doesn’t stop us in what we are doing. We go again, we work hard and same with negative results as well.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Barry Bannan, League One, Leam Richardson, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Latics out of luck and out of the FA Cup – Stoke City 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on February 6, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Stoke defend a Latics attack

  • Wigan Athletic’s 20 game unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Stoke City.
  • Latics made nine changes to the starting line-up but were unlucky to go behind when Jason Kerr slipped in the area and Josh Maja capitalised in the 14th minute.
  • The visitors matched their Championship opponents for long periods but substitute Jacob Brown doubled the hosts lead on 62 minutes.
  • Latics hopes of any comeback were dashed when Gwion Edwards was red carded for a second bookable offence on 74 minutes.
  • Stoke could’ve added more goals in the dying stages but Steven Fletcher, Josh Tymon and Brown all wasted good opportunities to add to the lead.

Leam Richardson made nine changes from Tuesday’s draw with Oxford United. Only Max Power and Gavin Massey retained their places in the starting line-up while Glen Rea and Jamie McGrath made their debuts. Stoke had former Latic Nick Powell in their side.

The hosts started strongly and went close to scoring when Jamie Jones clearance went straight to Tyrese Campbell whose curling effort from the edge of the area was well blocked by Kell Watts.

Latics then had a great opportunity when McGrath’s cross from the left was headed on by Edwards and Power was in a good position but failed to make contact with his attempted volley.

Stoke went ahead through Maja in the 14th minute. Powell on the right produced a superb pass into the path of Campbell who crossed into the area and when Kerr unluckily slipped it allowed Maja to finish from close range.

Powell, who was a constant threat, then got on the end of Ben Thompson’s corner from the left, but his header cleared the crossbar at the near post.

But Latics had responded well to going behind and they had a great chance to draw level when Edwards’ incisive pass found Josh Magennis in space inside the area but the striker fired well wide of the far post.

At half time Latics replaced Power with captain Tendayi Darikwa, presumably due to an injury.

Stoke started the second half strongly and had an early opportunity when Campbell tried his luck from distance but his low effort didn’t trouble keeper Jones.

Campbell almost doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Wright-Phillips’ cross deflected into his path at the far post but first-time effort went over the crossbar.

Latics then had two good chances in quick succession.

First, Gavin Massey, who had his best game of the season, burst forward past several Stoke players and fired a low shot at goalkeeper Joe Bursik.

Then Tom Bayliss’ bent an excellent free-kick over Bursik but his effort clipped the top of the crossbar and went over.

Substitute Brown then doubled the hosts advantage with his first touch. The ball came to him on the edge of the area and his first time strike unerringly found the bottom corner of the net.

Latics didn’t give up however, and a goal for the visitors would have restored the competitive balance. They went close through substitute Stephen Humphrys header which was comfortably saved by Bursik.

However, the visitors hopes of a comeback were dashed when they were reduced to ten men when Edwards was shown a second yellow card for a late foul on Brown.

Despite the setback Latics continued to try to get back into the game and Darikwa fired over the crossbar from a good position.

Joe Bennett did well to block an effort from Tymon and substitute Steven Fletcher nearly increased the hosts lead with four minutes of normal time remaining after Brown cut the ball back but his effort crashed against the crossbar from close range.

As Latics tired, Jones was then called into action after Tymon found Brown at the far post with a dangerous cross, but the Latics goalkeeper did brilliantly to keep out the effort from point-blank range.

Despite the final result Latics had put in a good performance against Championship opponents and there had been promising debuts for Glen Rea and Jamie McGrath.

It was disappointing to lose their 20 game unbeaten run but Latics fans shouldn’t be too despondent, as Sunderland lost at home to Doncaster and they remain in second place in the League One table with four games in hand on MK Dons, Sunderland and Oxford.

Latics return to League One action on Tuesday night at Sheffield Wednesday when I expect a much changed team will take the pitch.

Talking to the media after the game, Richardson said:

“I thought in large parts, we were good.

“You’ve got to respect the calibre of player that they’ve got. You’d expect them to give us a real tough and healthy challenge, and I thought we stood up to it in large parts.

“In spells, we were good but the game was won and lost in both boxes. In the first half, apart from the mistake for their goal, I thought we went toe-to-toe and probably shaded it.

“When it was 11v11, I thought we were very competitive. Once the second goal goes in, coupled with the sending off, the game changes and it’s all about making sure lads have minutes in their legs and doing the right things for the games to come.

“There were lads who needed 90 minutes and going forward, it will be important for our campaign.”

Posted in FA Cup, Jacob Brown, Josh Maja, Leam Richardson, Stoke City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics frustrated but remain unbeaten – Wigan Athletic 1 Oxford United 1

Posted on February 2, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Callum Lang scored his ninth league goal of the season. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

  • Wigan Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw by sixth placed Oxford United at the DW Stadium.
  • The visitors started brightly and took an early lead through Matty Taylor but the hosts responded through Callum Lang’s fine finish in the 31st minute.
  • In a one-sided second half Latics dominated and despite creating several good chances and having a goal disallowed for offside they had to settle for a point.
  • Latics are now unbeaten in 20 games and remain in second place in the table, three points behind leaders Rotherham but with two games in hand. Oxford remain in sixth place.

Leam Richardson made four changes to the team which drew with Cheltenham Town with Curtis Tilt, Gavin Massey, Lang and Stephen Humphrys replacing Kell Watts, Gwion Edwards, Will Keane and Josh Magennis.

The visitors started strongly and caused the hosts plenty of problems in the early stages.

Marcus McGuane won a free-kick in a dangerous position but Billy Bodin’s free-kick sailed over the crossbar. Bodin then had another free-kick opportunity but his cross was headed straight into the hands of Ben Amos by Taylor.

Latics went close in the 16th minute when Lang picked up a loose ball in midfield and found James McClean in space on the left but his low cross shot was parried away by Oxford goalkeeper Jack Stevens.

The home crowd were stunned in the 23rd minute when the visitors went in front with with a well-worked goal. Mark Sykes drove forward on the left and exchanged passes with Cameron Brannagan before squaring the ball to Taylor who finished from close range.

Latics looked out of sorts and Richardson made a tactical intervention which turned the tide of the game.

Tendayi Darikwa was moved from left back to right back and Max Power moved into midfield with James McClean moved to left back in place of Darikwa.

Latics looked more balanced now and they threatened when McClean’s corner from the left caused problems in the box but Stevens was able to punch away the cross despite a congested six-yard box.

The hosts drew level in the 35th minute when Power in a midfield position did superbly to loft a ball over the top into the path of Lang who produced a very accomplished finish into the bottom corner.

Latics were the more dangerous now with Lang predominant in attack. The striker found Humphrys with an inviting cross from the right but the former Rochdale man failed to divert his diving header towards goal. The ball then came out to Graeme Shinnie who tried a first-time effort which went narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

Latics went close to taking the lead on the stroke of half time when McClean’s free-kick to the far post was headed against the post by Jack Whatmough with keeper Stevens beaten.

Latics continued to press forward in the second half with Lang involved in most things and the striker soon found McClean on the left but his dangerous cross was cleared by the visitors.

At the other end Oxford had a rare chance chance when Sykes volley from the edge of the area was comfortably saved by Amos.

For most of the second half the visitors were pinned in their own half as Latics pressed high and dominated.

With 20 minutes remaining Latics were creating more chances when Darikwa put in a low cross but Humphrys was unable to make a strong connection on his flick to divert towards goal.

Whatmough then came close after Power’s long throw-in found the central defender but his volley from inside the penalty area flew over the crossbar.

Magennis replaced Humphrys in the 71st minute and he nearly got on the scoresheet when he directed McClean’s inswinging corner just over the crossbar at the near post.

Karl Robinson’s team were under the cosh now and they resorted to time-wasting to break Latics momentum and run down the clock.

But Latics sustained the pressure and Power’s free-kick was cleared into the path of Tom Naylor but his volley from the edge of the area was well saved by Stevens.

Latics looked like they had made the breakthrough on 84 minutes when Power took a quick free-kick to release Naylor who crossed for Magennis to convert from close range but the assistant referee flagged for offside.

The hosts continued to create chances and they had a big opportunity when Power’s throw-in caused problems and the ball fell to Whatmough but the central defender’s effort on the turn was well parried away by Stevens from six yards out.

Oxford had held on for a point but Latics will feel that they had deserved more after such an excellent second half performance.

Afterwards speaking to the media, Richardson felt it was a great advert for the third tier of English football and expressed that he was pleased with how his side got back level and took control of the game for large spells.

“It was an excellent game,” he said.

“I thought the energy levels from both teams were excellent. We’re up against a team that has a real quality of player and are coached very well. They are a top-four team in my opinion.

“I thought the lads did really well and responded. In the first 15-20 minutes, they shaded it and it was a good goal on their part. After that, I thought we took over the game and the impetus was on us. I thought in the second half, we limited them to certain things around the pitch and the momentum shifted.

“You’ve got to respect that they are a really good team and they will always keep you honest with the quality and depth of player that they’ve got.

“I thought our distances were a little bit off and you’ve got to be respectful of every team. Oxford are no different and I thought we had to impose ourselves a little bit higher up the pitch.

“To be fair to our lads, to see the intent and will to win that they’ve got, and to respond to going from a goal down to try and take the impetus to try and win the game is commendable.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Lang, League One, Leam Richardson, Matty Taylor, Oxford United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A bump in the road or something more serious? Cheltenham Town 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 31, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Cheltenham defend a Latics free-kick

  • Wigan Athletic produced a lacklustre performance in a 0-0 draw at League One strugglers Cheltenham Town.
  • The hosts had the better chances in a scrappy game at the Jonny Rocks Stadium with Callum Wright heading over from a good position and Alfie May firing wide from an even better position in the first half.
  • Will Keane and Jack Whatmough were unable to convert good opportunities as Latics had an off day in front of goal but they are now unbeaten in 19 games in all competitions. 
  • Latics are in second place in the League One table, one point behind leaders Rotherham but with two games in hand. Cheltenham are in 17th place.

Latics made one change from the victory against Gillingham, with Josh Magennis making his debut in place of Stephen Humphrys. The Robins had former Latics goalkeeper Owen Evans between the sticks.

The visitors were the first to threaten when Gwion Edwards crossed from the right but it was well defended by the Robins captain Will Boyle.

The hosts then had a great chance to open the scoring when Alfie May’s corner was headed back across goal by Boyle to Callum Wright who headed his effort over from close range.

Latics gradually started to assert themselves and they went close when Keane stole a loose pass out of defence and laid the ball off to Magennis who then set up James McClean, but the Irishman’s effort cleared the crossbar.

The Robins had a great opportunity to take the lead soon afterwards as Whatmough’s header hit Kell Watts and fell to May inside the area but the forward fired narrowly wide of the target.

It had been a scrappy first half with chances few and far between as both teams battled to gain control.

Latics started the second half strongly and Edwards delivered a dangerous cross from the right, but Robins keeper Evans bravely punched away the danger. 

Keane had a big chance to break the deadlock when Magennis sent him through on goal, but on an uneven surface the ball bobbled and his final shot was wide of the far post.

It was to be Keane’s last action as he left the pitch holding his hamstring and was replaced by Callum Lang. 

Lang’s introduction was the catalyst for Latics to press forward for the breakthrough and his jinking runs posed a major threat. 

But at the other end the Robins threatened when substitute Kion Etete pulled the ball back to Raglan  inside the area, but the shot was well blocked by Tom Naylor. From the resulting corner, the ball came out to Liam Sercombe, who saw his volley comfortably saved by Ben Amos.

Amos was called upon again in the 72nd minute when he made an excellent save to keep the scores level. Sercombe found the run of Matty Blair in behind, but Amos got down bravely to deny the effort from point-blank range. 

Latics continued to press for their usual late winner and they threatened when Shinnie’s cross from the left was flicked on by Magennis and fell to Whatmough who controlled the ball with his chest but his volley lacked pace and was straight at Evans.

The Robins were reduced to ten men in added time when debutant Ben Williams was shown his second yellow card for a foul on substitute Gavin Massey.

Latics continued to battle until the final whistle but they just couldn’t make the breakthrough and had to settle for a rare single point after four straight victories.

Speaking to the media after the game Richardson believed his side shaded the fixture in spells, and emphasised that any point collected on the road is a good one.

“I thought we shaded it in most parts but only just shaded it,” he said.

“I thought in possession, the quality on the pitch from both teams wasn’t as fluent as we both would have liked, but if you’re not going to win, it’s important to make sure that you don’t lose.

“I thought we were resilient in our defence, as I thought Cheltenham were, but we had to meet each other within those challenges, races and tackles. Any point away from home in this league is a good point. 

“They’ve had some good results this year and they’re a newly promoted team. Michael (Duff) has got them well organised, well-drilled and disciplined and they have some good players on the pitch. “

Overall it was a frustrating afternoon for Latics but the fans shouldn’t be too critical as they are still on an incredible run and you can’t always be at your best.

Latics missed Lang in the first half and Magennis was making his debut and it will inevitably take a little time for the striker to settle and build an understanding with his teammates.

Against Cheltenham they tended to play direct to Magennis, but they can play a variety of styles to win games and they have always adapted well when the need arises.

The manager and coaching staff certainly have the tactical awareness to get the team promoted playing both the short and long game. They have done an amazing job so far and they are still in the strongest position for automatic promotion.

The matches continue to come thick and fast as they face sixth placed Oxford United at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night, and as usual I’m sure Richardson’s men will be well prepared and up for the challenge.

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Cheltenham Town, League One, Leam Richardson, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Top of the League but no time for complacency – Wigan Athletic 3 Gillingham 2  

Posted on January 23, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Will Keane
Will Keane added his 14th goal of the season
  • Wigan Athletic made hard work of a game they should have won at a canter.
  • Latics completely dominated the first half against League One strugglers Gillingham and were 2-0 up inside 21 minutes with goals from Will Keane and Stephen Humphrys.
  • Latics failed to ram home their advantage with Tom Naylor hitting the bar, and Keane striking a post and having another effort headed off the line by Max Ehmer.
  • They eased off in the second half and Ben Reeves pulled one back for the Gills and they levelled in the 69th minute through Stuart O’Keefe.
  • But the hosts rescued a poor second half display when Jason Kerr’s header was turned home by Keane from close range to secure a 3-2 win and take them to the top of the table.
  • Latics are top of League One, level on points with second place Sunderland but with four games in hand. Gillingham drop to bottom of the table and are now 10 points from safety.

Latics made three changes to the starting line-up from the victory at Morecambe on Tuesday with Gwion Edwards, Humphys and debutant Graeme Shinnie coming in.

Latics started confidently from the kick off and Edwards put Humphrys in the clear on the left but the striker couldn’t get a shot away inside the area.

The hosts continued to press forward and when Tom Naylor found Edwards 25-yards out the winger’s powerful effort was well parried away by Pontus Dahlberg.

Latics pressure told in the ninth minute when Keane headed home. Edwards did well to beat his marker before crossing for Keane to head into the bottom right corner.

Three minutes later the hosts almost doubled their lead through Tom Naylor.

James McClean’s inviting corner from the right was met by the midfielder and his header hit the crossbar and went behind for a goal-kick.

Latics doubled their lead in the 22nd minute with Humphrys second goal in two games.

Shinnie intercepted a poor pass and found Humphrys who played a one-two with Edwards before driving into the penalty area and slotting superbly across the keeper and into the bottom corner.

Latics looked in complete control with the Gills offering very little in the first half.

The hosts almost added a third when Power’s cross from the right was defended but only as far as Keane who steadied himself before took striking a deflected effort onto the right post.

Keane had another opportunity soon afterwards when Ryan Jackson’s loose pass was intercepted by McClean who played the ball back to Keane at close range but his effort was denied by an exceptional headed goal-line clearance from Ehmer.

Latics should’ve been out of sight by half time but the second half proved to be a much different affair.

The Gills made a double substitution with Kelman and Reeves replacing Carayol and Danny Lloyd at the break, and they started the second half strongly.

Gillingham got on the scoresheet in the 53rd minute with their first strike on target.

Ehmer’s long ball from defence was headed on by Oliver into the path of Reeves who took a touch before driving his low effort into the bottom right corner from the edge of the area.

The visitors continued to press forward but the hosts threatened through Power when his powerful drive was well saved by Dahlberg.

Dahlberg was then called into action with two excellent saves in quick succession.

First Edwards’ strike was denied from the edge of the area before Dahlberg somehow pushed away Jack Whatmough’s header away from close range after he met McClean’s corner at the far post.

The home crowd were stunned in the 69th minute as the Gills equalised through O’Keefe, a cross fell to him in the area and he produced an accomplished finish into the bottom corner.

Latics tried to restore their lead when Naylor’s low header from Power’s free-kick was well saved by Dahlberg.

Much to the home side’s relief they restored their lead in the 78th minute when Keane added his 14th goal of the season.

McClean’s corner from the right was headed back across goal by substitute Jason Kerr and Keane was able to tap home from close range.

The visitors tried to respond and when Jackson’s cross from the right was headed on by substitute John Akinde to find O’Keefe, but his effort cleared the crossbar.

Gillingham continued to battle for an equaliser, but Latics did just enough to secure the three points, move to the top of the table and extend their unbeaten run to 17 games.

Manager Leam Richardson praised his players after the game.

“Credit must go to the players,” he said.

“They showed great character to go and win the game. They’ve worked really hard this week taking the information in – so going Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday and producing three wins is commendable.

“I thought on the balance of play, we deserved to win and I thought we were excellent in the first half. If I’m being slightly critical, we should have probably scored more goals.

“Gillingham have scored 60% of their goals in the first half hour so it was important that we started fast and I thought we did that. In the second half, fair credit to Gillingham.

“They kept us honest all the way, but we always believe we have the quality on the pitch to score goals. We’ve worked hard to find that bit of quality – and a bit of luck – to land on the right side of the result.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com
Posted in Ben Reeves, Gillingham, League One, Leam Richardson, Stephen Humphrys, Stuart O'Keefe, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Relentless Latics edging closer to promotion – Morecambe 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on January 19, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Latics on the attack
  • Wigan Athletic increased the pressure on their promotion rivals with another three points against Morecambe at the Mazuma Stadium.
  • Highly rated striker Cole Stockton scored an early goal for the hosts but the visitors equalised just before half time through Will Keane.
  • In an end-to-end game Latics secured another victory when substitute Stephen Humphrys looping header found the top corner of the net in the 73rd minute.
  • Latics move into second place in the table one point behind leaders Wycombe but with four games in hand. Morecambe are in 21st place and are four points from safety.

Latics retained the same starting eleven from the victory against Doncaster Rovers. New signing Graeme Shinnie was included on the bench but the other recent signing Josh Magennis was not included in the squad.

The Shrimps started the brighter with Stockton heading Jacob Bedeau’s pass down to Arthur Gnahoua who chested the ball down before dragging his effort wide of the target.

Latics responded and James McClean cut inside on the left and tried his luck with his weaker right foot but his shot deflected into the hands of keeper Trevor Carson. 

The hosts went ahead on seven minutes with the Latics defence statuesque. Greg Leigh nutmegged Gavin Massey before crossing low and when the ball bounced off Kell Watts, Stockton was on hand to fire home from close range.

The hosts were in the ascendancy and Gnahoua’s free-kick from the right was headed across goal by Bedeau to find Anthony O’Connor at the far post but his header cleared the crossbar.

As the half progressed Latics started to assert themselves and Callum Lang did superbly to beat three defenders before unleashing a low drive and forcing an excellent save from Carson who pushed the ball way for a corner.

The visitors went close to equalising when Power played a neat pass to Lang whose cross to McClean at the far post was headed over from close range. 

Latics got the equaliser just before half-time through Keane. Power put Darikwa in the clear with a great pass, and the captain found Keane with a low cross and the striker showed good composure before slotting home his 13th goal of the season.

Latics started the second half strongly,  but it was Morecambe who had the first chance. Stockton held the ball under pressure and before finding Jonah Ayunga who took the ball down into his path before forcing an excellent save from Amos. 

Stockton then almost restored Morecambe’s advantage when he curled a strike from distance against Amos’ left hand post.

At the other end Latics went very close when Power’s free-kick was headed on by Naylor at the near post and then flicked on by Lang but his effort crashed against the crossbar. 

Humphrys replaced Massey in the 62nd minute and the substitute made a big impact by heading Latics in front in the 73rd minute. 

Lang crossed from the right and Humphrys climbed the highest to loop his header into the top corner.

Humphrys almost added a second goal soon afterwards when his drilled cross from the left was turned towards goal by a Shrimps defender, but Carson was able to save with his feet.

Despite some late Morecambe pressure Latics held out fairly comfortably to record another away victory and move into the automatic promotion places. They are now only one point behind leaders Wycombe but with four games in hand.

Latics are unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions. They are the form team in League One with 16 points from the last six games and their relentless pursuit of promotion continues to gather pace.

Manager Leam Richardson praised his team’s resolve after the game.

“Firstly, I’d like to compliment the lads from certainly the improvement of last year and surpassing the points tally from what we did last season. 

“I think – in any football competition – it’s important to always try and improve on last year. We set out this season to be competitive in every game and I think it’s a really big compliment to the lads to surpass the points tally from last year. We’ll keep our head down and keep moving forwards.

“These teams are fighting for their lives. They (Morecambe) have got some good players on the pitch, they’re well-coached and well-drilled, and you’ve got to respect every team in the league.

“I thought in the first half, it took our lads a little while to earn the right to play because Morecambe were a threat from set-pieces and sending the ball over the top. I thought in the second half, we were excellent and thoroughly deserved to score the two goals and on the balance of play, we deserved to win. “

Posted in Wigan Athletic | 2 Comments

Latics 15-game unbeaten run continues – Doncaster Rovers 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on January 15, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Max Power’s flicked header opens the scoring for Latics

  • Wigan Athletic extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games with a hard fought victory at League One strugglers Doncaster Rovers.
  • Max Power flicked home James McClean’s corner in the 11th minute and Latics created several chances to extend their lead in the opening 20 minutes.
  • The hosts battled back into the game at the end of the first half, but Latics increased their advantage when Will Keane headed home from Tom Pearce’s excellent cross in the 54th minute.
  • Substitute Omar Bogle scored with his first touch in the 60th minute but Latics comfortably held on for a valuable three points in the promotion race with rivals Rotherham losing at Fleetwood and Sunderland drawing at Accrington.
  • Latics are now in fourth place on 48 points but with five games in hand on leaders Wycombe who have 52 points. Doncaster remain bottom of the table and are nine points from safety.

Latics made three changes from the side that overcame Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup with Ben Amos, Gavin Massey and James McClean replacing Jamie Jones, Jason Kerr and Gwion Edwards in the starting line up.

Rovers had former Latics players Joe Dodoo and Bogle in their squad.

Latics were quickly out of the blocks and set about creating several good goalscoring opportunities.

First Tendayi Darikwa’s searching low cross just evaded Callum Lang who was ready to tap home from close range. 

Massey floated an inviting cross from the right for Keane, but the Latics striker failed to convert with his header.

Massey then had a good opportunity down the right hand side but his final shot was wayward after breaking into the box. 

Tom Pearce then had a great chance when he cut inside the box after good work by McClean but the full back drove his left footed strike narrowly wide of the far post.

Latics deservedly took the lead in the 11th minute when McClean’s corner from the right found Power whose instinctive glancing header at the near post evaded Rovers keeper Louis Jones.

The visitors continued to press forward and they nearly increased their lead in the 18th minute when Lang clipped a delicate ball to Keane at the back post but his header just cleared the crossbar.

Latics could and should have been three or four goals ahead in the first 20 minutes and they also had a goal disallowed soon afterwards when Lang was adjudged to be offside from McClean’s through ball.

Gradually Rovers started to enjoy more possession as Latics took their foot off the gas. The hosts had their first attempt on goal on the half-hour mark when Aidan Barlow lined up a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but his effort was well saved by Amos. 

Former Latic Dodoo then pulled the ball back to Tommy Rowe from the right but his low effort was met by a superb block from Latics captain Darikwa. 

Doncaster then had another opportunity when a free-kick was headed back to Matt Smith by Rowe on the edge of the area but his snapshot didn’t trouble Amos.

Manager Leam Richardson would have had stern words with charges at half time as Latics should have had the game sewn up in the first 20 minutes but Rovers had been allowed back into the game as Latics eased off.

The visitors started the second half strongly and had an early chance when McClean found Keane with a low cross from the left, but he was unable to test the Rovers keeper. 

Keane did manage to double the visitors’ advantage in the 54th minute. McClean set the ball back for Pearce to deliver a superb cross from the left and Keane’s downward header flew past Jones in the Rovers net. 

It looked as though Latics would now take complete control but on the hour mark Darikwa conceded a silly foul on the left hand side and from Ethan Galbraith’s free-kick the substitute Bogle scored with his first touch. 

The hosts’ spirits were now raised but it was Latics who went closest when Keane tried his luck from the edge of the area but his shot was tipped behind for a corner. 

Latics continued to look the more dangerous and McClean’s strike from the left was deflected just past the post. 

Power then tried his luck from the edge of the box but his deflected effort rolled narrowly wide of the right-hand post. 

The hosts battled bravely and pushed for a late equaliser, but Latics defended resolutely and held out comfortably for an important three points in their quest for promotion. 

Latics are now in a strong position in the League One table and they will be hoping to capitalise on their five games in hand on the leaders Wycombe.

League One Table

Afterwards Richardson praised the travelling 1800 supporters for their role in the victory.

“The last ten minutes our fans got us over the line, they kept all the lads focused and it doesn’t go underestimated.

“They relax me on the side when they are supporting the team that hard and you can see the lads are focused, and the last ten minutes more or less came to nothing, and they played a big part in that.”

Reflecting on the game itself, Richardson added:

“You have to respect Doncaster as well; they are in a certain place at the minute where they are fighting for their lives and you could see that with their performance. I thought they kept us honest all afternoon and pushed us right to the end.

“One of the big things before the game – and certainly at half-time – was to say not to disrespect a point or three points, because they are just as valuable as any other, no matter what team you play against and which stadium you play in – at the end of the season they still accumulate to the same amount of points so we have to be respectful to the opposition and to ourselves.

“I thought we started both halves really well but with Doncaster’s style of play they kept us honest and kept us on our back foot.

“We probably have to do better in possession and the lads know that, but we found a way to win and that’s the most important with the time of the year, the condition of the pitches and the squad as it is.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Doncaster Rovers, League One, Leam Richardson, Max Power, Omar Bogle, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment