Tuesday heartache – Wigan Athletic 1 Lincoln City 2

Posted on October 27, 2021 by ianhaspinall
Leam Richardson Wigan Athletic

Leam Richardson 

  • It was another Tuesday heartache as Latics slumped to a third successive Tuesday night League One defeat.
  • Latics had the chance to go top of the table but they were deservedly defeated 2-1 by Lincoln City.
  • The visitors went ahead in the 14th minute when Ted Bishop played a clever pass to Dan Nlundulu, who chipped over Ben Amos.
  • The Imps consolidated their lead following a goalmouth scramble when TJ Eyoma fired home from close range.
  • Latics pulled a goal back through substitute Gavin Massey in the 94th minute but it was much too late to rescue the game.
  • Latics remain in third place in the League One table and the Imps are in 12th place.

Latics made one change to the starting line up from Saturday’s win at AFC Wimbledon, with Stephen Humphrys coming in for the injured Charlie Wyke.

The hosts started slowly and Lincoln pressed forward in the early stages.

Lincoln were rewarded in the 14th minute when Ted Bishop played a clever through ball and Nlundulu chipped over Amos from close range.

Latics almost replied immediately when James McClean hit a great dipping volley from the edge of the area but his strike hit the crossbar and bounced away to safety.

The hosts thought they had drawn level on 24 minutes when Kell Watts connected with Max Power’s free-kick but the referee Sebastian Stockbridge correctly disallowed the goal for a hand ball by Watts.

Latics looked to draw level before half time and Tendayi Darikwa’s cross was deflected narrowly wide by a Lincoln defender with Humphrys ready to pounce.

At the other end Bishop unleashed a powerful drive from 25-yards which crashed against the crossbar as the visitors looked to increase their advantage.

Lincoln continued to threaten early in the second half when Nlundulu fired a shot into the side netting.

Latics tried to get back on level terms and Watts was denied by an excellent stop from Josh Griffiths before Humphrys attempted an acrobatic overhead kick which went just over the crossbar.

Soon afterwards Amos did excellently to tip Bishop’s shot over, but the visitors doubled their lead from the resulting corner as Eyoma fired home from close-range as Latics’ defence failed to clear.

Latics tried to respond with Will Keane unleashing a powerful drive from 25-yards out, but his strike crashed against the post.

Keane then had another chance just three minutes later but Eyoma was able to intervene to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Lincoln almost added a third in the 74th minute after Nlundulu turned well inside the box but his shot went just wide of the post.

Latics kept plugging away, in stoppage time substitute Gwion Edwards crashed an effort against the crossbar and from Lang’s cross Massey headed home, but it was too late to salvage anything from the game.

The Tuesday heartache had continued and to exacerbate Latics’ problems Tom Naylor limped off with a nasty injury and Callum Lang picked up a booking which will keep him out of Saturday’s game against Burton Albion.

Manager Leam Richardson was keen that his team learn from the game afterwards.

“The result was disappointing, and I thought we huffed and puffed in certain areas,” he said.

“Congratulations to Lincoln, I thought they started both halves terrifically well. 

“But we hit the woodwork three times, and there were a couple of goalmouth scrambles.

On another day, the bounce of the ball might fall our way, but the lads left their last breathe out there.

“Can we better in certain areas? Of course we can.

“It’s up to myself to make sure we learn from it and the next time we revisit something, that we are better – not just individually but collectively.”

Latics missed striker Charlie Wyke and midfielder Jordan Cousins but Richardson will be expecting a big reaction from the players available against eighth-placed Burton on Saturday.

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Dan Nlundulu, Gavin Massey, League One, Leam Richardson, Lincoln City, TJ Eyoma, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review – Not for Me Clive: Stories from the Voice of Football by Clive Tyldesley

Posted on October 26, 2021 by ianhaspinall

Clive Tyldesley was ITV’s senior football commentator for 22 years and his autobiography provides an entertaining insight into the life of a commentator obsessive.

Tyldesley has spent time with many of the big characters of the game including Sir Alex Ferguson, Bill Shankly, Brian Clough and Sir Kenny Dalglish and his encounters are well worth the retelling.

Many of the stories show the dark side of the big characters as well as why they were so successful. Clough for example was a man of many contradictions,

“He could be rude; he could pick you apart until you fell to pieces in front of him. And yet the same man softly charmed my parents when he made a surprise appearance (in green sweat top and tracksuit bottoms) at the restaurant where I held my leaving-do. Surprise was his favourite weapon.”

Tyldesley has plenty of opinions to share in the book, whether it be on other commentators or topics such as social media and racism. His beliefs are well summed up when he states, 

“Following the evidence is my kind of journey. About turns can be some of the best and bravest moves we make in life, if they steer us away from dogma and gospels. And yet U-turns by public figures are portrayed as signs of indecision and ineptitude. There is no future in being open-minded.”

Boxing commentator Reg Gutteridge was Tyldesley’s mentor, and he helped to shape the commentator that we know so well today. He encouraged Tyldesley to be inclusive and welcome everybody into his broadcasting. 

He is renowned for his extensive research and compiles hand-written charts before every game. He believes his preparation is crucial to his success as a commentator, but he is not too precious to admit his commentary mistakes.

Tyldesley runs through some of the big moments in his commentary career but recognises he was lucky that these were unbelievable games. He states that if the scripts for the 1999, 2005 and 2012 Champions League finals had been presented to commissioning editors in TV drama departments, the writers would probably have been told to go away and make them more believable.

He was baffled by the decision to remove him from his role as ITV’s number one commentator in 2020. He is still working for several media organisations but says he will miss commentating on England games and the Champions League.

Tyldesley’s is one of the defining TV voices of the last two decades-plus and his emotive tones have resonated with football fans everywhere. His autobiography is well worth your attention whether it’s for his views on the art of commentating, stories about the game’s big characters, or opinions on many contemporary issues.

Not for Me Clive: Stories from the Voice of Football by Clive Tyldesley, published by Headline, Price: £13.00.

This review first appeared in the October/November 2021 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Book Reviews, Clive Tyldesley, Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Brutally efficient Tics – AFC Wimbledon 0 Wigan Athletic 2 

Posted on October 24, 2021 by ianhaspinall
Plough Lane

Plough Lane

  • In new brutalist surroundings Wigan Athletic were brutally efficient in their quest for the three points at AFC Wimbledon and ran out comfortable 2-0 victors in the capital.
  • Early in the second half the Dons Paul Kalambayi deflected Callum Lang’s effort into his own goal before James McClean fired in Latics’ second.
  • Latics move up to third in the League One table and the Dons are in 14th place.


Leam Richardson named an unchanged team from the defeat against MK Dons with loanee Tom Bayliss retaining his place in midfield.

It was Latics who started quickly with McClean firing a deep cross to the far post but Max Power was unable to keep his volley down. 

Will Keane had a huge chance to give Latics the lead in the seventh minute after he flicked on Tendayi Darikwa’s cross but Ben Heneghan cleared his effort off the line.

The Dons had an opportunity in the 11th minute after Ayoub Assal broke on the left and crossed for Jack Rudoni but the forward could only head wide of the target.

But Latics looked the most threatening and went close twice through Keane in a matter of minutes. 

Anthony Hartigan saw his dangerous free-kick fly just wide before McClean tried his luck from distance but his strike was easily saved by Tzanev. 

Latics nearly went ahead before the interval when Power’s dangerous cross nearly found Charlie Wyke before McClean’s follow-up was cleared. Darikwa then crossed for Wyke but the keeper did well to save.

Latics continued to dominate in the second half and their pressure was rewarded in the 51st minute. 

Lang fired a shot towards the goal from the right, and it was deflected into the back of the net by the Dons defender Kalambayi.

They almost doubled their lead in the 53rd minute after Lang cut the ball back for McClean from six yards out, but his low strike was blocked on the line.  

But Latics did double the lead a minute later when McClean fired an unstoppable drive into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Lang threatened once again in the 67th minute after he showed good strength but his effort was denied by a fine save from Tzanev. 

Latics players celebrate the second goal


Latics were rampant now and Wyke sent Lang racing through on goal, but his low shot from a tight angle was thwarted by Tzanev. 

Keane then had a great chance to add a third. Power’s cross was flicked on by Tom Naylor to Keane at the back post, but the forward was unable to make it count.

Latics pressed forward for more goals and the score line could’ve easily been four or five to the visitors. But they always had to be alert to the hosts break and Ben Amos had to make an excellent save to deny Nesta Guinness-Walker.

This had been a brutally efficient performance by Latics who have now won five away games on the bounce and two consecutive games in the capital.

Manager Leam Richardson was rightly pleased with the day’s work.

“It was a very professional performance. It’s a very tough place to come and they are a very well-drilled side.

“I think they’ve only lost once here all year so we expected a really tough game.

“You have to respect every team in the league and we certainly did that today.

“We felt if we matched their work ethic and application then we felt we had the quality to come through and thankfully it did.

The games come thick and fast for Latics with Lincoln City and Burton Albion at home and they will be hoping to capitalise on their games in hand on leaders Plymouth and second placed Wycombe.

Posted in AFC Wimbledon, James McClean, Leam Richardson, Paul Kalambayi, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

After the Lord Mayor’s Show for Latics – Wigan Athletic 1 MK Dons 2

Posted on October 18, 2021 by ianhaspinall
Charlie Wyke

Charlie Wyke on target

  • It was a case of After the Lord Mayor’s Show as Latics succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat to MK Dons.
  • It was an underwhelming performance by the hosts after Saturday’s superb victory at Bolton.
  • Latics went ahead on 20 minutes when Charlie Wyke tapped home at close range from Will Keane’s cross but the visitors were level on the half hour when Daniel Harvie crossed for Peter Kioso to head home.
  • The visitors then shocked the hosts seven minutes later by taking the lead when a cross from the left was deflected into his own net by Tendayi Darikwa.
  • Despite dominating the second half the hosts couldn’t penetrate the Dons well drilled defence and the visitors held out for a surprise victory.
  • Latics slip a place to fourth in the League One table while the Dons remain in sixth spot.
  • Leam Richardson made one change to the starting eleven from the victory at Bolton with Tom Bayliss replacing the injured Jordan Cousins.

The visitors started quickly and after two minutes Matt O’Riley crossed for Mo Eisa to head towards goal but Ben Amos saved comfortably.

Latics gradually started to settle and a flowing move between Darikwa, Bayliss and Will Keane ended with James McClean’s cross headed behind by Wyke.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Keane did superbly to cross from byline and Wyke converted from close range.

The visitors responded immediately with Kioso and Eisa having efforts blocked inside the penalty area.

The Dons drew level on the half-hour mark when Harvie’s cross to the back post was headed into the net by Kioso. 

At the other end Latics nearly restored the lead when Callum Lang pulled the ball back to Wyke, but his effort was turned behind for a corner by the Dons goalkeeper Andrew Fisher. 

McClean then had low shot well saved at the near post by Fisher.

But the Dons were in front in the 37th minute when Harvie’s cross from the left was deflected into his own net by Darikwa.

The visitors almost added a third early in the second half when Scott Twine’s free-kick was flicked on by Harry Darling, but his header sailed just wide of the right post. 

Latics now started to dominate possession as the Dons retreated into defence. 

Power’s cross was turned behind for a corner by Kioso, before Fisher bravely punched McClean’s cross away from danger. 

Latics to continued to pump crosses into the box with Jack Whatmough looping Power’s cross onto the roof of the net. 

Richardson made a triple substitution with Gavin Massey, Jordan Jones and Stephen Humphrys replacing Lang, McClean and Bayliss as the hosts went for the equaliser.

Latics looked more combative with Power moved into midfield and Latics created some late chances. 

In the 89th minute Jones’ dangerous cross was well punched away by Fisher before Power curled his effort over the crossbar. 

In the dying seconds of the game Power’s free-kick came to Humphrys inside the box but agonisingly his curled effort landed on the roof of the net. 

Despite a second half rally it had been a below average performance by Latics after the heady heights of Saturday’s victory. 

Credit should be given to MK Dons but Latics never really hit their stride and looked off the pace for long periods.

They sorely missed the injured Jordan Cousins in midfield.

In retrospect Richardson probably picked the wrong line up and would’ve been better to have used Power in midfield instead of Bayliss with Tom Pearce at left back and Darikwa at right back.

Manager Richardson tried to take a positive view of the setback but in truth Latics had not played well on the night.

“I thought we should have done that a little bit more and we might have got a different result – but we will certainly learn from tonight and prepare for a bank of fixtures.”

Whilst defeat was tough to take for Latics tonight, Richardson remained upbeat and wants his squad to be the same as they head to the capital to face AFC Wimbledon this weekend. 

“We’re 12 games in and we’re learning a lot about each other,” he said. 

“I think it’s important that when you are doing well that you are critical in yourself, as it’s easy when you are in diversity to look upon different reasons.

“All our challenges in front of us are good, exciting challenges and they are ones that we will embrace. We’ve got a lot of games coming and there’s a lot of football to be played, so we will certainly look forward to it.”

    Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com 

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Derby day delight – Bolton Wanderers 0 Wigan Athletic 4

Posted on October 17, 2021 by ianhaspinall

James McClean grabbed a brace

  • Wigan Athletic produced an emphatic display to defeat local rivals Bolton Wanderers 4-0 at the University of Bolton Stadium.
  • The visitors went ahead after only six minutes when Will Keane turned home James McClean’s cross after good work by Charlie Wyke.
  • Early in the second half McClean doubled Latics’ lead with a bullet-like strike from 20-yards which gave Bolton goalkeeper Joel Dixon no chance.
  • Dixon was at fault for Latics’ third goal when Callum Lang’s shot from a tight angle deflected into the net via the keeper’s leg.
  • When Max Power tried to take a corner the home fans rained down bottles and coins and referee Charles Breakspear had to suspend the game for a short time before order was restored.
  • McClean completed the rout with his second goal and Latics’ fourth in the 81st minute.
  • Latics remain in third place in the League One table with two games in hand on leaders Plymouth and Wanderers drop down to 10th place.

Latics have been in great form recently and manager Leam Richardson named an unchanged team for the sixth consecutive league game. 

The visitors started the game brightly and McClean burst forward before firing a shot from distance which was blocked.

Latics were ahead on six minutes when a poor defensive header allowed Wyke to nip in and feed McClean whose cross found the unmarked Keane, who steered the ball into the Wanderers net.

Bolton responded and Dapo Afolayan tried his luck from range but Ben Amos made a comfortable save.

Latics continued to look threatening and McClean fired a deflected shot towards goal which Dixon did well to save.

Lang had a curling his effort just over the crossbar before Wyke saw his deflected effort easily saved by Dixon.

Jordan Cousins drove an effort narrowly wide from 30-yards before McClean blazed over from just inside the area.

The hosts exerted some pressure before half time with Afolayan having an effort well blocked by Jack Whatmough.

But just before the interval the visitors had a glorious chance to increase their lead when Cousins played in Lang but the striker disappointingly dragged his shot wide of the target.

Latics on the attack

Early in the second half the hosts went close when Afolayan cushioned a header to the edge of the area for Antoni Sarcevic but the Wanderers captain’s volley hit the top of the crossbar.

But on 50 minutes Latics consolidated their advantage with a superb strike from McClean. The Republic of Ireland international drove forward before unleashing an unstoppable bullet-like strike from 20-yards which flew into the corner of the net.

Bolton tried to respond but Ben Amos remained relatively untroubled in the Latics goal. The visitors  effectively sealed the three points on 65 minutes when Lang’s shot from a tight angle deflected into the net via the keeper’s leg.

The Wanderers fans’ didn’t take well to the scoreline and when Max Power tried to take a corner a range of missiles rained down on him. Referee Breakspear had to suspend the game and had to talk to the police, stewards and both managers before play was resumed.  

But there was still time for Latics to rub more salt into the wounded Wanderers. On 81 minutes Lang cut the ball back to McClean in the centre of the goal and the winger rounded off a superb afternoon finishing with some aplomb.

Latics might’ve added to their advantage during the remaining minutes but nevertheless it had been an emphatic victory against their local rivals and an especially memorable day for the 4,000 travelling fans.

Prior to the game the Bolton manager Ian Evatt had unwisely proclaimed his team to be the best team in the league and these comments had come back to bite him.

Leam Richardson meanwhile was much more circumspect in his pre-match comments and afterwards showed dignity in victory.

“You have got to respect every team in this league – and we showed them the utmost respect.

“They’ve been going well but I thought we imposed ourselves on the game from the first minute, and with the application and hard work shown by the lads, they deserved that result.”

Almost 4,000 supporters backed Latics on to victory at the University of Bolton Stadium, and Richardson was full of praise for the fans’ magnificent backing.

“I thought the fans were fantastic and full of voice today – which is pleasing,” he smiled.

“The fans have been out of the stadiums for long enough and for days like this, it’s fantastic.

“When they are in full voice, the minimum that the lads can give them for any Football Club and the badge is to work hard – and when you work hard, you normally get that bit of luck. I thought our lads worked ever so hard today.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, Callum Lang, Ian Evatt, James McClean, League One, Leam Richardson, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Back to the top – Gillingham 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on October 2, 2021 by ianhaspinall

Max Power headed Latics in front

  • Wigan Athletic returned to the top of the League One table after a hard fought 2-0 victory against Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium.
  • Latics dominated possession but in difficult conditions they were unable to break the deadlock until Max Power headed home from James McClean’s floated cross in the 63rd minute.
  • The Gills direct style of play always posed a threat but the visitors sealed the three points when Will Keane diverted captain Tendayi Darikwa’s low cross into the net on 82 minutes.
  • Latics move to the top above Sunderland, who lost at Portsmouth, on goal difference. Gillingham are in 18th place.

Leam Richardson named an unchanged team following Tuesday night’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday for the visit to Kent.

In heavy rain and high winds both teams initially struggled with the conditions. The Gills direct style of play and physical presence was more suited to the conditions but Latics gradually took control and dominated possession.

Callum Lang was brought down on the edge of the box on 18 minutes and his free-kick was well saved by Jamie Cumming.

At the other end a deep cross from a free-kick nearly deceived Ben Amos but the keeper did well to tip over. Striker John Akinde then forced another save from Amos as the hosts threatened.

Latics produced a flowing move just before half time with Power and Keane combining to set up Lang who fired narrowly wide of the post.

A first half of few chances with Latics having the lion’s share of possession but unable to make their dominance count in the final third.

The Gills started strongly in the second half with the wind behind them. The aerial threat was the Gills main weapon and Akinde’s header from David Tutonda’s cross forced a good save from Amos.

But Latics soon started to look more menacing going forward. Lang’s volley from the edge of the box fizzed past the post and from Power’s corner Jack Whatmough’s header was diverted for another corner.

The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when McClean turned the full back floating a cross to the back post and Power guided his header home from a tight angle.

Keane then went close twice as Latics looked to increase their advantage. First his left footed strike from the edge of the six-yard box was well saved by Chelsea loanee Cumming and then when his header was just over from Tom Naylor’s cross.

Gavin Massey replaced McClean on 77 minutes and the winger was instrumental in creating Latics’ second goal on 82 minutes. Massey held off his marker before threading a pass to Darikwa and the captain’s cross was well finished by Keane from close range.

The visitors saw out the remaining minutes with relative ease, although Gerald Sitole nearly caught out Amos who was off his line, but the keeper recovered to save well at the last moment.

Latics move back to the top of the table and have recovered well after the midweek setback against Sheffield Wednesday. Richardson confidently picked an unchanged team following the defeat and his judgement was proved correct as Latics’ players deservedly took the three points against difficult opposition.

It was the first time that Latics had won at Gillingham since 2004 and the performance and result augur well for the rest of the season.

In his after match interview Richardson said he was delighted for the players and had praise for the fans who travelled.

“I am delighted for the players,” he said.

“I thought they came and gave a good account of themselves. We spoke before the game that against Gillingham, you have to do the finer details really well with their direct style of play.

“Coming here on the back of Tuesday, it was important that we came and gave a good account of ourselves.

“We did the finer details well, and in the final third, we were productive – certainly in the second half.

“To come here is always a tough task. We know how Steve Evans’ teams want to play and represent themselves. It’s important that we stood up to the task, and to a man, I thought we did that.”

Over 400 travelling supporters made the long trip to Gillingham and braved the testing weather conditions to rally Latics to victory. Richardson expressed that he was ‘made up’ that his side were able to give them something to chant about.

“I’m delighted that we have given them something to sing about,” he said.

“I won’t single him out, but one of the lads mentioned it before the game. There are 430 mad Latics fans coming down to support them in the rain. The conditions were tough today – not just for the players, but for the fans supporting the team. 

“It was important that we gave them that emphasis and hard work, and certainly represent them first and foremost, and then get the result so I’m made up today.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Gillingham, League One, Leam Richardson, Max Power, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Defensive mistakes prove costly for Latics – Wigan Athletic 1 Sheffield Wednesday 2

Posted on September 29, 2021 by ianhaspinall

 

    Charlie Wyke reduced the deficit from the Penalty spot

* Two defensive mistakes proved costly as Latics slipped to their first home defeat of the season.

* A Max Power own goal and a slip by Jack Whatmough gifted Sheffield Wednesday a two goal advantage.

* Charlie Wyke’s penalty reduced the deficit after Callum Lang was brought down in the area in the 81st minute.

* Latics pushed for a late equaliser but Wednesday held on for an important away win.

* Latics drop to second place in the League One table and Wednesday move up to ninth spot.

Leam Richardson named an unchanged side from Saturday’s victory against Cheltenham Town. The Owls had former Latic Chey Dunkley in their starting line up.

The visitors started strongly and made it difficult for Latics to create any chances in the early stages.

The Owls went ahead in bizarre circumstances in the 23rd minute when Power headed a long ball beyond Ben Amos and into the back of his own net.

Latics responded quickly when Will Keane’s header was well saved by keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

At the other end Amos did well to save Paterson’s effort from long range, before Jaden Brown missed a glorious opportunity to double the lead from close range.

Keane nearly drew Latics level on the half-hour mark, but his effort from the edge of the area was tipped around the post by Peacock-Farrell.

Latics forced a series of corners before half time but the visitors repelled all Latics’ efforts to draw level.

The hosts continued to press at the start of the second half with Keane heading Power’s corner onto the roof of the net.

Lee Gregory went close for the visitors in the 48th minute when he crashed a shot against the crossbar from Liam Palmer’s cross.

Paterson then hit a low volley just wide of Amos’ left-hand post.

The visitors doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Gregory easily dispossessed Whatmough near the bye-line and crossed for Paterson to finish powerfully into the top right corner.

Latics had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 67th minute when Callum Lang raced through on goal but Peacock-Farrell once again saved Wednesday.

Lang’s free-kick was narrowly wide in the 76th minute as Latics started to dominate the closing stages.

Lang was pushed over in the area in the 81st minute and Wyke coolly converted the spot-kick to reduce the deficit.

Gregory nearly restored Wednesday’s two goal advantage but Amos saved superbly from close range.

Roared on by the home fans Latics nearly drew level in the dying minutes when Peacock-Farrell pushed away Whatmough’s header.

Wednesday held on for a narrow victory. The two defensive mistakes had proved costly as Latics slipped to their first home defeat of the season.

The visitors physical presence had caused Latics problems but the hosts had struggled to find their usual fluidity.

Manager Leam Richardson gave his view afterwards,

“The disappointing thing is the result,” he said.

“I thought the lads didn’t leave a breath out there and they were probably worthy of something, in my opinion. 

“If we are going to be critical, I thought in the first 10 minutes, we didn’t get to grips with Sheffield Wednesday. 

“They came with a direct style and they asked us questions early on. I thought the goals came from a couple of our mistakes – but the lads have been doing great. 

“Although they will take credit for a lot of what has gone before, I’ll take it for the result tonight because it’s up to me to reset everyone now. 

“The first question that I always ask myself – certainly as a coach and a manager – can the lads firstly represent themselves anymore and leave a breath out there for the Club? I thought they did tonight – right until the end. We were on the front foot and the momentum shifted in the last 20 minutes.

“The disappointing thing is the result, but the performance I’ve got to be pleased about.”

 

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Paterson, Charlie Wyke, League One, Max Power, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Beautiful Life Can Be When Latics Win – Wigan Athletic 2 Cheltenham Town 0

Posted on September 26, 2021 by ianhaspinall

Callum Lang opened the scoring for Latics

  • Wigan group The Lathums released their excellent debut album ‘How Beautiful Life Can Be’ on Friday and they were the match sponsors as Wigan Athletic ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against Cheltenham Town.
  • Latics retain top spot in League One after eight games played and have now won five consecutive League games.
  • Callum Lang opened the scoring for the hosts after only eight minutes when he rifled home Charlie Wyke’s pass from close range.
  • Latics dominated proceedings and had further chances to increase their lead before Wyke added a second goal early in the second half.
  • The visitors had a couple of chances to reduce the arrears but in truth Latics should have won by more than the two goal margin.
  • Latics lead the League One table on goal difference from Sunderland while Cheltenham drop to 14th place.

League One Table

Leam Richardson named an unchanged starting line up from the side that won at Accrington Stanley last Saturday. Former Latics striker Kyle Joseph was selected for the visitors, whilst former goalkeeper Owen Evans was named on the bench for the Robins.

Latics started on the front foot and were ahead after only eight minutes through Lang. Max Power’s long ball was claimed by Wyke and the striker pulled the ball back for Lang inside the area and the striker took one touch before finishing into the bottom corner.

Lang should have added to his tally in the 17th minute when Will Keane found him inside the area but the Robins keeper Scott Flinders made an excellent save at point-blank range.

The hosts were in dominant form and Tom Naylor struck a powerful drive over from the edge of the area following good play from Wyke.

The visitors created a rare opportunity to equalise on the stroke of half time when Ellis Chapman turned inside the area and his cross deflected wide of the target.

Latics doubled their lead soon after half time. Lang found space before pulling the ball back to Wyke who slotted the ball into the corner from about eight yards out.

Cheltenham tried to respond and Alfie May unleashed a low shot which Ben Amos was forced to save. 

But Latics remained in the ascendancy and Tendayi Darikwa forced a good save from Flinders before Keane headed over from Darikwa’s cross.

Kell Watts saw his header well blocked by substitute Kyle Vassell from McClean’s corner and at the other end substitute Kyle Vassell saw his effort fly wide of Amos’ goal.

Latics nearly added a third when Naylor headed Power’s free-kick towards the top corner but Flinders did well to tip away. Naylor then had a snapshot go narrowly wide from Power’s clever pass.

McClean forced another good save from Flinders in the 85th minute with a powerful drive but Latics hadn’t really got out of third gear throughout.

They should have won by a greater margin but it was another convincing performance and to every home fans’ delight they remain top of the league. 

Once again there were strong performances throughout the team but Lang, Wyke and Power are in outstanding form at the moment.

Leam Richardson reflected on a deserved victory before looking forward to Latics taking on Sheffield Wednesday at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night.

“It’s a tough week for us,” he said.

“We knew how good Cheltenham are – they’ve had some fantastic results and now we quickly turn our attention to Sheffield Wednesday.

“They don’t need any introduction with the players that they’ve got, and the management team too.

“It should be an interesting game on Tuesday.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Lang, Charlie Wyke, Cheltenham Town, Leam Richardson, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics move on up with Wyke double – Accrington Stanley 1 Wigan Athletic 4

Posted on September 19, 2021 by ianhaspinall

Charlie Wyke off the mark with an impressive double

  • Wigan Athletic produced an emphatic performance to defeat Accrington Stanley 4-1 at the Wham Stadium.
  • Latics were in front after only seven minutes when Jack Whatmough thumped home from James McClean’s corner.
  • The visitors were two up after 18 minutes when Will Keane headed in Max Power’s cross.
  • Stanley reduced the deficit when Michael Nottingham hit a spectacular strike into the top corner on 53 minutes.
  • Latics restored their two goal advantage five minutes later when Keane set up Charlie Wyke and the former Sunderland striker chipped the ball over the advancing Stanley keeper James Trafford.
  • Wyke completed the rout in added time with his second goal and Latics fourth.
  • Latics move to the top of the table on goal difference and Accrington slip to eleventh place.

Latics go close

Leam Richardson named an unchanged side from last weekend’s win over Doncaster Rovers.

Latics were quick out of the blocks and Callum Lang was denied brilliantly from close range by James Trafford.

From the resulting corner Whatmough thumped the ball home at the back post to put Latics ahead after seven minutes.

Latics continued to press forward and first Keane and then Callum Lang went close to increasing the lead.

The visitors did add to their lead on 18 minutes when Keane powerfully headed home a well delivered cross from Power.

McClean then went through one-on-one with Trafford but the winger was unable to capitalise and the keeper saved comfortably.

2-0 to Latics at half-time but it could so easily have been four or five.

The visitors continued to dominate at the start of the second half with Keane, McClean and Kell Watts all going close inside the opening five minutes.

But against the run of play it was the hosts who scored next when Nottingham fired spectacularly into the top corner from just inside the box.

Latics responded quickly and restored their two goal advantage when Wyke grabbed his first goal for Latics.

Keane played a neat pass to Wyke inside the penalty area, who then produced a delicate chip over the advancing keeper Trafford to send the Latics travelling support into raptures.

In added time Wyke rounded off a superb team performance with his second and Latics fourth goal.

This had been a consummate away performance and after four straight wins it sends a message to the other teams in the division that they are strong promotion contenders.

League One Table

Manager Richardson rightly praised his team’s excellent performance afterwards.

“I have to say, all of the credit goes to the players – I thought the work ethic, work rate, application from start to finish was excellent and they carried it out flawlessly.

But Richardson urged calm despite such a strong start to the season.

“We have been in many campaigns and we know the tasks ahead of us and all of our challenges,” he explained.

“We will enjoy tonight but quickly our attention turns to Sunderland on Tuesday night.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Accrington Stanley, Charlie Wyke, Jack Whatmough, League One, Michael Nottingham, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Review: Beautiful Bridesmaids Dressed in Oranje – The Unfulfilled Glory of Dutch Football by Gary Thacker

Posted on September 15, 2021 by ianhaspinall

Gary Thacker’s ‘Beautiful Bridesmaids Dressed in Oranje’ provides an illuminating and in-depth analysis of the Dutch national team and their dramatic failure to win a World Cup.

This is an extensive history of Dutch football, but the narrative really gathers pace with the 1970s when they reached the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.

Despite creating Total Football and dominating the European scene in the 1970s, the Dutch’s inability to conquer the greatest prize is often seen as a mystery. Thacker does his best to explain the reasons while also revelling in the joys of Total Football and the Dutch counterculture.

Interestingly the Dutch had only qualified for the 74 World Cup when a wrongly awarded offside decision against Belgium allowed them into the finals.

Rob Smyth wrote in The Guardian,

“….it was Total Football that had got the Dutch to that point and, had they not progressed, the world would have been denied the opportunity of seeing one of the greatest sides never to win the World Cup fail so magnificently.”

Johan Cruyff and manager Rinus Michels were central to the development of the revolutionary Total Football which captured the imagination of fans everywhere.

It was a time when Art and Music became experimental, and a new footballing counterculture rose to prominence. At club level Ajax symbolised the style and swagger of the new Total Football and the Dutch national team were its international exponents.

Thacker quotes Jack Kerouac from ‘On the Road’ and makes comparisons with the Beat Generation to the passion and exhilaration exhibited by the Dutch team.

‘The only people for me are the mad ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.’

The Dutch certainly were a magnificent team with players like Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Ruud Krol, Arie Haan, Johnny Rep, Rob Rensenbrink etc and were extremely attractive to watch.  

Thacker explains in detail the Netherlands route to the 74 and 78 World Cup finals and the various reasons for their ultimate failure. It’s fair to say that the Dutch didn’t enjoy much luck in the finals and circumstances always seemed to conspire against them.

Although the Dutch have yet to win the World Cup, they did win the European Championships in 1988 defeating the Soviet Union in the final. The great irony was that in the two World Cup finals they had been the better team, but in 1988 many would say that the Soviet Union were superior. 

The Dutch reached the World Cup final again in 2010 in South Africa when they lost to Spain in the final. But by then the Dutch had become a more physical and unattractive team to watch and a far cry from the heady days of Total Football. 

In losing in 2010 they had become the only team in the history of the tournament to lose three World Cup finals. Whether the Dutch will ever win a final is open to debate, but Thacker provides a very strong case that they are the greatest football nation never to win a World Cup.

Beautiful Bridesmaids Dressed in Oranje – The Unfulfilled Glory of Dutch Football by Gary Thacker, published by Pitch Publishing, Price £16.99.

A version of this review first appeared in the September/October 2021 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Book Reviews, Football Book Reviews, Gary Thacker, Holland, Johan Cruyff, Late Tackle magazine, Netherlands, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment