12th Man – 100 points and more

Posted on April 13, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Paul Jewell’s title winners in 2002/03

Latics surged to the top of the League One table with two magnificent performances against MK Dons and Rochdale. The finishing in those games has been nothing short of breathtaking with some stunning goals from Will Grigg, Michael Jacobs, Nick Powell, James Vaughan and Dan Burn.

The two superb attacking displays have produced nine goals and it looks like they could add plenty more in the remaining six games.

Will Grigg has scored 24 goals with four in the last two games and is very capable of reaching at least 30 before the end of the season.

Nick Powell has 15 goals and would almost certainly have scored many more if he wasn’t being hampered by a succession of injuries.

Winger Michael Jacobs has a very creditable 11 goals to his name and has now surpassed his tally from the League One title winning team in 2015/16.

Not only are Latics firing on all cylinders but also they are keeping them out at the other end.

The defence has been outstanding and only conceded a miserly 27, which is the best in the Football League and only Manchester City and Manchester United in the Premier league have conceded fewer goals.

Latics are in a rich vein of form and if they were to maintain their current form with an average of 2.15 points per game they would reach 98 points, which you would expect to get them promoted.

But they are surely capable of getting the 100 points achieved by Paul Jewell’s title winning team in 2002/03. Jewell’s team only lost four games all season and scored 68 goals in total and conceded 25.

The current team has already scored 81 and you would expect them to score plenty more in their remaining six games.

The maximum points available to the three automatic promotion contenders is now, Latics 104 points, Blackburn 101 points, and Shrewsbury 97 points.

Both Blackburn and Shrewsbury still have promotion chasing teams Peterborough and Charlton to play and Latics face fourth placed Rotherham United at the DW Stadium tomorrow.

The Millers have had a remarkable rise since Latics won 3-1 at the New York Stadium in November with goals from Grigg, Bruce and Jacobs.

It looked as though they would remain marooned in mid-table but former Latics player Paul Warne’s team have soared into the play-off places.

Despite losing on-loan top scorer Kieffer Moore to Barnsley they have continued to get results by spreading the goals around the rest of the team.

Latics will need to be on their guard against any complacency after two comfortable victories but if they can maintain their current performance levels they should retain top spot.

Paul Cook’s men must now be very aware that the exciting prospect of winning the League One title and of overtaking the 100 points achieved by Paul Jewell’s team is within their grasp.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 13th April 2018.

Posted in League One, Paul Cook, Paul Jewell, Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics are back on top – Rochdale 1 Wigan Athletic 4

Posted on April 10, 2018 by ianhaspinall
dan-burn

Dan Burn opened the scoring for Latics

Wigan Athletic moved back to the top of the League One table with an impressive 4-1 hammering of relegation strugglers Rochdale.

In an end-to-end first half Latics went ahead in the 17th minute when Max Power’s corner was headed towards goal by Chey Dunkley and Dan Burn diverted the ball past keeper Josh Lillis.

Nick Powell went close for Latics hitting the post and Joe Rafferty headed against the crossbar for Dale.

But Latics were having the better of it and early in the second-half they increased their lead when Will Grigg played a delightful ball through to substitute James Vaughan and the striker finished with some aplomb.

Michael Jacobs produced a stunning finish from the edge of the area for Latics third on 60 minutes. Then Grigg sealed the result with a fourth on 63 minutes, after Lillis could only push the ball into his path from Gavin Massey’s goal bound low drive.

Dale managed a late consolation from the penalty spot when Dunkley brought down Calvin Andrew and Steven Davies converted the spot-kick.

Latics move to the top of the table with a superior goal difference to second placed Blackburn and with a game in hand on them. Third placed Shrewsbury are now five points behind Latics having played the same number of games.

Paul Cook retained the same starting eleven from the 5-1 drubbing of MK Dons at the weekend.

It was a brisk opening by both teams, on Rochdale’s newly relayed pitch, with chances aplenty.

Callum Camps volleyed wide for Dale before Latics took an early lead. Dunkley getting his head to Power’s corner and Burn diverting it home past Lillis.

Dale responded and Andrew, Matty Done, Rafferty and Camps all had opportunities to get them back in the game.

Latics also had chances before the break and Powell hit the base of the post and Nathan Byrne forced an acrobatic save from Lillis.

Powell had to be withdrawn just before the interval, with what appeared to be a re-occurrence of his hamstring strain, and was replaced by Vaughan.

Early in the second-half Vaughan linked up superbly with Grigg and the former Everton striker coolly finished past Lillis to increase Latics’ lead.

It was not long before Latics went further ahead as they quickly put Dale to the Sword with some breathtaking attacking play.

Jacobs produced a stunning finish from the edge of the area after first turning the Dale defence first one way and then the other.

Soon afterwards Latics were 4-0 up when Massey’s long-range drive was gratefully turned into the path of Grigg who delightfully received the gift and added his 24th goal of the season.

Latics perhaps understandably eased off in the final 15 minutes and Dale managed a consolation from the penalty spot, converted by Davies, after Dunkley had brought down Andrew.

It was another magnificent performance by Latics, who have now scored nine goals in their last two games and have an incredibly positive goal difference of 54. As the other results came in the travelling supporters not only celebrated the night’s performance but also Blackburn’s draw at Gillingham, which ensured Latics moved to the top of the table.

Posted in Dan Burn, James Vaughan, League One, Michael Jacobs, Rochdale, Steven Davies, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grigg hat-trick puts Latics in the driving seat for promotion – Wigan Athletic 5 MK Dons 1

Posted on April 8, 2018 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Will Grigg in fine form

Wigan Athletic moved back into the automatic promotion places with an emphatic 5-1 rout of MK Dons.

Will Grigg stepped his annual end of season goal rush with a superb hat-trick.

Grigg put Latics ahead after only eleven minutes from Michael Jacobs low cross and it was one-way traffic as they increased the advantage when Ethan Ebanks-Landell diverted Nick Powell’s cross into his own net on 24 minutes.

MK Dons pulled a goal back 10 minutes before half-time through Callum Brittain but Latics took complete control in the second-half with a rampant attacking display.

Powell produced a fine header at the far post on 57 minutes from Gavin Massey’s right-wing cross and then Grigg added a fourth on 74 minutes despite keeper Lee Nicholls tipping the ball onto the crossbar the ball spun back over the goal line.

Grigg completed his hat-trick on 76 minutes, taking his tally to 23 for the season, with an incisive finish through the legs of Nicholls.

Latics move up to second in table, two points behind leaders Blackburn with a game in hand and two points ahead of third place Shrewsbury with a game in hand.

Paul Cook made one change from the defeat at Portsmouth with Grigg replacing James Vaughan as the central striker.

Latics started brightly and they were ahead after only 11 minutes. A fine cross field pass from Powell found Jacobs in the area who brought the ball under control and centred for Grigg to finish from close range.

It was a difficult opening for MK Dons as they struggled to cope with Latics movement and creativity in the final third.

Former Latics reserve keeper Lee Nicholls had to make a good close-range save to deny an early Grigg header.

But Nicholls was beaten soon afterwards when another stunning Powell cross was headed into his own net by Ebanks-Landell with Grigg about to pounce.

Latics were finding it far too easy and a little sloppy period by the hosts allowed the Dons to get a foothold when Brittain fired home the edge of the area.

Elliott Ward headed over at the back post and Walton was also forced into a double save from Chuks Aneke as Latics lost their momentum.

But Latics quickly got back into their stride in the second-half.

The always dangerous Powell could have got on the scoresheet on 55 minutes when he forced Nicholls into another fine save tipping the ball onto the post and away to safety.

But Powell was not to be denied and he added Latics third two minutes later rising high at the back post to head home from Massey’s cross.

Soon afterwards Powell nearly repeated the act rising again at the back post but this time he headed wide of the target.

Latics were now totally in control and Grigg added his second and Latics fourth goal on 74 minutes. The prolific striker picked up a long ball from Dan Burn and chipped the advancing Nicholls, who somehow managed to knock it onto the crossbar but the ball bounced down over the goal line.

Grigg’s hat-trick and 23rd goal of the season came quickly after when Jacobs fed the striker inside the area and his incisive finish through the legs of Nicholls capped off a superb display.

Latics should have had a sixth late on when substitute Gary Roberts was presented with a golden opportunity from Callum Elder’s cross but he somehow managed to divert the ball away from goal.

A comprehensive victory by Latics which strengthens their position with seven games remaining.

Latics have a tricky fixture at Rochdale on Tuesday night, but if they can replicate yesterday’s performance they could move to the top of the table, if Blackburn fail to win at Gillingham.

Posted in Callum Brittain, Ethan Enanks-Landell, League One, MK Dons, Nick Powell, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Just a blip or something more serious?

Posted on April 6, 2018 by ianhaspinall
will-grigg-v-blackburn

Will Grigg should return against MK Dons

Latics slipped to third place in the League One table after a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth on Easter Monday. Despite the poor conditions and some debatable refereeing decisions, which went against Latics, it was still a below par performance from some of the players.

Tackles were mistimed, passes went astray and chances weren’t converted, it wasn’t as though Portsmouth had outplayed them, but several of Latics’ players seemed out of sorts and failed to reach the usual standards that they have achieved this season.

They may just have had an off-day, it may have been fatigue, it may have been the conditions but let’s hope it’s not a loss of form as they go into the final eight games of the season with promotion at stake.

It is always easy in retrospect to suggest changes but if Ryan Colclough and Will Grigg had been introduced sooner, then Latics might have been able to come away from Fratton Park with at least a draw. I would expect them both to start against their former club MK Dons tomorrow.

At least Paul Cook has plenty of strength in depth and quality players who can come into the team and make a difference.

The quality of the manager and the team were recognised this week when Cook was named Manager of the Month and Chey Dunkley Player of the Month and four players were named in the League One team of the season, Nathan Byrne, Dan Burn, Samy Morsy and Nick Powell.

Goalkeeper Christian Walton would probably have also featured but he was ineligible for selection as he is on-loan from Brighton.

With eight games remaining Latics have a balanced four at home and four away. Unfortunately most of the teams they will be facing have something to play for and are involved in the race for promotion or are fighting against relegation so it wont be an easy run-in.

Latics next two opponents MK Dons (H) and Rochdale (A) are both involved in relegation battles and will be desperate for the points to stay in the division.

MK Dons have recently had a mini-revival under former England Under-16 manager Dan Micciche with three wins, one draw and two defeats in their last six games.

Former Latics midfielder Alex Gilbey will be missing from the team after undergoing knee surgery in February and will miss the rest of the season. Another former player, reserve keeper Lee Nicholls is however, likely to feature as MK Dons try to move out of the bottom four.

Rochdale are also experiencing something of a late revival winning two, drawing three and losing one of their last six fixtures. They have also recently defeated our promotion rivals Shrewsbury, so it could prove to be a tricky fixture at Spotland.

Despite the setback against Portsmouth I’m backing Latics to quickly return to winning form. They still have the advantage of two games in hand on Shrewsbury and one on Blackburn and a superior goal difference, which should help them to get over the line for automatic promotion.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 6th April 2018.

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Latics stumble on the south coast – Portsmouth 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on April 3, 2018 by ianhaspinall
WillGrigg2

Will Grigg scored his 20th goal of the season

Latics failed to regain top spot in the League One table after a below par performance at play-off chasing Portsmouth.

Both Blackburn and Shrewsbury secured three points on Easter Monday but Latics slipped down to third spot following the 2-1 defeat at Fratton Park.

Former Pompey manager Paul Cook will be disappointed that his charges never really got going in front of the TV cameras.

The hosts went ahead when Brett Pitman converted from the penalty spot after Dan Burn was adjudged to have fouled Ben Close on the edge of the area.

Early in the second half Pompey doubled their lead when Jamal Lowe produced a neat finish after Latics had failed to clear a low cross from the right hand side.

When Latics replaced the ineffective Gavin Massey and James Vaughan with Ryan Colclough and Will Grigg they started to create more opportunities.

Grigg forced a superb save from Pompey keeper Luke McGee before he pulled a goal back on 89 minutes with a fine header from Gary Roberts’ pinpoint cross.

Despite Latics’ late pressure Pompey held on to move level with six-placed Charlton in the play-off places.

Credit to Pompey for a resolute performance but Latics just weren’t at their best on the day.

Paul Cook made two changes from the team which defeated Oldham Athletic with Massey and Vaughan replacing Colclough and Grigg.

It was a scrappy opening with neither side gaining the upper hand.

Latics went closest when Max Power’s 25 yard low strike was turned around the post by McGee.

Latics had a couple of half-chances as first Michael Jacobs tried an acrobatic overhead kick from Dan Burn’s knock back and then Massey’s cross from the right-hand side was just too strong for Vaughan at the back post.

Chey Dunkley then headed narrowly wide from a Power cross before Vaughan had a great opportunity to put Latics ahead from the centre of the penalty area but he scuffed his shot wide.

But five minutes before the break a rare Pompey attack resulted in them taking the lead.

Dan Burn challenged Ben Close on the edge of the area and referee Tim Robinson controversially awarded a penalty.

Brett Pitman converted the spot-kick to give Pompey a surprising half-time advantage.

But matters got worse for Latics ten minutes into the second half when a somewhat incongruous low cross from Nathan Thompson on the right hand side evaded Callum Elder and found Lowe who turned in front of Burn and finished expertly at the near post.

Latics were stunned by the setback but they still weren’t making any headway until Colclough and Grigg replaced Massey and Vaughan on 66 minutes.

Colclough had a great chance after good work by Nathan Byrne but the winger somehow miscued his shot and it diverted off a defender for a corner.

McGee then produced two magnificent saves to deny Latics.

First he denied Nick Powell with a superb reaction save pushing the ball onto crossbar from close range after the midfielder had evaded several defenders challenges.

Then ten minutes later he denied Grigg at close range with an instinctive save diving to his left after a great move involving Byrne and Jacobs.

Grigg wasn’t to be denied however and on 89 minutes he pulled a goal back with a fine header from former Pompey player Gary Roberts’ pinpoint cross.

With five minutes of added time it was a breathless period as Latics went in search of the equaliser with a succession of dangerous crosses. But the hosts held firm and Latics suffered a rare defeat in League One.

Too many of Latics players had had an off day and manager Cook will expect much improved performances in the final eight games of the season as they go in search of automatic promotion.

Posted in Brett Pitman, Jamal Lowe, League One, Paul Cook, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Latics are back on top – Wigan Athletic 3 Oldham Athletic 0

Posted on March 30, 2018 by ianhaspinall
nick-powell3

Man of the match Nick Powell

Wigan Athletic moved to the top of the League One table with a convincing 3-0 victory against relegation-threatened Oldham Athletic at the DW Stadium.

After a brisk opening 40 minutes with both teams creating chances it was the hosts who deservedly went ahead through Will Grigg following a fine pass from Nick Powell.

Early in the second-half substitute James Vaughan doubled the lead when he fired home from close range after a dreadful back pass from an Oldham defender.

Nick Powell rounded off a Man of the Match performance with a superb solo third goal on 66 minutes driving past several defenders before unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the bottom corner.

Latics move to the top of the table, one point clear of second-placed Blackburn, with a game in hand, and two ahead of third-placed Shrewsbury, who have played two games more.

Paul Cook made two changes to the team that defeated Bury, with captain Samy Morsy returning from international duty and replacing Jay Fulton and Grigg coming in for Vaughan.

Powell nearly opened the scoring after six minutes when the Oldham defence parted in front of him and the mercurial midfielder curled a low shot into the bottom corner but keeper Johny Placide did well to turn the ball around the post.

Dan Gardner tried his luck at the other end but Christian Walton saved well low down.

Ryan Colclough then forced a save from Placide at close range and from the rebound Grigg skied his effort over the crossbar.

The visitors then had a great opportunity when Eoin Doyle broke free of the Wigan defence and had a one-on-one with Walton but the striker’s weak effort was easily saved by the keeper.

The visitors were made to pay for the miss on 40 minutes when Powell played Grigg in on goal and the striker lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and the into the net for a quality finish.

Grigg took a knock from the keeper in the process of scoring and was replaced by Vaughan at half time.

At the beginning of the second-half Vaughan was almost immediately presented with a gift wrapped opportunity to double the lead and he duly obliged blasting the ball home from close range following a poor back pass.

Oldham kept plugging away but Wigan were always the more likely to add to their lead and they sealed the three points on 66 minutes when the maestro who had orchestrated the victory got on the scoresheet.

Powell was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch and he evaded two defenders and drove into the penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the bottom corner.

Powell nearly rounded off his virtuoso display with a second goal soon afterwards but his goal bound effort from inside the area was deflected wide by a defender.

Michael Jacobs should probably have made it four late on, but his shot was saved by Placide at his near post.

A comfortable victory for Wigan, and with Shrewsbury losing at Rochdale, it puts them in a very strong position for automatic promotion with nine games remaining. They are likely to face a much sterner test at Portsmouth on Easter Monday, but a good result at Fratton Park would consolidate their place at the top of the table.

Posted in James Vaughan, League One, Nick Powell, Oldham Athletic, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Latics must learn from Pompey’s mistakes

Posted on March 30, 2018 by ianhaspinall
Paul Cook suit

Paul Cook

With ten games still to play Latics go into the Easter fixtures against Oldham and Portsmouth knowing that automatic promotion is in their own hands. If they can keep up their current form they have the games in hand to finish above both Shrewsbury and Blackburn.

Paul Cook has already achieved remarkable things in his first season in charge at the DW Stadium but he will want to round it off with the League One title.

Cook and his coaching staff have transformed the club from the dark days of last season’s relegation. The atmosphere around the club is now very healthy and this season’s target of promotion is within their grasp.

It is essential that the likeable Scouser is given an extended contract as soon as possible but unfortunately the protracted takeover means the decision may have to be delayed until the new owners are in place.

Hopefully this delay won’t prove detrimental to the relationship between Cook and the club.

Cook’s stock is certainly rising after masterminding an incredible FA Cup run when they knocked out West Ham, Bournemouth and Premier League Champions elect Manchester City.

Latics are in pole position for automatic promotion but Cook could be tempted away by the security of a long-term contract elsewhere.

Unfortunately there are similarities between the situation at Latics and his time at Portsmouth and the uncertainty at the end of last season contributed to his departure from Fratton Park.

At Portsmouth there was the takeover limbo and impending arrival of new owners, the absence of a long-term contract to meet his satisfaction and a feeling of under appreciation.

The destabilising factors at Pompey meant Cook and his coaching team were receptive when Latics came calling at the end of last season.

Cook was seeking long-term security on the south coast but that security just wasn’t forthcoming. The departure of the supportive Chairman Iain McInnes was a further blow to Cook’s long-term plans.

A fan-owned board had run Pompey, but the takeover by former Disney Chief Executive Michael Eisner meant Cook’s future was uncertain, particularly as a Director of Football role had been suggested by Eisner.

Cook was also disappointed that there was to be a limited playing budget available to bring in new players.

Finally, he felt there was an absence of enthusiasm from the Pompey board to deliver a new contract in recognition of his performance. Despite winning the League Two title for Pompey he felt undervalued by them.

Latics must not repeat Pompey’s mistakes and should reward Cook with an improved contract as soon as possible, or they risk losing him to a rival and undoing all the good work that has been done this season.

Cook is aiming for back-to-back promotions with two different clubs and ironically his former club Portsmouth will do everything in their power to stop his progress on Easter Monday.

Pompey currently sit just outside the play-off places in eighth place but are only two points behind sixth placed Plymouth.

The scene is set for a high-stakes encounter with two teams striving for the three points in front of the TV cameras.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 30th March 2018.

Posted in League One, Paul Cook, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Latics move into automatic promotion places – Bury 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on March 24, 2018 by ianhaspinall
CheyDunkley

Chey Dunkley headed the second goal

It wasn’t a pretty performance by Wigan Athletic but it was an important victory as they moved back into the automatic promotion places.

Bottom of the table Bury had the better of the opening exchanges but Latics went ahead against the run of play when Michael Jacobs’ cross was converted by Nick Powell.

Latics might have increased their lead before the interval when Jacobs had an effort cleared off the line and Jay Fulton’s drive was saved by Connor Ripley.

But the visitors did increase their lead early in the second-half when Chey Dunkley rose highest at the back post to head home from Max Power’s corner.

The Shakers battled to the end but lacked any real conviction in the final third and it was Latics who nearly added to their lead when James Vaughan flicked Nathan Byrne’s low drive into the net although it was ruled out for offside.

Latics move up to second in the table and are just one point behind leaders Shrewsbury with two games in hand. Blackburn slip to third, one point behind Latics who also have a game in hand on them.

Paul Cook retained the same line-up that had defeated Walsall with captain Sam Morsy still on international duty.

On a pitch more akin to a beach Latics started slowly and it was the Shakers who had the early possession and they threatened when Nathan Cameron headed wide of the target from a Harry Bunn corner.

But against the run of play Latics went ahead on 26 minutes when Ryan Colclough fed Michael Jacobs out wide on the left and he cut the ball back to Powell who found the net from close range.

Latics surged forward now and they might have had a second when Powell headed over the crossbar at the back post from a Power corner.

The hard working James Vaughan then charged to block keeper Ripley’s clearance and the ball broke free to Powell who took the ball to the byline and cut it back to Jacobs but his tame effort was cleared off the line by a defender.

At the other end Christian Walton made an excellent save low down at his near post to deny Neil Danns powerful goal bound drive.

1-0 at the interval but Latics took firm control on 50 minutes when Dunkley headed home at the back post following Power’s corner.

Walton was again called into action by Jay O’Shea as the match hit the hour mark, but it was Latics who were looking the more dangerous.

They looked to have added a third soon afterwards when Nathan Byrne’s shot was deflected into the net by Vaughan but the linesman ruled it out for offside.

The Shakers kept plugging away to try and get something from the game but in truth Latics had not really got out of third gear and they still had enough to comfortably secure all three points.

It had not been one of Latics’ best performances but it was still an effective one and the players received rapturous applause from the 2,000 travelling Wiganers at the end.

Posted in Bury, Chey Dunkley, League One, Nick Powell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – The qualities required for promotion

Posted on March 23, 2018 by ianhaspinall
JAy Fulton

Jay Fulton scored his first goal for Latics at Walsall. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

The League One table is looking much healthier for Latics after two very important away wins at Bradford City and Walsall. Latics have not been at their fluent best in these games but they are now showing the qualities that should get them automatic promotion.

Blackburn and Shrewsbury have been pushing Latics all the way with a consistent set of results but they are now only one point behind the Shrews and two behind Rovers with two games in hand.

At Bradford last week their character and determination were tested as they battled against adverse weather conditions and a poor pitch.

The match looked to be heading towards a disappointing draw but the players once again demonstrated their never-say-die attitude with a vital winner in added time.

On Wednesday night at Walsall they looked a little tentative in the opening minutes and it appeared that captain Sam Morsy, who was on international duty with Eqypt, would be missed.

But in a crazy nine minutes the game turned in Latics’ favour. Nick Powell produced a moment of brilliance as he used the outside of his right boot to curl an inch-perfect pass to Michael Jacobs at the far-post and Latics had made the crucial breakthrough.

They followed that up four minutes later with Jay Fulton’s first goal for the club, a powerful strike from 20-yards into the bottom corner.

Then the three points were sealed when Chey Dunkley fired home from close range following a corner and a goalmouth scramble.

Latics only had three shots on target all night but they had shown the qualities in the final third of the pitch that should get them promoted.

Paul Cook has strength in depth with plenty of options available. Defensively they have looked very strong in the last two away games but with Jamie Jones, Alex Bruce, Donervon Daniels and Reece James they also have plenty of back up available.

The manager picked Jay Fulton to fill in for Sam Morsy in midweek but he could easily have selected David Perkins, plus Shaun MacDonald played for the second team in mid-week against Mansfield so could soon be available for selection.

Going forward Cook has plenty of options to consider. Will Grigg, James Vaughan and Devante Cole are all vying for the central striker role, but if things aren’t going to plan Cook has the option go with two upfront with Vaughan, Grigg or Cole in a 4-4-2 formation as they did away at Blackburn.

Next up for Latics is another away fixture at Bury. The Shakers have had a dreadful season so far, currently rock bottom of the table and 10 points from safety. They have conceded 55 goals and only scored 31 in their 37 games.

Ryan Lowe and Ryan Kidd are currently in joint caretaker charge at Gigg Lane after both Lee Clark and Chris Lucketti had been dismissed following poor results.

Player-coach Lowe and coach Kidd have been appointed until the end of the season, which unfortunately for them looks likely to end in relegation to League Two.

Latics will be firm favourites for the three points but they mustn’t take anything for granted on what is likely to be another difficult pitch.

If they can harness the good qualities shown in the last two away games they should secure another victory in their quest for automatic promotion.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 23rd March 2018.

Posted in Bury, Chey Dunkley, Jay Fulton, League One, Michael Jacobs, Walsall, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics up the pressure – Walsall 0 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on March 22, 2018 by ianhaspinall
Walsall attack

Latics pile on the pressure

Wigan Athletic eased past Walsall with a comfortable victory at the Bescot Stadium and upped the pressure on Shrewsbury and Blackburn at the top of the League One table.

Walsall didn’t get the new manager ‘bounce’ under Dean Keates as Latics scored three goals in nine first-half minutes.

Michael Jacobs opened the scoring on 31 minutes with a clinical far-post finish from an inviting low cross from Nick Powell.

Swansea loanee midfielder Jay Fulton increased the lead with a powerful 20-yard drive and Chey Dunkley stabbed the ball home for the third after a goalmouth scramble.

The visitors couldn’t add to their lead in the second-half but the points had already been sealed after the first-half performance.

Latics weren’t at their best on the night but they still came away with a vital three points in the race for automatic promotion. They are now one point behind Shrewsbury and two behind leaders Blackburn but with two games in hand.

Paul Cook made four changes to the starting line-up from Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton, with Fulton, Powell, James Vaughan and Ryan Colclough replacing Sam Morsy, Gary Roberts, Will Grigg and Gavin Massey.

Latics had an early opportunity when Max Power’s corner found Dunkley at the near post but the big defender couldn’t quite get his effort on target.

Powell then headed over the crossbar from a Colclough delivery as the visitors started to look dangerous.

Erhun Oztumer briefly threatened as Walsall counter-attacked but his shot was well blocked by Dunkley and the ball was claimed by Christian Walton.

Despite creating some chances, Latics looked a little tentative in the opening minutes and it appeared that captain Sam Morsy, who was on international duty with Eqypt, would be missed.

But the opening goal quickly turned the game in Latics’ favour as Jacobs converted Powell’s fine cross at the far-post and set in motion a crazy nine minutes.

Four minutes later Fulton then took aim from 20-yards out and produced a powerful low drive into the corner past keeper Liam Roberts.

Five minutes after that Latics effectively sealed the three points when Dunkley stabbed the ball home after the Saddlers had failed to clear Power’s corner.

Walsall briefly threatened at the start of the second-half as Kieron Morris was twice denied by saves from Walton.

Jacobs then had a great opportunity to increase Latics’ lead when he collected Colclough’s cross-field ball but the winger curled his shot wide of the post.

Amadou Bakayoko then tested Walton before Colclough forced a save low down from keeper Roberts.

The match fizzled out as as contest as Latics had secured the vital three points in nine crazy first-half minutes which had made all the difference.

Posted in Chey Dunkley, Jay Fulton, League One, Michael Jacobs, Walsall, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment