Latics frustrated by failure to take chances – AFC Fylde 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on December 2, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Fylde Evans

Lee Evans blazes over from close range

League One leaders Wigan Athletic were surprisingly held by National League AFC Fylde in last night’s FA Cup 2nd Round tie.

Latics controlled possession and went ahead just before half time when Will Grigg glanced home Nathan Byrne’s fine right wing cross.

The vistiors dominated proceedings and should have been out of sight by half time, but on 70 minutes Fylde drew level after Byrne recklessly fouled Sam Finley and the National League’s leading goal scorer Danny Rowe converted the penalty kick.

Latics had further chances to win it, but credit should be given to Fylde who battled well throughout and held out for the draw. Both teams will now go into the third round draw and face a replay at the DW Stadium.

Paul Cook made two changes from the team which won at Rotherham with Dan Burn and Gavin Massey replacing Alex Bruce and Ryan Colclough.

Latics were on top from the kick off and should have gone ahead after five minutes when Massey fired narrowly wide of the target after a neat one-two with Grigg on the edge of the area.

The home team were struggling to get a foothold in the game as Latics passed the ball around with confidence with captain Sam Morsy dominant in the centre.

Grigg nearly got on the score sheet when Byrne’s right wing cross found him in a good position but the striker’s header went via a defender’s head and hit the angle of post and crossbar.

Latics’ best chance came on 40 minutes when Lee Evans blazed over the crossbar from close range following Max Power’s cross.

The Coaster’s looked like they would hold out until half time but a minute before the interval Byrne swung in a superb cross from the right and Grigg got in front of his marker to glance home.

It appeared that Latics would go on to win comfortably but Fylde continued to offer strong resistance in the second period.

Chances came and went for Latics. Max Power mis-kicked when unmarked inside the area after a good cutback from Reece James.

Power deceived the Fylde defence by playing a free kick sideways to Michael Jacobs who forced a full length save from Jay Lynch.

Before Massey forced another good save from Lynch at close range as the visitors continued to press.

But against the run of play Latics conceded a penalty,  Jones made a good save but the ball came out to Sam Finley and Byrne slide in recklessly to bring him down.

The prolific Rowe converted the spot kick, sending Jamie Jones the wrong way, for an incredible 60th goal in 63 matches.

The Coaster’s now relished the prospect of a major cup shock but it was Latics who came closest to clinching the winner when substitute Nick Powell headed wide from a Power free kick.

Latics had been the dominant team throughout with 70% possession and 32 shots but their failure to be clinical in front of goal proved costly and Fylde lived to fight another day.

Manager Paul Cook was disappointed with the result but was spot on with his assessment after the game.

“The whole day has been a credit to AFC Fylde. The facilities here at of the highest standard and their lads gave every little bit.

It’s their night tonight and they should enjoy the moment of glory.

Of course we’re disappointed, but we get another chance back at the DW Stadium and it’s up to us to take it.

For Fylde and their players and supporters tonight is what the FA Cup is all about. We’ve been there ourselves so we know exactly how it feels.

It was a good game of football and we had tremendous support from our fans, so we’re disappointed for them the most.”

Posted in AFC Fylde, Danny Rowe, FA Cup, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Fylde in focus

Posted on December 1, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Fylde

AFC Fylde’s Mill Farm Stadium

Latics will be in the FA Cup spotlight tonight as they come up against non-league AFC Fylde in front of the BBC TV cameras. Most neutrals will be hoping for a shock result as the 2013 winners will be regarded as a massive scalp for a club who were only formed in the 2008/09 season after they changed their name from Kirkham and Wesham.

AFC Fylde have made swift progress from the North West Counties League and are currently 16th in the National League after making six quick promotions.

Wealthy businessman David Haythornthwaite, who has twice tried to buy Blackpool, has bankrolled the club during this period. Many fans of other non-league clubs are inevitably envious of Fylde’s resources and regard them as wealthy upstarts.

Haythornthwaite confidently stated his intention to achieve league status by 2022 – Fylde have had this printed on their shirts – but the club is way ahead of that schedule as they are now just one promotion away from the Football League.

The Coasters are in very good form having won six of their last seven games in all competitions. The current manager is former Tranmere Rovers defender Dave Challinor, who has achieved a remarkable three promotions in his four years in charge.

Latics will have to contend with the National League’s leading goalscorer Danny Rowe who has so far netted 11 times this season.

They have an impressive purpose-built 6,000 capacity Mill Farm Stadium and this week they installed a protective tent over the pitch and produced a high-drama promotional video.

It looks as though no stone will be left unturned in an attempt to reach the third round. They are determined to put on a show, so Latics will have to be at their best if they are to avoid an upset.

Paul Cook will certainly not want to be on the end of an FA Cup shock. During Paul Jewell’s tenure as manager, they infamously went out to non-league Canvey Island in the first round in 2001.

Latics were having a difficult time in the Second Division at the time and their cause wasn’t helped when they had Tony Dinning sent off shortly before half-time and with nine minutes left when Lee Ashcroft saw red for a second bookable offence.

The Essex Islanders subsequently scored the winner in the 88th minute as Latics crashed out of the cup.

A more encouraging omen for Latics against non-league opposition was when they overcame Macclesfield Town with a Jordi Gomez penalty to reach the fifth round and subsequently went on to lift the famous trophy in 2013.

Cook is a big fan of the FA Cup and I expect him to field a strong side in front of the TV cameras. The team is in a good vein of form and there is no reason to tamper too much with the successful formula.

He has expressed his desire to do well in the competition and he will be well aware of the positive benefits it can have on the club’s upward momentum.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 1st December 2017.

Posted in AFC Fylde, Dave Challinor, David Haythornthwaite, FA Cup, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top of the table Latics in fine form – Rotherham United 1 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on November 26, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Rotherhamaway

Latics on the attack

Latics moved to the top of the League One table with a convincing victory at mid-table Rotherham United.

Will Grigg gave Latics an early lead when he headed home Lee Evans’ left wing free kick but the Millers quickly drew level when David Ball curled his shot from the edge of the area past Jamie Jones and into the top corner.

Latics’ incessant pressure resulted in them regaining the lead on 28 minutes when Alex Bruce produced a clever flicked finish to beat the best efforts of keeper Marek Rodak.

Michael Jacobs effectively sealed the points with a venomous low drive on 60 minutes, after Rodak had done well to deny Grigg.

Latics had plenty of opportunities to add to the margin of victory but they settled for 3-1 and top spot in the table after Shrewsbury lost at home to Bradford.

Latics had to go into the game without important players Nick Powell (injured) and Dan Burn (suspended). Bruce replacing Burn in the centre of defence.

The visitors were on top from the outset with Grigg going close with a header from Max Power’s cross.

They went ahead on 14 minutes when Grigg scored his fourth goal of the season with a glancing header following Evans’ free kick.

Latics were almost immediately caught napping as the Millers hit a quick equaliser. David Ball was allowed too much space on the edge of the area and the former Fleetwood striker curled the ball into the top right hand corner.

But Latics were soon back on top and pressing to regain the lead. They were peppering the Millers area and it looked only a matter of time before they would score.

Chey Dunkley was denied at close range by Rodak and then the keeper turned a powerful effort by Ryan Colclough away for a corner.

From the corner Evans’ header was denied on the line, but Bruce who, with his back to goal, first controlled the ball and then flicked the ball with the outside of his boot past the despairing fingertips of Rodak and in off the post.

The game now became very physical with some robust challenges by the Rotherham players and in particular the big striker Kieffer Moore who used his arms to gain advantage.

Dunkley suffered after a clash with Moore and had to leave the pitch for stitches while the Millers player just had to change his blood stained shirt. Latics had to play with ten men for over ten minutes while Dunkley received treatment but the home team were unable to capitalise on the man advantage.

The Millers had Richard Wood and Michael Ihiekwe booked as matters nearly got out of hand with both sets of players squaring up to each other on a couple of occasions.

Rotherham had Richie Towell booked early in the second half for a late challenge on Nathan Byrne and Joe Mattock might have given a penalty away when he pushed  Colclough in the box.

Latics were in the ascendancy and playing the better football but Rotherham did occasionally threaten through their route one ball up to the big striker Moore.

When they did threaten, Dunkley was a rock at the heart of the Latics defence and the big defender had one of his best games since joining the club.

Latics effectively sealed the three points on the hour mark through Jacobs. Grigg initially broke clear in the box and tried to round Rodak, the keeper did well to push the ball away but only into the path of Max Power who back heeled the ball to Jacobs who finished with a powerful low drive past Rodak.

As the match moved towards its conclusion substitute Ivan Toney nearly added a fourth goal but his near post header just found the side netting.

It was another convincing performance by Paul Cook’s high-flying team and perhaps now some of their critical fans will give Cook and his team the full credit they undoubtedly deserve.

Posted in Alex Bruce, David Ball, League One, Michael Jacobs, Paul Cook, Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Cook’s men answer the critics

Posted on November 24, 2017 by ianhaspinall
paul-cook4

Paul Cook

Paul Cook and his players answered the critics with a comfortable 3-0 win against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night. It was pleasing to get back to winning ways as the moaners and groaners had been out in force since Saturday’s first home defeat to Bradford City.

Bradford will be in the promotion mix at the end of the season and they produced one of their best away performances. The match could easily have gone either way but just when it looked as though it would end in a draw the Bantams scored an injury time winner.

All Latics’ fans were disappointed with the result but some of the post match comments about Cook and the team really do beggar belief.

Some so-called fans on social media have gone to extreme lengths and have been calling Cook clueless, spreading malicious rumours about the manager and sending abusive tweets directed at individual players, which can only be harmful to the players’ confidence.

The fans are entitled to an opinion but this type of behaviour goes beyond what is acceptable and can only damage the club’s prospects.

Some of the fickle fans were absent from the game on Tuesday despite the Bradford game being Latics’ first defeat in the league at the DW Stadium in eight months.

It made for a few more empty seats but at least the atmosphere was less negative.

Paul Cook had rightly identified the negativity at the DW Stadium during the game against Bradford and prior to the Doncaster game he made an accurate assessment of the current situation.

“Nowadays there’s so much negativity around the game, it’s quite sad really, but we can’t change that. All we can focus on is the fact we’re only 17 games into a 46-game season, and there will be plenty more disappointments along the way, but our job is to get as many points as we can and hopefully that comes with a win tomorrow night.”

In contrast to Cook’s levelheadedness, his critics really do need to get a sense of perspective. This is Latics’ best ever start to a league campaign, they are second in the League One table, with the most goals scored and fewest conceded and yet still some of the fans aren’t happy.

I’m sure in the long term Cook’s approach will be fully vindicated and the progress which the club has made under his management will be properly recognised.

In the meantime Latics come up against former player Paul Warne’s Rotherham United tomorrow and they could go top if results go their way, but whatever the result Cook won’t be getting too carried away as there are still plenty of games to play.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 24th November 2017.

Posted in Bradford City, League One, Paul Cook, Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Latics are back to winning ways – Wigan Athletic 3 Doncaster Rovers 0

Posted on November 22, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Ryan Colclough

Ryan Colclough grabbed a brace

Latics were not at their best but they still had a comfortable 3-0 victory against League One strugglers Doncaster Rovers at the DW Stadium.

Michael Jacobs opened the scoring with a strike from the edge of the box after 40 minutes. Rovers had a golden opportunity to equalise through John Marquis but he fluffed the opportunity before Ryan Colclough increased Latics’ lead just before the interval.

Colclough added a third goal with a diving header in the second half and they had plenty of opportunities to add to their tally against a mediocre Rovers but it surprisingly remained at only three.

Manager Paul Cook freshened up his starting line up from the defeat to Bradford City with Reece James, Lee Evans, Will Grigg and Ryan Colclough coming in.

Latics made a brisk start with Jacobs breaking down the left and forcing a good save from Ian Lawlor.

Rovers’ first opportunity came from James Coppinger, but Jamie Jones pushed the ball away for a corner.

Evans then tried his luck from distance but Lawlor saved easily.

Latics were having plenty of possession but they were not as slick in their passing as they have been in early season.

But they eventually got the breakthrough on 40 minutes when Jacobs drove forward and unleashed a drive from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

Rovers should immediately have equalised when Marquis was presented with an open goal following a knock down but he failed to make any proper contact with his volley and Jones saved easily.

Latics then doubled their lead just before the interval when Colclough cut in from the  left and smashed the ball past Lawlor from the edge of the box.

Latics had not been at their best but they had a two goal cushion at the interval.

Colclough increased Latics’ lead on 57 minutes when he converted Jacobs’ cross with a diving header.

Colclough was surprisingly substituted on 60 minutes and he sprinted off down the tunnel with a smile on his face – he obviously had a prior engagement – what turned out to be the birth of his second child.

Marquis then wasted another golden opportunity to reduce the arrears for Rovers, this time firing well wide from just six yards out.

But Latics were now well on top and Grigg had a couple of good opportunities to get on the score sheet but it’s not quite working out for the striker at the moment. But surely as he gains more match fitness the goals will start to flow again.

Substitute Gavin Massey’s deflected strike might have added a fourth, but Latics will be relieved to have got back to winning ways and increased the pressure on leaders Shrewsbury who surprisingly lost at bottom club Bury.

Posted in Doncaster Rovers, League One, Michael Jacobs, Ryan Colclough, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics’ unbeaten home record comes to an end – Wigan Athletic 1 Bradford City 2

Posted on November 18, 2017 by ianhaspinall
CheyDunkley

Chey Dunkley levelled for Latics

Latics unbeaten home league record came to an end as Bradford City secured a surprise victory at the DW Stadium.

With the match appearing to be heading for a draw the Bantams stunned Latics in the 92nd minute through substitute Tyrell Robinson.

Bradford had taken an early lead when Charlie Wyke bundled the ball home but Latics soon levelled through Chey Dunkley’s header.

In an end-to-end second half both teams had plenty of chances, but it was Robinson’s late strike which took the three points back across the Pennines.

Latics kept the same team from their last league game against Blackburn Rovers, with Max Power retaining his place in midfield ahead of Lee Evans.

In a breathtaking opening period both sides had good goalscoring opportunities. Nick Powell’s early effort was well blocked by a defender.

The Bantams responded with Wyke wasting a good opportunity in the area and then Nathaniel Knight-Percival volleying over from close range.

The visitors went ahead on 14 minutes when Wyke bundled home from close range after Jones saved the initial shot.

Sam Morsy then had a shot cleared off the line before Latics drew level on 24 minutes following a corner.

Chey Dunkley rising high to powerfully head home from inside the six yard box.

Latics received a set back when they lost Nick Powell to a hamstring injury on 30 minutes.

Wyke nearly restored Bradford’s lead when his powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.

Then at the other end Michael Jacobs produced a superb swerving strike from 35 yards which  keeper Colin Doyle did well to push away.

In the second half, Ivan Toney went close while substitute David Perkins forced a save  from Doyle with a header at the back post.

In a frantic period Dan Burn then came to Latics’ rescue when he denied a Paul Taylor effort inside the box.

Latics were not at their best and Bradford had produced a battling away performance.

Both sides continued to push forward for the elusive winner but just when it looked as though neither team would get the upper hand substitute Robinson unleashed a drive from 20 yards which on another day keeper Jones might well have saved.

Despite the defeat Latics remain in second spot but are now four points behind leaders Shrewsbury. Bradford meanwhile move up to third place three points behind Latics.

Posted in Bradford City, Charlie Wyke, Chey Dunkley, League One, Tyrell Robinson, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Cook’s progress to the top

Posted on November 17, 2017 by ianhaspinall
paul-cook-v-bury

Paul Cook destined for the top

Latics’ manager Paul Cook is deservedly getting plenty of media attention after a superb start to his career at the DW Stadium. The popular Scouser has steered Latics to second in the table and they are gradually closing the gap on leaders Shrewsbury Town.

Cook was awarded Manager of the Month for October after leading his side through an unbeaten month, collecting 11 points from a possible 15. Latics attacking play secured important away wins at Scunthorpe and Blackpool and they remain unbeaten in the league at home.

Since taking over the hot seat in May, Cook and his coaching team have created a positive atmosphere around the club. Cook’s banter and plain speaking has endeared him to the fans and the players have responded with improved performances on the pitch.

He recently commented in an interview with Sky Sports,

“… I don’t think there’s enough emphasis on team spirit and good lads, work ethic and a desire to do well together.”

Allied to a consistent formation of 4-2-3-1, he has introduced an attractive passing style of play, which has delivered results.

He certainly has the potential to be successful, like another Liverpudlian Paul Jewell who led the club from the third tier to the Premier League between 2001 and 2005.

Cook knows the lower divisions very well having got Chesterfield and Portsmouth promoted, but he has also played at the top level in the Premier League with Coventry City.

Cook aspires to manage in the Premier League one day even though opportunities for home-grown managers are now few and far between as managers from around the world dominate.

Of the few English managers at the top level, Eddie Howe at Bournemouth and Sean Dyche at Burnley both understand the importance of team spirit and work ethic. Both their teams demonstrate willingness to battle and Latics under Cook have a similar vibe.

Cook has brought his coaching team with him from Portsmouth and ‘old hands’ Gary Roberts and Noel Hunt, and this has certainly helped the team spirit and the upbeat feeling has been transferred to the pitch.

Latics do have plenty of talented players and with the addition of some intelligent free transfers and loan signings the squad now looks very strong at this level.

Cook’s team will have one of their sternest tests of the season tomorrow as they come up against fourth placed Bradford City at the DW Stadium.

The Bantams just missed out on promotion last season when they lost 1-0 to Millwall in the Play-off final at Wembley. They are likely to be in the promotion mix at the end of this season, so Latics will have to be at their best if they are to maintain their unbeaten home league record.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 17th November 2017.

Posted in Bradford City, League One, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Checkatrade Trophy fiasco

Posted on November 10, 2017 by ianhaspinall
checkatrade-trophy-logo

The EFL Trophy has become a fiasco

Latics went out of the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night after they fielded their Academy team against League Two Accrington Stanley.

Manager Paul Cook demonstrated his priorities by not risking first team players in a competition, which has been devalued and degraded by the inclusion of Premier League and Championship U21 teams in the last two seasons.

The Football League Trophy, which was previously only for League One and League Two teams, was once a valid chance for these teams to get to Wembley and to win a trophy.

However we could now see a farcical situation where Premier League Academy teams face each other in the final.

The League One and League Two clubs have effectively been given a financial bribe by Premier League clubs to allow their Academy teams into the Football League Trophy and in doing so have made the competition meaningless.

It is clear that the competition is now for the benefit of the rich Premier League clubs trying to develop their young players.

Many of the lower league clubs are struggling for financial survival and they have been bribed by increasing the prize money from £2m to £3m to continue to participate.

Many fans have vehemently opposed the change in the competition and have started a B Team Boycott campaign but the English Football League (EFL) have disregarded their opinions and scored a massive own goal by submitting to the demands of the Premier League.

Most football fans are against having Premier League U21 teams in the competition and they see it as the first steps in a move to introduce B teams into Leagues One and Two.

The influence of the Premier League over the Football League is increasingly oppressive.

The financial rewards available to Premier League clubs are ever increasing while the Football League clubs are limited to relative scraps of money from the top table as the divide increases.

A master and servant relationship is now developing and the Premier League’s demands on the lower league clubs are ever increasing.

There is already a drive by the top six teams in the Premier League to have a greater share of Premier League revenue and they would also like to have their B teams playing in the Football League.

The football authorities and in particular the EFL have alienated many football fans and have evidently lost the plot as far as helping their membership.

Average attendances in the EFL Trophy decreased by 56 per cent last season with the introduction of Academy teams. Tuesday’s attendance at the DW Stadium was only 1,473, which is a big drop from Latics’ previous years in the EFL Trophy.

Bradford City have an average attendance of over 20,000 for League One games but their fans similarly voted with their feet on Tuesday night and adopted the B Team Boycott, with only 931 people at their game with Rotherham United.

It is planned that the Checkatrade Trophy will continue next season with the inclusion of Premier League Academy teams. If this proves to be the case I would urge all football fans to continue the B Team Boycott and lobby for change.

I fully support Paul Cook’s decision to play an Academy team in the light of the ridiculous state of the competition. But sadly we’ve now been forced into a surreal situation where our football club is not bothered about winning football matches.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 10th November 2017.

Posted in Accrington Stanley, Checkatrade Trophy, EFL, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Extra special Evans fires Latics into the 2nd Round of the FA Cup – Wigan Athletic 2 Crawley Town 1

Posted on November 4, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Lee Evans

Lee Evans

Lee Evans produced an extra special strike to fire Wigan Athletic past Crawley Town and into the Second Round of the FA Cup.

Crawley had taken a surprise lead on 20 minutes when Jordan Roberts produced a superb piece of skill to first control the ball and then volley over his shoulder and into the corner of the net.

Latics were stunned into action and midfielder Evans made great strides down the left hand side beating two defenders before crossing for Ivan Toney to acrobatically finish from close range on 29 minutes.

Latics dominated possession throughout and might have gone ahead when Nick Powell outwitted the Crawley defence but he clipped his effort narrowly wide of the far post.

Crawley defended resolutely however, and it took an exceptional 30-yard strike from Evans’ left boot to ultimately overcome their League Two opponents.

Paul Cook surprisingly made five changes from the team which had drawn with Blackburn Rovers with Matija Sarkic, Reece James, Alex Bruce, Gary Roberts and Evans coming into the team.

Latics had plenty of possession in the early exchanges, but possibly due to the team changes, lacked a fluidity and cutting edge.

However, it came as something of a surprise when Crawley went ahead on 20 minutes.

Roberts first chesting the ball on the edge of the area and then producing a superb volley into the top corner of Sarkic’s net.

But Latics were quick to respond and nine minutes later Evans did well to jink the ball past three defenders before crossing for Toney to acrobatically volley home.

Powell might have given Latics the lead before the interval but despite outwitting the Crawley backline his final effort went narrowly wide of the far post.

Early in the second half Toney had a great opportunity from eight yards-out, but despite  wrong-footing a couple of defenders, he fired his shot against the crossbar.

But with 20 minutes remaining Evans’s produced a stunning goal. The Welsh international surprisingly switching the ball to his unfamiliar left foot before unleashing an unstoppable strike from 30-yards.

Latics might have increased their lead before full time with chances for substitutes David Perkins and Will Grigg, but credit should be given to Crawley for some resolute defending.

Latics deservedly progress into the 2nd round and they will be hoping for favourable opponents in Monday night’s draw.

 

 

Posted in Crawley Town, FA Cup, Ivan Toney, Jordan Roberts, Lee Evans, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Show patience and the goals will continue to flow

Posted on November 3, 2017 by ianhaspinall

FA Cup Final Prog 2013

Latics’ forwards had a rare off day on Saturday as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Blackburn Rovers. Ivan Toney, Michael Jacobs, Gavin Massey and Nick Powell were not at their best in the blustery conditions, but it was the first time Latics had failed to score since the 1-0 reverse at Shrewsbury on September 9th.

Blackburn will be amongst the promotion challengers and they defended in numbers throughout. But some fans were still quick to be critical of our failure to score.

They believe that given Grigg’s injury problems and Toney’s lack of goals that Latics need to bring in another forward.

But it is hardly a crisis and a little patience is required by the fans, as Latics have netted 29 times so far this season and are the highest scorers, along with Rotherham, in League One.

There is still plenty of time to assess Grigg’s fitness and see if Toney can start to get amongst the goals before the transfer window opens on January 1st.

Don’t forget Grigg netted 25 times in 2015/16 in League One and many of those goals came in the second half of the season.

Latics may feel they have a short-term problem but Saturday’s opponents Crawley Town have much bigger problems having netted only 12 times in their 16 league games.

The FA Cup is no respecter of league form but a home tie against League Two opposition gives Latics’ players a good opportunity to get back into scoring form.

19th placed Crawley are in a poor run of form and have failed to win or score in their last four league games.

Grigg is likely to return after injury against Crawley and you would expect him to be back amongst the goals if he is given the right service.

The FA Cup brings back fantastic memories of the biggest day in Latics’ history, the 11th May 2013, when they lifted the trophy.

It would be great to see Latics have another long cup run and pit themselves against some of the top teams in the country.

I think manager Paul Cook will be giving the competition a high priority and I’m expecting him to field a strong team tomorrow.

Cook is, of course, a former Latics player and he enjoyed some special cup games during his time on the pitch.

The young midfielder was a member of the squad, which reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1987 when they narrowly lost to Leeds United at Springfield Park.

Cook understands the special place that the FA Cup holds in Latics’ history and I’m sure he will want to go as far as possible in the competition this season.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 3rd November 2017.

Posted in Crawley Town, FA Cup, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , | Leave a comment