Latics a little lucky against the Tykes – Wigan Athletic 1 Barnsley 1

Posted on March 30, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Asamoah Junior scored his first goal for Latics
  • In manager Ryan Lowe’s first home game in charge Wigan Athletic drew 1-1 with Barnsley at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics had an early chance as Dale Taylor cut the ball back to Chris Sze but a last ditch tackle from Jonathan Bland denied him.
  • The visitors went ahead on eight minutes when Davis Keillor-Dunn curled a great free-kick over the defensive wall and into the top corner from 30-yards.
  • Latics tried to respond and Taylor had a great opportunity but keeper Kieren Flavell saved with his legs.
  • Latics probed for an equaliser in the second half and they drew level on 77 minutes after Asamoah Jr capitalised on a mix-up in the Barnsley defence.
  • Jason Kerr was lucky to escape a red card when he pulled back substitute and former Latic Stephen Humphrys.
  • Latics ended the game strongly, substitute Joe Hungbo forced a superb one handed save from Flavell and the points had to be shared.
  • Latics are now in 18th place and Barnsley in 11th place in the League One table.

Lowe made three changes from the defeat at Charlton Athletic, with Jonny Smith, Ronan Darcy, and Sze returning to the starting line-up in place of Jon Mellish, Jensen Weir, and Luke Chambers. 

Latics had an early chance when Taylor crossed for Sze but Bland made a great last ditch challenge and somehow deflected the ball wide.

The visitors first attempt resulted in a goal. Keillor-Dunn curled a brilliant 30 yard free-kick into the top corner of the net.

Latics had a chance to respond just four minutes later as Ronan Darcy broke and fed Taylor who was denied by the legs of goalkeeper Flavell.

Flavell was in action again soon afterwards to deny Jonny Smith an equaliser, before he then held onto Scott Smith’s long-range strike.

The Tykes Conor McCarthy then had a goal ruled out for offside after a free-kick, was tapped home.

Latics continued to push for an equaliser but the visitors went into the break ahead.

The hosts continued to push forward in the second half but Barnsley looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Latics were a little lucky to draw level however, as a long ball over the top was chased down by substitute Asamoah Jr who nipped in front of Mael De Gevigney and hesitant goalkeeper Flavell and was able to score an easy first goal for the club.

At the other end, the Tykes almost restored their lead but Jonathan Russell was denied by the legs of Tickle.

Flavell then somehow denied another Latics substitute Hungbo with a wonderful reactionary save and the points had to be shared.

Overview

New Head Coach Lowe has only had two weeks to work with his new charges but there were definite signs of improvement in his first home game.

Lowe went for a more forward thinking line-up with two strikers, a back three and two advanced wingbacks.

Latics adopted a more direct approach with quicker build up play. They created some good chances but they also looked vulnerable on the break and were perhaps a little lucky to get away with a point. 

The Tykes had a goal disallowed for offside, Kerr could easily have been given a red card and it was a defensive mix up that allowed Asamoah Jnr to score the equaliser.

Next up for Latics are local rivals Bolton at the Brick on Tuesday night. Lowe will want to outsmart his friend and former colleague Steven Schumacher.

Wanderers will be desperate for the win after recent poor results have damaged their playoff hopes.

Lowe will want to maintain Latics’ excellent record against the noisy neighbours.

Post match comments

After the game Ryan Lowe spoke to the media.

“I thought the lads were fantastic.”

“We asked the lads for a fast start and to get the ball behind their backline as quickly as we could, and I thought for 25 minutes, we were excellent. 

“It was a sucker punch with the goal, and we sometimes just need to have a bit more belief to regroup and go again, and I thought they did that in the second half.

“We tweaked one or two things to be more patient. I think in the first half before they scored, we could’ve been 2-0 up because we had some good chances.

“The lads have been excellent all week in training working on patterns of play, and it’s that last little bit of putting it in the back of the net. 

“I’m pleased with a large part of the performance, and I’m definitely pleased with the attacking part of the football which I think we’ve been missing.“

On his first game in the home dugouts, Lowe praised the influence of the Tics supporters.

“I was getting the nerves driving and coming down the hill. You see the stadium, get out of the car, see the fans, and feel the vibes.

“I’ve only been here a couple of times, but the reception the fans gave me was fantastic. I also thought it was a great gesture for Darren Orme. Not just the players and staff, I think the fans have made Darren proud.

“We could see the Tics really getting behind the lads – especially late on – and that’s the noise we want.

“I’m glad my first game is done and we can concentrate on getting as many points as we can in the last nine games.”

After the Sky Bet League One fixture, the Latics Head Coach provided an update on Luke Chambers and Tyrese Francois who were both not involved.

“Tyrese (Francois) was due to be in the squad and we were looking at starting him but he pulled up with a calf injury which ruled him out. 

“Luke (Chambers) has an infected foot – he trained yesterday but he couldn’t do anything. 

“We had to shut them both down – I don’t know how long Tyrese will be but I’m unsure whether we’ll see him from now until the end of the season.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in Asamoah Junior, Barnsley, Davis Keillor-Dunn, League One, Ryan Lowe, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics late rally isn’t enough to salvage a point – Charlton Athletic 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on March 16, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Ryan Lowe Head Coach Wigan Athletic

Ryan Lowe lost his first game in charge

  • Wigan Athletic lost their first game with new Head Coach Ryan Lowe in charge against promotion-chasing Charlton Athletic at the Valley.
  • The Addicks dominated the first half and went ahead on 11 minutes after Jason Kerr’s clearance hit Ollie Norburn and fell to Matty Godden who finished first time past Sam Tickle.
  • The visitors failed to have any shots on target in the first half and the hosts doubled their lead on 38 minutes when Godden tapped home for his second goal.
  • Godden had a chance for his hat-trick at the start of the second half but Tickle produced a superb double save to keep Latics in the game.
  • The Addicks continued to control the game with Tyreece Campbell terrorising the Latics defence, but with six minutes remaining Latics pulled a goal back.
  • Substitute Ronan Darcy’s shot was only partially saved by goalkeeper Will Mannion and fellow substitute Chris Sze followed up to score.
  • For the first time the Addicks looked uncomfortable and Latics forced a series of corners but the hosts held on for the three points.
  • Latics drop to 17th place and the Addicks remain in fourth place in the League One table.

New Head Coach Lowe made three changes from the victory over Cambridge United with Scott Smith, Jensen Weir, and Owen Dale replacing Baba Adeeko, Ronan Darcy, and Jonny Smith.

Owen Dale started the game strongly and his dangerous cross on six minutes nearly found Luke Chambers at the back post.

But Latics were soon behind as Kerr’s clearance hit Norburn and the ball fell straight to the feet of Godden who finished first time past Tickle on 11 minutes.

The hosts were close to a second as Campbell found space in the box, but his goal bound shot hit his own player.

Macaulay Gillesphey tested Tickle with a curling free-kick from 25 yards before Jensen Weir had a rare chance on the counter attack as he drove into the box, but he was soon closed down and unable to get in his shot.

Charlton doubled their lead on 38 minutes as a free kick from the left was headed back across goal by Gillesphey and Godden was unmarked at the back post to tap home. 

Latics players appealed for offside, but it was to no avail.

Tickle kept Latics in the game at the start of the second half. The Latics keeper was was out quickly to deny Campbell before he then denied Godden a hat-trick.

Substitute Chris Sze set up Dale Taylor for Latics’ best chance of the game, but he dragged his effort wide from a great position.

Kerr then had to divert Campbell’s dangerous in-swinging shot from 20 yards round the far post with his head.

Substitute Jonny Smith was quickly into the action producing a cross for Taylor, but the ball was just too high.

With six minutes remaining Latics got back into the game. Substitute Darcy forced Mannion into a good save from a Jonny Smith cross, and substitute Sze was on hand to fire home the rebound for his first goal of the season.

For the first time the Addicks looked uncomfortable and Latics forced a series of corners but the hosts held on for the three points.

Overview

This was a disappointing start to Ryan Lowe’s tenure as Latics new Head Coach. Latics were very poor in the first half and struggled against an in-form Charlton team.

They struggled to come to terms with Charlton’s attacking intensity and failed to contain the hosts’ impressive forward line of Watson, Campbell, Berry and Godden. 

Latics seemed unable to play through midfield and they all too easily surrendered possession.

The Addicks could easily have been more than two goals ahead at half-time.

Despite not having had time to work with the players Lowe was in the dugout for his first game. However it might’ve been better if Glenn Whelan had taken charge for this game and Lowe could’ve taken an overview from the Stands.

It was pleasing to see Latics rally in the latter stages of the game, but it is evident from this defeat that Lowe has a lot of work to do to improve the team.

Fortunately Lowe now has two weeks to work with the squad before they face Barnsley at the Brick Community Stadium on March 29th.

League Table

Post match comments

Latics’ new Head Coach Ryan Lowe expressed there were positives to build on during the next fortnight in the build-up to their next Sky Bet League One fixture against Barnsley.

“It was too late in the end,” he told the media.

“I said to the boys in the changing room that we needed to have more of a calmness. This place is a bit of a fortress, and we left it too late.

“The first half wasn’t what we planned, and we made changes and changed shape at half-time. Charlton are where they are for a reason, but I felt like if we had another five minutes, we might’ve nicked a goal.

“It was a great goal on our behalf, and we just needed a little bit more of that. We need more belief – and they know that. 

“It’s one of those games where you come to these types of places, and know it’s not going to be easy. We didn’t do enough to come out with something today.

“The two goals could’ve definitely been avoided and that’s stuff we will work on throughout the season. 

“Fair play to all the staff and players, they took to me like a duck to water. We had a great day on Friday, and the staff have been excellent. 

“We spoke about the team selection, and I didn’t want to change too much. We tried to do a few things, but in the second half, we had to make changes.

“I’m pleased and enjoyed it. I thought the fans were great and stuck with us right the way through.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Charlton Athletic, Chris Sze, League One, Matt Godden, Ryan Lowe, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Latics leave it late for vital win – Wigan Athletic 1 Cambridge United 0 

Posted on March 9, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Luke Robinson scored his first senior goal
  • Managerless Wigan Athletic produced an unconvincing performance to defeat relegation threatened Cambridge United 1-0 at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • In an evenly contested first half Cambridge should’ve gone ahead when Dom Ballard was one-on-one with Sam Tickle by the Latics keeper managed to save with his leg.
  • Latics defended resolutely throughout with the back four and keeper Tickle keeping their team in the game.
  • The hosts main threat came from winger Jonny Smith who forced a good save from Nathan Bishop and later fired narrowly wide of the top corner on the hour mark. 
  • On 77 minutes Smith set up Baba Adeeko whose strike was spilled by Cambridge keeper Bishop and substitute Luke Robinson followed up to score his first senior goal for the club.
  • Cambridge pushed for a late equaliser but Latics held firm and denied the visitors any clear-cut chances.
  • Latics remain in 15th place and Cambridge in 23rd place in the League One table.

Interim boss Glenn Whelan made three changes from the midweek draw at Mansfield Town, with Luke Chambers returning from a long-term injury. Adeeko returned in midfield, while Jonny Smith came in for Owen Dale.

Latics had an early chance as Chambers crossed for Adeeko who nodded the ball down for Taylor to volley at goal, but his effort into the ground was saved by Bishop.

At the other end Ballard was denied by Tickle when played in before Josh Stokes’ follow up flew wide.

Tickle was in fine form and he came to Latics rescue on the half hour mark as Ballard raced down the left, and was through on goal and fired a goal-bound shot which Tickle somehow saved with his leg.

James Carragher then drove forward and got in behind the Cambridge defence and fired across a low cross to the back post, but Dale Taylor couldn’t quite make contact at the far post.

The visitors started the second half strongly as James Brophy fired over the crossbar following a corner which fell to him on the edge of the box.

Jonny Smith forced a good low save from Bishop on the counterattack and soon afterwards he found space on the edge of the Cambridge box and cut inside, but his effort curled just wide of the top corner.

Latics got the breakthrough from an unlikely source as Adeeko’s shot from distance was spilled by Bishop and substitute Robinson did well to follow it in and score his first senior goal for the club.

Cambridge pushed for a late equaliser and forced several corners but Latics held firm and denied the visitors any clear-cut chances. 

A nervy game for the fans but a crucial three points for Latics in the fight to stay above the drop zone.

Overview

This was an unconvincing performance by Latics as they tried to come to terms with the surprise departure of Shaun Maloney.

They once again struggled to create much forward momentum and apart from Jonny Smith they struggled to threaten the Cambridge goal.

If it was not for the hosts strong defending and the heroics of keeper Tickle the visitors might’ve taken the three points.

Interim boss Glenn Whelan has done well to shuffle his playing pack and make changes in formation to freshen things up, but you do have to wonder what the Board were thinking going into such an important phase of the season. 

It could so easily have gone so badly wrong against Mansfield and Cambridge but fortunately Latics have emerged relatively unscathed.

However the urgent recruitment of a new manager should now be top priority for the Board as they look to re-establish some stability at the club.

Latics are now 10 points above fourth bottom Burton but with difficult away games against Charlton and Burton upcoming there’s no room for complacency.

League Table

Post match comments

Speaking to media, Interim boss Glenn Whelan paid tribute to the players who showed grit, character, and determination to send their home supporters home happy. 

“The result was the most important thing today rather than the performance,” he said.

“It’s been a tough few weeks with the amount of games, and there’s loads we can improve on but the gut and determination from the lads was really pleasing.

“We got another clean sheet and managed to get the win which is the most pleasing thing. 

“We’ve taken four points from our last two games. At the moment, there’s been a bit of a cloud at home.

“Today it wasn’t about the performance and playing well, it was about giving these fans something to cheer about.

“They stayed in their numbers and we won the game. Hopefully, next time the fans come back home, we can be better again.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Cambridge United, Glenn Whelan, League One, Luke Robinson | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Managerless Latics scrape a point at Mansfield – Mansfield Town 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on March 5, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Will Aimson Wigan Athletic

Will Aimson had one of his best games in Latics’ defence

  • Managerless Wigan Athletic drew 0-0 with Mansfield Town in a very poor quality game at the One Call Stadium.
  • Mansfield had the majority of goalscoring opportunities and should’ve taken the three points but a combination of poor finishing and some desperate Latics defending enabled the visitors to come away with a point.
  • Mansfield went close inside five minutes but Baily Cargill failed to convert at the back post, Aaron Lewis then tested Tickle from distance before Stephen McLaughlin volleyed into the side netting.
  • Ronan Darcy had a couple of efforts on goal for Latics but they both lacked conviction.
  • The Stags upped the pressure in the second half but they couldn’t find the back of the net and in the dying seconds of added time the Stags substitute Ben Waine fired over and somehow Latics hung on for a point.
  • Latics remain in 15th place and the Stags stay in 16th place in the League One table.

Following the departure of Shaun Maloney on Sunday, Interim Manager Glenn Whelan made three changes from Saturday’s defeat against Reading, with James Carragher, Scott Smith, and Dion Rankine returning to the starting line-up in place of Toby Sibbick, Baba Adeeko, and Jonny Smith.

The hosts went close to opening the scoring inside the first five minutes after a corner was nodded on, but Baily Cargill could not convert at the back post.

Latics won a corner of their own a minute later and Jason Kerr volleyed wide from eight yards out.

At the other end Kerr then gave the ball away and Sam Tickle had to come to the rescue saving from Keanu Baccus.

Aaron Lewis then tested Tickle from distance with a volley following a Mansfield corner before Caylan Vickers’ shot was straight at the Latics keeper.

A rare Tics attack allowed Dale Taylor to set up Darcy, but the former Crawley midfielder fired over the crossbar from 20 yards out.

The hosts went closest when Stephen McLaughlin volleyed into the side netting from a great position at the back post following a corner.

The Stags continued to dominate in the second half and forced a succession of corners before Whelan made two changes introducing Jonny Smith and Baba Adeeko for Owen Dale and Dion Rankine.

Darcy had another opportunity for Latics, but his effort lacked conviction and it dribbled past the post.

Latics were desperately hanging on now and a comedy of errors in the Latics box nearly allowed the visitors a breakthrough. Aimson managed to clear a Mansfield effort off the line before Tickle dived on the ball to smother the danger.

Latics forced three successive corners as the game went into the final 10 minutes, but they couldn’t make them count.

As the game approached four minutes of added time, striker Taylor was withdrawn and defender Luke Robinson replaced him as Latics ran down the clock.

Mansfield substitute Waine had a big chance in the dying seconds of added time, but he blazed over from inside the box and somehow Latics had managed to get a point.

Overview

The real reasons for the Board’s decision to sack Shaun Maloney remain something of mystery. Maloney had helped to guide the club out of a major financial crisis and had moved the club towards a sustainable future. He had done this by utilising Academy graduates, loan signings and free transfers.

Some fans have criticised the playing style but Maloney had done a good job with limited resources. The club had also sold two of its best assets Charlie Hughes and Thelo Aasgaard. The squad had also endured a major injury crisis with up to 11 first team players injured at one time. 

Yes results had been inconsistent but recent away draws at Crawley and Wycombe and the home win against play-off chasing Huddersfield had provided some respite. The narrow late defeat against an in-form Reading should not have been regarded as a crisis.

But to the surprise of most of Latics’ fans Maloney was dismissed on Sunday morning. Maloney had put his heart and soul into the club and he really deserved to be treated better than this.

It was a very strange decision and why dismiss him without another manager lined up to replace him. It’s a very risky strategy at this stage of the season with Latics just above the drop zone.  

Tonight’s performance against Mansfield was dismal and it was obvious that the players had been affected by Maloney’s shock departure. Confidence was low and Latics struggled for any cohesion against a team who had not won in 11 games.

Mansfield had 21 shots to Latics four attempts. It was very much one-way traffic for most of the game. Latics defended desperately at times and a better attacking team would’ve put them to the sword. 

Latics are now seven points clear of the bottom four teams but based on this performance they will be constantly looking over their shoulders for the rest of the season.

League Table

Post match comments

Speaking post-game to the media Interim Manager Glenn Whelan praised the team for their work ethic and performance on the night.

“Coming to Mansfield who are fighting for their lives, we knew it would be a tough game,” he said.

“It’s a tough crowd but a point and clean sheet away from home is something to build on in the coming days.

“It’s been difficult but I’m really proud of the lads for what they’ve given us.

“We’ve had 24 hours to get a couple of messages in, and I think we just needed a little bit more confidence in the final third. We defended with bodies on the line and got a clean sheet. They (Mansfield) are desperate for a win and we knew they were going to come for us.

“It’s been a crazy 24-48 hours. It’s difficult because when someone loses their job, it’s never nice but that’s football. I’ve got huge respect for Shaun (Maloney) and he’d be proud of the lads because he’s a Wigan man at heart.

“We have to dust ourselves down and try and get a tune out of the lads. The lads have worked really hard and we need to rest and recover ahead of another tough game. 

“We’ve not picked up enough points at home and we’ll work as hard as we’ve done all season to try and improve.”

Over 200 supporters made the midweek trip to Mansfield Town, and Whelan paid tribute to the members of the Latics faithful who backed the boys on the road.

“They were brilliant. They travel in their numbers and it’s not easy in today’s climate with ticket prices and petrol money. I’d like to thank them because of the reception I got – I wasn’t expecting it.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Glenn Whelan, League One, Mansfield Town, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic, Will Aimson | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics edged out by the Royals – Wigan Athletic 1 Reading 2

Posted on March 2, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Jason Kerr gave Latics the lead
  • Wigan Athletic were narrowly defeated 2-1 by play-off chasing Reading at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Reading had the better of the first half with a Lewis Wing free-kick forcing a good save from Sam Tickle, who later denied Andre Garcia at point-blank range.
  • Harvey Knibbs then went close when his shot took a deflection off Jason Kerr, but only landed on the roof of the net.
  • Tyler Bindin forced another good save from Tickle before Latics’ best opportunity came when Jonny Smith’s goal bound shot was superbly tipped over by Joel Pereira.
  • Latics did take the lead on 59 minutes when Jonny Smith’s corner was headed home by Kerr at the back post.
  • The Royals were soon back in the game and Charlie Savage’s cross was finished by Jayden Wareham on 71 minutes.
  • Latics just couldn’t manage out the game and with five minutes remaining they were unable to clear a corner and Bindon fired into the roof of the net from close range.
  • Latics drop to 15th place and Reading are in ninth place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney named an unchanged starting line-up and bench for the visit of Reading.

The visitors threatened early on when Lewis Wing fired a low drive towards Tickle’s bottom corner but the Latics stopper Tickle tipped it around the post.

Andre Garcia volleyed an effort from point-blank range but Tickle superbly denied him.

The Royals continued to look dangerous and Harvey Knibbs had a shot deflected onto the roof of the net before Tyler Bindon drew another good save from Tickle. 

Ronan Darcy tried his luck from a 35 yard free kick which was too high before Jonny Smith forced Pereira’s first save of the game two minutes before half-time.

Kerr did well to win the ball high up and feed Jonny Smith who cut inside and curled a strike which was destined for the top corner but Pereira did superbly to tip over the crossbar.

Jonny Smith had the first shot on target in the second half, cutting in from the right again, but straight at Pereira.

A Jonny Smith free-kick from the left then so nearly found its way to the feet of Jon Mellish, but the ball deflected off him and behind for a goal kick.

Latics did take the lead on 59 minutes when Jonny Smith’s corner was headed home by Kerr at the back post.

But on 71 minutes the Royals equalised as substitute Jensen Weir failed to clear and Savage found Wareham who finished from close range.

It was now important that Latics should stay composed and manage out the game but Reading went all out for the winner.

The visitors hit the crossbar from a corner with six minutes remaining before Knibbs was denied by Tickle from close range.

Latics looked rattled and from the resulting corner a scramble occurred and Bindon fired into the roof of the net from close range.

A disastrous end to the game for Latics.

Overview

Latics had been the better team against Huddersfield in midweek but they were second best against Reading.

The visitors had looked dangerous throughout the first half and they could easily have been two or three ahead before half-time.

Against the run of play Latics had gone ahead but they were unable to hang on and manage out the remaining 20 minutes of the game.

Overall Noel Hunt’s players had looked more determined, were quicker to the ball and they were composed in possession.

The Royals had enjoyed 56 per cent possession and had 19 shots compared to Latics seven.

Reading deserve praise for this performance and the fact that they are pushing for the playoffs despite all their off-field problems.

The club has been on the verge of extinction for a long time, but this week the club entered a period of exclusivity with a prospective buyer.

It is the fifth time talks over a takeover have reached this stage, but hopefully this time the takeover can go through and the club can have some stability.

Maloney’s men will need to be much improved when they take on Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium on Tuesday night.

League Table

Post match comments 

Speaking post-game to the media, Maloney was honest with his assessment of the game.

“The result is probably fair,” he said.

“I don’t think we deserved anything from the game. We have been so inconsistent this season but I really didn’t like the first half.

“It was miles away from what we wanted, both without and without the ball. I’m really disappointed today – and we got what we deserved.

“I know we’ve been inconsistent – but today, the performance was miles away from what we need.

“Every game is tough. When you come into a game and expect to win, and you’re not willing to put in what you did against Huddersfield, you’re going to get hurt.

“We started slightly better in the second half. At the point we went 1-0 up, we weren’t dominant and there wasn’t much in the game at that point.

“The first half disappointed me. It was really slow, wasn’t aggressive and we were wasteful for the play – which was the complete opposite. That’s on me. I have to try and change that.

“We took a couple of steps forward and we then got hit again. We have to go again. If we show what we showed four days ago, we can beat anyone.

“We’re still in a position where we have first halves like this and I have to solve it. It can’t keep happening.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Jason Kerr, Jayden Wareham, League One | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Latics dent the Terriers promotion hopes – Wigan Athletic 2 Huddersfield Town 1

Posted on February 26, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Owen Dale scored his first goal for Latics
  • Wigan Athletic dented Huddersfield Town’s promotion hopes with an impressive 2-1 victory at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics started on the front foot with Owen Dale’s powerful strike tipped over the crossbar by former keeper Lee Nicholls.
  • The hosts went ahead on 15 minutes when Dale Taylor got on the end of Toby Sibbick’s through ball and rounded Nicholls for his eighth goal of the season.
  • Jonny Smith then produced a low strike which looked destined for the bottom corner but was superbly pushed around the post by Nicholls.
  • The visitors had a rare opportunity when Ben Wiles lifted the ball over Sam Tickle, but Will Aimson cleared off the line.
  • Latics deservedly doubled their lead on 42 minutes when Dale fired home at the far post from Jonny Smith’s right-wing cross.
  • Huddersfield reduced the deficit early in the second half when Dion Charles crossed for Callum Marshall to finish from close range.
  • The visitors huffed and puffed but struggled to create any clear-cut chances and Latics held on for an important victory in their quest to pull away from the bottom teams in the division.
  • Latics move up to 14th and the Terriers remain in fifth place in the League One Table. 

Shaun Maloney made two changes from Saturday’s draw at Wycombe Wanderers, with Baba Adeeko and Jonny Smith coming into the starting line-up in place of Jensen Weir and Joe Hungbo.

Latics started brightly and went close inside 10 minutes as Dale cut inside from the left wing and fired a powerful strike from the edge of the area which Nicholls tipped over the crossbar.

Five minutes later and Latics were ahead as Sibbick found Taylor in behind the Terriers defence and he calmly rounded the Nicholls and tapped the ball into the empty net.

Soon afterwards Jonny Smith cut inside and bent a low strike which looked destined for the corner, only for Nicholls to dive to his right and push the ball around the post.

The Terriers had a rare opportunity as Ben Wiles was in behind the Latics defence, but his lifted effort over Tickle was cleared off the line by Will Aimson.

Latics deservedly doubled their lead two minutes before the break. Dale fired home at the far post from Jonny Smith’s right-wing cross. 

Maloney’s men had produced one of their best first half performances of the season and probably should’ve been more than two ahead at the break.

The home fans were hoping for more of the same in the second half but the Terriers quickly pulled a goal back.

Dion Charles broke free of his marker and crossed for Marshall to finish from close range on 50 minutes.

The visitors were boosted and threatened when Josh Koroma got in down the left and fired wide.

But Latics held firm and were still dangerous on the counter attack as the visitors pushed for a late leveller. 

Substitute Tawanda Chirewa fired wide of Tickles’ top corner.

In added time a cross from the left was met by the head of Ben Wiles, but he could not get his effort on target.

Despite four minutes of added time Latics held out comfortably and moved further away from the relegation zone.

Overview

The was an impressive victory by Maloney’s men against a team currently in the play-off places.

Latics first half performance was one of their best of the season and they probably deserved to be more than two goals ahead at half-time.

Wingers Owen Dale and Jonny Smith were particularly dangerous and caused Huddersfield all sorts of problems. Dale scoring his first goal for the club.

Dale Taylor once again worked tirelessly and thoroughly deserved his eighth goal of the season.

The defence was once again typically solid with Toby Sibbick having one of his best games for the club.

Latics took their foot off the pedal a little in the second half as they tired but they ultimately managed out the game effectively limiting Huddersfield’s chances.

Latics’ January signings have given the team a boost and hopefully the team will continue to progress as they get more players back from injury.

Maloney will want his team to continue their recent improvement in form when they face Reading at the Brick on Saturday.

League Table

Post match comments 

Speaking post-match, Maloney was quick to praise both his players and the Latics supporters.

“It was a big win,” he told the media.

“I’m delighted. Some of our home form has been good, but we haven’t had the results to back it up.

“I’m delighted for the players. The support at the end was amazing – and so was the performance.

“The first half was as good as we’ve played all season, and then we had to show the other side in the second half.

“It was really important to get that win, especially for our home fans. Some of our away performances have been very good, but our home fans haven’t seen us win enough at home.

“I’m delighted for them. They also got to see a performance – the first half was exciting and I’m really proud of how the players played today.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Callum Marshall, Dale Taylor, Huddersfield Town, League One, Owen Dale, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Strong defence earns Latics an important point – Wycombe Wanderers 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on February 23, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Sam Tickle Wigan Athletic

Sam Tickle made a brilliant save to deny Caleb Taylor

  • Wigan Athletic produced a strong defensive performance to hold promotion-chasing Wycombe Wanderers to a 0-0 draw at Adams Park.
  • In a game of few clear-cut chances Latics contained the hosts with an impressive rearguard action.
  • Wycombe had an early chance when Caleb Taylor’s strike looked destined for the top corner but it was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Sam Tickle.
  • In the 90th minute substitute Fred Oneydinma almost won it for Wycombe when he broke free and fired narrowly wide, but Latics held out for an important point.
  • Latics remain in 16th place and Wycombe in second place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney named an unchanged starting line-up from the midweek 1-1 draw at Crawley Town.

The hosts started strongly and a free kick from the left after just two minutes found Caleb Taylor whose effort looked destined for the top corner but it was brilliantly tipped over by Tickle.

A Josh Scowen volley then shaved the top of the crossbar as Latics had to survive some early pressure from the in-form Chairboys.

Latics struggled to build any momentum in the first half but they were solid defensively and were able to frustrate the hosts.

Wycombe’s first attempt of the second half came on 52 minutes as Cameron Humphreys drove a low shot towards goal, which Tickle did well to save with his legs.

Latics briefly threatened when Owen Dale forced a save from Will Norris as they upped their game early in the second half.

Substitute Onyedinma nearly got in behind the Latics defence, but Tickle was quick off his line to block his shot with 15 minutes remaining.

Latics were pushing for a late winner, but were nearly caught on the counter attack in the 90th minute as Onyedinma fired narrowly wide of Tickle’s far post.

An important point gained against strong opposition as Latics look to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.

Overview

This was a hard-fought point for Latics against a side who are pushing for automatic promotion and who are unbeaten in their last 17 league games played on a Saturday.

Latics defended superbly and contained a team who have scored 58 goals, the highest scoring team in the division.

The back four were at their best and limited the hosts to very few chances and when called upon Sam Tickle made one brilliant save.

Captain Jason Kerr and Will Aimson were at their efficient best, Jon Mellish had his best game for Latics so far and the much maligned Toby Sibbick put in a solid display.

After such a good display it was a little disappointing to see that Latics gap to the bottom four had been reduced to only four points but they do have games in hand on most of the teams below them.

Maloney’s men will be hoping to continue the good work when they face promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town who surprisingly lost to Peterborough United, at the Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday night. 

League TableLeague One Table 22 Feb 2025

Post match comments

Speaking post-game to the media, Maloney credited his players for their relentless work off the ball and believed that they showed a different side in terms of their mentality. 

“We had to work hard for that,” he told the media.

“The performance with the ball can definitely be better – but I really enjoyed what we did without the ball.

“I didn’t like the first 10 minutes, but after that, we didn’t give up big chances. Three or four weeks ago, we would’ve lost that game. 

“In a really hard match, I really enjoyed what the players gave. They gave the supporters absolutely everything. 

“The boys were dead on their feet at the end. I get a big satisfaction from watching them defend like that – this team is new together but they’re growing together. 

“In a really good way, I liked how we defended, in a game where we had to defend. We showed a side to us that we probably have seen all season, and I really liked it.

“They (the fans) will definitely be happy with a point, like us. We can definitely play better, but they’ve seen games like that this season where we’ve got beat. We showed a side to us that I haven’t seen in this group. 

“It wasn’t a classic in terms of us with the ball, but we were very good without the ball.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in League One, Sam Tickle, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic, wycombe wanderers | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Latics fail to make their dominance count – Crawley Town 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on February 19, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Dale Taylor Wigan Athletic
Dale Taylor headed Latics ahead
  • Wigan Athletic failed to make their overall dominance count against Crawley Town at the Broadfield Stadium and were held to a 1-1 draw.
  • Latics created numerous goal scoring opportunities but they were unable to hit the net until Dale Taylor headed home on 39 minutes.
  • Against the run of play Crawley equalised with an unstoppable strike from Charlie Barker three minutes later.
  • Latics had the better of the second half, created plenty of opportunities and had two goals ruled out for offside, but they failed to capitalise on their dominance and the points had to be shared.
  • Latics move up to 16th place and Crawley drop to 22nd place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made five changes from the defeat against Stockport County. Will Aimson, Ollie Norburn, Joe Hungbo, Owen Dale and Ronan Darcy came into the starting XI.

Latics started brightly and Dale’s left-sided cross found Hungbo at the far post, but the hosts scrambled the ball away before Taylor could pounce inside the six-yard box.

At the other end Rushian Hepburn-Murphy’s lifted effort was denied by the palm of Sam Tickle. 

Hungbo was causing plenty of problems for the Crawley defence and his low strike on 12 minutes was tipped around the post by Joe Woollacott. 

At the other end Harry Forster tried his luck from the edge of the area and his deflected effort nearly came to Hepburn-Murphy. 

Latics were having the better of it and were forcing numerous corners, and Taylor glanced a header narrowly wide of the target.

The visitors finally went ahead six minutes before the break as the new signings Dale and Darcy combined brilliantly down the left, and Darcy floated an inviting ball to the back post which Taylor headed home.

But out of the blue Crawley equalised three minutes later as Charlie Barker produced an unstoppable strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Tickle then had to be alert to save Kamari Doyle’s curling free-kick on the stroke of half-time. 

Latics had 14 attempts at goal and forced nine corners in the first half but they were only level at the break.

Early in the second half Latics again went close as Taylor’s hanging header hit the foot of the post from Aimson’s deep cross.

Latics were controlling possession and putting pressure on the Crawley defence but they were unable to make their dominance count.

The hosts went close on 57 minutes when a deep cross from the right found Forster who headed wide of the near post.

Taylor then thought he had found his second goal on the hour mark, but he was given offside as he tapped home Toby Sibbick’s low shot.

Jonny Smith replaced Hungbo on 65 minutes and soon afterwards Darcy’s shot was deflected for another Latics corner.

Doyle then drove forward on the counter attack, but Tickle saved low down on 71 minutes.

Substitute Jonny Smith was posing plenty of problems and he had a deflected effort just wide of the target. Soon afterwards he cut inside and curled a typical Jonny Smith effort narrowly wide of the far post on 80 minutes.

Latics were pressing hard for the winner and Taylor had another goal ruled out for offside in added time as he diverted Substitute Callum McManaman’s shot into the net.

Jon Mellish’s dangerous low cross was then cleared away at the near post for yet another corner and Latics had to settle for a point.

Overview

This was an improved performance by Maloney’s team but they couldn’t make their dominance count. Latics showed good attacking intent, but goal scoring has been a problem all season and it was particularly evident against Crawley.

Latics had 27 shots and forced 17 corners but they were unable to capitalise apart from one of those chances with Dale Taylor scoring his seventh goal of the season.

The club now only have one recognised striker in Taylor, now that loan signing Will Goodwin has been injured in training and will be unavailable until at least April.

The decision to allow Josh Stones to leave and the lack of the recruitment of another striker is proving to be a big mistake. Operating with only two loan strikers was always a risky strategy.

The club’s previous financial difficulties are well known and the club has to be more sustainable, but the failure to recruit an established striker is damaging the club’s progress.

Post match comments

Speaking post-game, Maloney came away satisfied with his team’s overall performance on the night and was naturally disappointed for the players and supporters that their efforts weren’t rewarded with a victory.

“We were good tonight, and played well,” he told the media.

“We played well as we did against Fulham in that second half. Crawley are very good at keeping possession but we were good with the ball and at the same levels without it. We should’ve won that game.

“There is nothing negative to say about the players. Their goal was a brilliant moment, but apart from that, Sam Tickle had little to do. I’m very disappointed that we didn’t win. We just didn’t do quite enough to score that second goal and win.

“I’m glad the performance was the way it was. I know we’ve drawn the game, and I know our fans would’ve wanted to win that.

“This is a difficult journey for them, and we had really good support tonight. The away support and the support I get in particular is very good, and I appreciate it. I hope they saw a good performance – we need to find consistency to perform like that at home.

“I know where we are at this moment, and games like today give us hope.”

Player ratings

Posted in Charlie Barker, Crawley Town, Dale Taylor, League One, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Latics continue to struggle at home – Wigan Athletic 0 Stockport County 2

Posted on February 16, 2025 by ianhaspinall
Shaun Maloney
Shaun Maloney looking for answers
  • Wigan Athletic’s poor home form continued as they lost 2-0 to promotion-chasing Stockport County at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • Latics had showed some early promise with Jonny Smith going close. County responded and Sam Tickle had to make a big save to deny Ethan Pye.
  • James Carragher then forced an important save from Ben Hinchliffe. At the other end Tickle had to make another brilliant save at close range to deny former Latic Callum Connolly.
  • Latics should’ve have gone in front on 75 minutes when substitute Joseph Hungbo played in fellow substitute Ronan Darcy, but County’s substitute goalkeeper Corey Addai did superbly to save with his leg.
  • On 79 minutes the visitors broke the deadlock as substitute Callum Camps’ cross was finished by substitute Lewis Bate before Will Collar sealed the three points from another Camps’ left-wing cross.
  • Latics drop to 18th place and County are in fourth place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made one change from last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Fulham, with Jon Mellish coming in for Luke Robinson at left-back.

The visitors had a very early chance when Iboi Touray tried his luck from distance. Tickle did well to react and he got a firm hand to the ball and Jason Kerr put the ball behind for a corner.

Latics then had a big chance as Mellish crossed and the ball reached Jensen Weir, but he blazed his effort wide of the target.

Jonny Smith then produced one of his typical strikes cutting inside from the right and firing a low shot which Hinchcliffe did well to tip round for a corner.

Tickle then had to come to Latics rescue saving well from Ethan Pye from close range following a free-kick.

Carragher then tested Hinchliffe with a volley from the edge of the box which the Stockport keeper saved with his legs. 

Soon afterwards Hinchcliffe had to withdrawn due to an injury and replaced by Addai. 

Latics threatened at the start of the second half as Dale Taylor saw his strike well saved by Addai.

At the other end Tickle did brilliantly to deny Connolly at close range.

Joseph Hungbo and Owen Dale replaced Jonny Smith and Asamoah Junior on 58 minutes.

Hungbo was soon causing plenty of problems for Stockport down their left side.

On 75 minutes Latics should’ve broken the deadlock when Hungbo played in Darcy, but Addai got a vital leg to his effort to divert the ball wide.

Soon afterwards the visitors were ahead as Camps’ cross from the left was met by Bate inside the box and he finished low past Tickle.

Just three minutes later County made it two and sealed the points as Camps crossed again this time for Collar to fire home at the far post.

Kerr thought he had pulled a goal back in the 90th minute but Addai once again denied Latics with a superb diving save.

Another frustrating home defeat for Latics who have only won four league games at the Brick Community Stadium all season.

Overview

Shaun Maloney may regret his starting lineup as Latics failed to capitalise on the attacking momentum they had built up in the second half against Fulham.

Latics had been impressive against Premier League opposition with Owen Dale and Ronan Darcy predominant but the new signings only started on the bench against County. 

An opportunity to take the game to County in the first half was wasted as Latics once again looked tentative.

Latics did improve in the second half and overall they had matched promotion-chasing County but the difference was that in the vital moments County took their chances and Latics didn’t.

Hinchcliffe and substitute goalkeeper Addai made some important saves but Latics just have to be more clinical in the final third. 

Maloney has had to contend with a lot of injuries this season and the churn of players has not helped the cause, but Latics have to improve in both boxes or they will be dragged into a relegation battle.

Tuesday night’s trip to fourth bottom Crawley now looks like a six-pointer with Latics looking over their shoulders.

League One Table

Post match comments

Speaking post-game to the media Maloney spoke about the importance of improving their effectiveness in both boxes. 

“We had a massive chance at 0-0, and we had to take it,” he said.

“That was the difference in terms of the momentum of the game. We didn’t get our pressure right in the first half, and the second half was much better.

“The difference today was they were efficient with how they attacked our box, and we were the opposite. We had big chances, and we didn’t take them.

“Looking at ourselves, we have to defend their box better. As soon as we get the pressure right higher up, we have to defend our box better – that’s the reason we got beat today.

“For large parts of this game, the performance was good, but it’s the most critical areas that are costing us. 

“I’ve said this many times –  we’re creating many chances but not taking them. That’s been the story of our season.

“From a coaching point of view, there has to be a trust in the players that they will eventually take their chances, and create a squad that’s ruthless enough.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in League One, Lewis Bate, Shaun Maloney, Stockport County, Wigan Athletic, Will Collar | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Review – States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football by Miguel Delaney

Posted on February 13, 2025 by ianhaspinall

States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football by Miguel Delaney cover

The Independent’s Chief Football writer Miguel Delaney has produced a forensic investigation into sportswashing and how it has damaged the beautiful game.

Delaney journeys from Abu Dhabi to Newcastle and onto London, Paris, Moscow and New York to investigate the allegations of sportswashing and misconduct in football. He explains how football has been taken over by the world’s wealthiest businessmen, state-backed corporations, media tycoons and oil-rich oligarchs.

He provides details of Neymar’s £198m transfer to Paris Saint Germain and Abu Dhabi’s construction empire in Manchester to failed Financial Fair Play constraints and the dawn of the European Super League.

In an exhaustive account of corruption, he summarises the current state of the game.

“Abu Dhabi’s Manchester City have won more trophies and games across seven years than any other English team in history; Qatar’s Paris Saint Germain have rendered the French league a joke and the global party of the World Cup has been held in countries where minorities fear to go, and migrant workers have been abused in its staging. The sport’s economy has meanwhile been upended with state influence in every corner, and capitalist enterprises picking off everything in between.”

Delaney identifies that it is difficult to have too many rational thoughts about human rights amid the profound emotion of sporting victory. This is perhaps why so many negative things have been allowed to happen in football. 

Every metric shows the sport across Europe is more predictable than 30, 20 and even 10 years ago. Somehow, a world where the vast majority of teams can’t compete has been normalised.

The essence of football is community, and yet cynical interests have sought to commodify the football experience. Delaney is rightly critical of how the football authorities such as FIFA, UEFA and the Premier League have allowed this to happen.

Delaney believes the current legal case by the Premier League against Manchester City for breaking more than 100 of its financial rules could provide an existential moment for football.

“If City are found guilty, it will alter the perception of an entire decade of the Premier League. The entire face of the competition would similarly be transformed if City were to be expelled. If City are found not guilty, however, other clubs may revolt. That might even happen if any punishment from a guilty verdict is deemed weak. The strength of feeling is that high, the pressure that intense.”

Delaney’s book has provided a damning account of the state of football and suggests that the game is at a point of crisis. Football has a very uncertain future, but he believes there is still hope that instead of sportswashing, the game can be cleansed.

He ends on a note of optimism and says we must look to the way Women’s football is being developed.

States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football by Miguel Delaney. Published by Seven Dials. Price £22.00.

This review first appeared in the March/April 2025 edition of Late Tackle.

 

Posted in Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Miguel Delaney, Sportswashing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment