Wigan Athletic’s title hopes received a setback as they lost 3-1 at relegation threatened Doncaster Rovers.
Latics 20-game unbeaten run came to end with a below par performance at the Keepmoat.
Will Grigg scored his 24th goal of the season to give the Latics a half time lead but they never got into their stride and Rovers scored three in the second period.
Rovers equalised on 50 minutes through a Andy Butler header and the centre back gave them the lead four minutes later with another header.
There were plenty of chances created and missed at both ends before Rovers sealed the three points with two minutes remaining. Gary McSheffrey broke free and was tripped in the penalty area by David Perkins.
The Latics midfielder was given a straight red card and Andy Williams converted the spot kick to give Rovers a surprise first win in 18 games.
Latics remain three points clear at the top of the table but Tuesday’s fixture at Burton Albion now has greater significance with both teams battling for the title.
It’s been a great team effort this season. Many players have made major contributions to the cause: Jason Pearce, Michael Jacobs, Max Power and latterly Stephen Warnock and Conor McAleny have all been impressive but five players have really stood out for me.
My top five players of the season in reverse order are:
5. Yanic Wildschut – The Flying Dutchman was the catalyst for Wigan’s surge up the table. The early season form had been inconsistent but when Yanic came on-loan from Middlesbrough the team gained a powerful attacking force which opponents were unable to contain.
His wonder strike from 25 yards at Crewe in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy set the tone. He soon became a fans’ favourite and his permanent signing in January gave the club a further boost.
He has now scored seven goals including a magnificent winner at Walsall and has won the Man of the Match award on numerous occasions.
4. Craig Morgan – The captain came highly recommended from Championship side Rotherham and his defensive performances gave the team stability and composure when under pressure.
He is comfortable on the ball and an excellent passer. His assuredness and organisational skills mean he is rarely flustered and this helped to galvanise a disparate new set of players into an effective team.
He chipped in with two crucial goals. A superb low strike from the edge of the area to equalise in the 90th minute at Bury and a 96th minute bullet header to cap an amazing comeback against promotion rivals Gillingham.
3. Jussi Jaaskelainen – The experienced 41-year-old keeper was only signed as a back up to Richard O’Donnell, but when he came into the team he immediately added much needed composure to the defence.
It is no coincidence that the team’s rise up the table commenced when the former Finnish international took over in goal.
His shot stopping skills have been exemplary with many standout displays, most noticeably at Millwall when he denied the Lions’ strikers almost singlehandedly at times. He now has 17 clean sheets to his name and there are likely to be more before the end of the season.
2. Will Grigg – Latics have lacked a 20 goal striker for many seasons but Grigg has delivered these and more. Grigg has already eclipsed the 22 goals he scored in all competitions for MK Dons last season.
He has scored 15 goals in his last 16 games and is reaching peak form. He should add plenty more to his tally in the remaining five games of the campaign and is capable of pipping Nicky Ajose to the League One Golden Boot.
He is also on the verge of a remarkable treble by making it three promotions in the last three seasons to the Championship. He was promoted with Brentford in 2014, then with MK Dons in 2015.
1. David Perkins – ‘Mr. Consistency’ – Who’d have thought that the free transfer from relegated Blackpool would have had such a positive impact on the season? Well Graham Barrow and Gary Caldwell obviously did and what a revelation the diminutive midfielder has been.
The tenacious terrier wins the ball consistently, runs miles for the cause and keeps the play moving. He has formed a great partnership with Max Power and latterly with Sam Morsy.
The 33-year-old has played 44 games so far this season and he’s still going strong. If he achieves promotion, it will be his first promotion as a player, and if he wins the Latics Player of the Season award it will be a thoroughly deserved double.
This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 15th April 2016.
THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED. Congratulations to the competition winner Anne Foster.
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Let’s Hang On and Art of Football have come together to offer all Latics supporters a fantastic opportunity to win a unique Art of Football print or T shirt.
The Art of Football only produce a limited number of each design, so your prints and T shirts, like any good piece of art, are exclusive and completely original.
We are giving away a £25 gift voucher to spend at Art of Football. To enter simply answer the following question and email the answer with your name and address to: artoffootball1@gmail.com
‘Which team did manager Gary Caldwell play for before joining Wigan Athletic?’
It’s that Simple. The competition closes on 30th April 2016 and the winner will be announced soon after. The winner will receive an email from Art of Football to confirm your requirements.
Will Grigg’s on fire and your defence is terrified!
Latics produced another dominant performance as they overcame Coventry City 1-0 and moved four points clear at the top of the table.
Will Grigg’s 23rd goal of the season confirmed Wigan’s victory but it should surely have been many more as they were the better team throughout. Grigg had a penalty saved by Reece Charles-Cook and on another day he could easily have had a hat-trick.
Latics are now unbeaten in 20 games and have the best record in the Football League.
With five games remaining it now seems only a matter of time before their promotion is confirmed and the League One title is secured.
Latics made just the one change from last week’s 5-1 victory at Shrewsbury with Leon Barnett replacing Reece Wabara.
Latics started brightly but the Sky Blues were sitting deep and making it difficult for the home team to create clear-cut opportunities.
Coventry did manage an effort on target on 24 minutes when John Fleck drew a smart save from Jussi Jaaskelainen low down to his left.
Grigg had a chance after 25 minutes when he got on the end of Stephen Warnock’s pass but Gael Bigirimana blocked his goal-bound effort.
But Wigan soon upped the pressure with a series of attacks.
Wildschut was brought down on the edge of the box, but Conor McAleny’s free kick was unable to beat the wall.
McAleny then had his powerful drive blocked, before he provided a deep cross from the left which was headed just wide by Barnett.
McAleny was always in the thick of the action and he had another effort from the edge of the box saved by Reece Charles-Cook.
Latics were disappointed to go into the interval level, but it looked inevitable that they would get the breakthrough in the second half.
Grigg almost made that breakthrough early in the half when he looked certain to head home but Jack Stephens somehow stole the ball from the striker’s head.
McAleny volleyed just wide on 52 minutes, but then Latics did manage to get that vital goal four minutes later.
It was a great team goal which exemplified the players slick passing and movement.
Barnett found Power on the edge of the area who let the ball run between his legs and out to the left, where Warnock produced a perfect low cross and the prolific Grigg smashed it home at the near post.
Latics should have doubled their lead on 64 minutes when McAleny is brought down by John Fleck in the area. Grigg stepped up to take the penalty but his spot kick was well saved by Charles-Cook low down to his left.
Latics introduced Wabara in place of McAleny as a precautionary measure. But Latics remained on top with the Sky Blues offering very little in an attacking sense.
Stephen Warnock was having an exceptional game at full back and his low cross nearly found Grigg again but for Aaron Martin cut out the danger at the last moment.
Michael Jacobs replaced Wildschut on 79 minutes and he almost immediately got on the score sheet.
He found himself in plenty of space but his shot was blocked and although the rebound fell to Grigg the follow up shot was also blocked.
Latics couldn’t quite manage to add to their lead but the three points were eventually secured and with news that both Burton and Walsall had lost the Latics fans were in celebratory mood.
Will Grigg grabbed a brace and is on 22 goals for the season
Wigan Athletic eased to the top of the League One table with an emphatic 5-1 victory at Shrewsbury Town.
A mistake by Reece Wabara allowed Sullay Kaikai to give the Shrews a surprise lead on 28 minutes, but Latics quickly got back on level terms through Conor McAleny’s superb 20-yard volley.
After the interval Yanic Wildschut fired home after McAleny’s shot came back off the post and they quickly added a third when Jason Pearce headed home Max Power’s corner.
On 66 minutes Shrewsbury’s Zak Whitbread was sent off for a foul on Will Grigg who converted the resulting penalty. He then finished off a splendid day for Latics by adding a fifth in the 90th minute when he side footed Power’s cross into the net.
Latics are now one point clear of Burton, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Bury. Third placed Walsall lost 2-0 at Sheffield United and are now nine points behind leaders Wigan.
Gary Caldwell made two changes to the team which defeated Rochdale with Conor McAleny and Donervon Daniels replacing Ryan Colclough and the injured Craig Morgan.
After a scrappy opening period in which neither team created many clear cut opportunities it was Shrewsbury who went ahead in bizarre fashion.
Shaun Whalley’s corner was sliced horribly by Reece Wabara forcing Jussi Jasskelainen to save only for Sulley Kaikai to force the ball over the line from close range.
But it was not long before Latics were level on 33 minutes. McAleny had already had several attempts on goal before he unleashed a superb volley from 20 yards which flew past Mark Halstead in the Shrews goal.
The teams went into the interval on level terms with little indication of the second half Latics onslaught to come.
The home team started the second half briskly and were pressing Latics back for the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
But Latics struck on 57 minutes when McAleny’s low drive from just inside the area came back off the post to Wildschut who smashed the ball home via a defender and despite the best efforts of Whitbread on the line.
Four minutes later Latics increased their lead as Max Power’s corner was headed home powerfully by Jason Pearce.
It was soon four as Will Grigg was brought down by Whitbread after a penetrating run into the centre of the penalty area. Whitbread was given a red card and Grigg despatched the penalty high into the Shrews net.
Latics players were in dreamland and with news that both Burton and Walsall were losing the fans were ecstatic. Burton did later manage an equaliser at Bury but it did not dampen the fans humour as Latics still moved to the top of the table. Will Grigg added a 90th minute goal to make it a high five and the team now look unstoppable in their pursuit of the title.
Gary Caldwell has got his sights on the League One title
At the beginning of the season many fans, my self included, doubted that Latics could make a quick return to the Championship. The relegation season had been a disaster both on and off the pitch and we had the youngest chairman in the Football League and an untried manager in charge.
But the club has undergone a massive transformation and we now sit just one point behind league leader’s Burton Albion. Promotion is within our grasp and the league title a realistic proposition.
Gary Caldwell has always shown great self-belief that he would be successful and the target for him has always been the league title. In one of his early media interviews he bravely said that having seen every team in the league, he thought Latics should win it.
Not only is the club looking a good bet for promotion, but they are also playing good football. Caldwell has built a team, which thrives on possession, builds from the back and plays the ball on the ground.
Caldwell always prepares very well and researches the opposition, but the main priority has always been to get his own players performing at their best.
The manager has always said they would take one game at a time and yet there has always been a long-term strategy to get Latics promoted.
Player recruitment has been excellent with some expected successes in captain Craig Morgan, goalscorer Will Grigg and creative midfielder Michael Jacobs.
But also some players who could have been seen as a risk have made a big impact, in particular, midfielders David Perkins and Max Power signed from relegated clubs Blackpool and Tranmere.
Caldwell has continued to add greater quality as the season has gone on with the recruitment of winger Yanic Wildschut, striker Ryan Colclough and midfielder Sam Morsy.
Caldwell has also made great use of the loan system by bringing in Everton striker Conor McAleny and the experienced defender Stephen Warnock from Derby County.
As well as building a team strong on ability for League One, the manager has always stressed the need for belief and desire, and his team seem to have it in abundance.
The Easter fixtures showed Latics winning in some style 4-1 at Swindon Town on Good Friday, but also grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over an in-form and stubborn Rochdale team on Easter Monday.
Latics have come back from losing positions on numerous occasions this season. The team’s resilience was demonstrated at Colchester, when Will Grigg produced a 90th minute equaliser after two long distance strikes and a dubious penalty had threatened to end the unbeaten run.
Against Rochdale, Latics’ determination to succeed was typified by vice-captain Jason Pearce’s superb blocked tackle early in the first half, which denied Rochdale a great goalscoring opportunity.
Caldwell has created a group of players with a winning mentality. Latics are now unbeaten in 18 games and with 7 games to go they could well remain unbeaten until the end of the season. With the other teams at the top now feeling the pressure, Caldwell’s belief that Latics will win the league title is likely to come to fruition.
This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 1st April 2016.
Everton loanee Conor McAleny grabbed the winner for Latics
Second placed Wigan increased the pressure on leaders Burton with a 1-0 victory over in-form Rochdale at the DW Stadium.
Burton lost their fixture 2-0 at Millwall and the gap between the Brewers and Latics is now only one point with seven games remaining.
Wigan extended their unbeaten run to 18 games and are looking a good bet for the title after they overcame a hard working 10-man Rochdale.
Substitute Conor McAleny grabbed the vital goal after Yanic Wildschut’s initial shot had come off the crossbar, but Latics should have won by many more after creating chances throughout.
Dale were reduced to 10 men after 33 minutes when Ian Henderson retaliated after a foul by Jason Pearce.
Gary Caldwell made two changes to the team which won 4-1 at Swindon Town on Good Friday, with Jason Pearce and Ryan Colclough replacing Donervon Daniels and Chris McCann.
Latics started confidently with Wildschut posing a major threat down the left hand side.
The first chance of the game fell to the Dutch winger when he met Reece Wabara’s cross with a low drive and the ball appeared to hit a defender’s hand, but referee Mark Brown waved away Latics’ players appeals for a penalty.
The visitors responded with Nathanial Mendez-Laing breaking forward, but returning defender Jason Pearce produced a superb block to deny the winger’s effort on goal.
The game turned in Wigan’s favour on 33 minutes, when Ian Henderson was dismissed for kicking Jason Pearce after the defender had fouled Henderson by the half way line. The fourth official was consulted by the referee before the red card was issued. Pearce was yellow carded for the initial foul.
Latics started to make the extra man count and Wildschut once gain threatened and had another appeal for a penalty turned down when his shot was blocked by a hand in the area.
Will Grigg nearly got on the end of an excellent cross from David Perkins but the scores stayed level at the interval.
Gary Caldwell replaced the out of sorts Ryan Colclough with Conor McAleny at half time. The Everton loanee was soon in the thick of the action and creating opportunities.
Dale were defending in depth and had seemingly dispensed with any attacking inclinations as they sought to secure a point.
On 55 minutes Gary Caldwell decided to go for all out attack and forward Haris Vuckic replaced defender Jason Pearce.
Latics were dominating possession and now camped in the Dale half of the pitch.
McAleny was now Latics’ most vibrant attacker and created several good opportunities before getting the vital winner on 67 minutes.
Wildschut moved into the area and unleashed a shot against the crossbar. The ball fell free in the area, with Vuckic and Grigg both having attempts to get the ball, before McAleny was able to force the ball home from close range.
There was great relief around the home stands as Wigan went ahead, but Rochdale didn’t give up easily and made three attacking substitutions to try and rescue a point. Vincenti, Bunney and the returning Grant Holt joining the fray to mixed responses from the home crowd.
Holt and Vincenti did manage a couple of half chances, but Latics held firm to take all three points and move another step nearer to promotion.
Wigan Athletic made a big statement of intent to their promotion rivals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Swindon Town at the County Ground.
Will Grigg put Wigan ahead with a cool finish on 15 minutes after good work by Chris McCann and they should have been further ahead at the interval after missing several good chances.
But Swindon were blown away in four and half second half minutes as Latics raced to a 4-0 lead, with Max Power’s unstoppable 25-yard strike, Grigg’s deflected shot and Sam Morsy’s excellent low drive.
Nicky Ajose managed a consolation for Swindon late on, and they had Nathan Thompson dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Chris McCann.
Wigan extend their unbeaten run to 17 games, move to within three points of leaders Burton, and now have a much superior goal difference than all their rivals.
Gary Caldwell made one change to his starting eleven from the victory over Bradford City with Chris McCann returning from suspension to replace Ryan Colclough.
Latics started on the front foot and quickly pushed Swindon back into their own half.
Max Power’s 30 yard free kick tested Tyrell Belford’s nerves and the young reserve keeper did well to tip the ball over the crossbar.
The Robins responded with a marauding run by Nathan Thompson, who fired just wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s upright.
But Latics went ahead on 15 minutes after good work by McCann. The returning midfielder whipped in an inviting cross for striker Grigg who made no mistake with a cool finish.
Soon afterwards McCann provided another inviting cross but this time Grigg was unable to make the vital contact with his head.
Latics were dominating possession and keeping Swindon pinned in their own half for long periods.
The only problem in the first half was the rather inconsistent refereeing of Andy Davies. The match official failed to penalise the home team for some persistent fouls but somehow managed to book Max Power for a minor offence.
Just before the interval it looked as though Latics would increase their lead, but Power’s dipping free kick somehow evaded both Grigg and Craig Morgan at the back post and Swindon escaped.
Latics started the second half in lightening fashion and when the home team failed to clear their lines Max Power produced an unstoppable 25 yard strike which doubled their lead.
Almost immediately Grigg made it three with a deflected shot which flew into the far corner of the Robins net.
Swindon were shellshocked and it was game over one minute later when Sam Morsy found space 25 yards out and hit a superb low drive which flew into the corner of Belford’s net.
Wigan were totally dominant and the home team should have suffered more ignominy but for some poor finishing and last ditch defending.
Man of the match David Perkins fired wide from 12 yards out, McCann headed over from Power’s corner, and Grigg when clean through fired wide with the goal at his mercy.
Swindon were struggling to keep Latics at bay and Wildschut had three good chances to increase the lead.
But Latics took their foot-off-the-pedal and substitutions allowed Swindon some relief. Power, Wildschut and Grigg were replaced by Tim Chow, Craig Davies and Haris Vuckic,
Perhaps inevitably Latics became a little complacent, and after Latics lost possession Ajose got an opportunity, and the League One leading goal scorer beat Jaaskelainen with 11 minutes remaining.
Thompson was dismissed for a poor challenge on McCann on 86 minutes, but the points had already been decided at the beginning of the second half.
Latics had demonstrated their promotion credentials with another important victory. Three points against Rochdale on Easter Monday and they will increase the pressure on leaders Burton and the chasing pack.
Stephen Warnock has made an impressive start. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic.
New loan signing Stephen Warnock has made a big impact in his first two games for Latics against Colchester United and Bradford City. Warnock made an impressive debut at Colchester and went on to produce a man-of-the-match performance in the 1-0 victory over one of his former clubs Bradford at the DW Stadium.
The former Liverpool and England international defender has been signed on loan from Derby County, and his quality and experience could be a crucial factor in the remaining nine games of the season.
Latics already have some experienced players in defence with Jussi Jaaskelainen, Craig Morgan and Jason Pearce but the addition of Warnock could help them to get over the finishing line to promotion.
Warnock is not only a mentally strong and resolute defender who is cool under pressure, but his distribution is excellent and he is capable of making a killer pass.
Gary Caldwell knew Warnock from his early days as a Youth team player at Liverpool and it could prove a masterstroke to bring in the 34-year-old Warnock to fill the gap caused by Reece James’ injury and Chris McCann’s suspension.
Caldwell spotted Warnock was available after a change in manager meant that he lost his regular place in the Derby team.
Warnock could have gone to another Championship club but he was excited about the prospect of signing for a promotion-chasing team and the Ormskirk born defender jumped at the opportunity to join Latics.
Warnock is vastly experienced and has made 376 league appearances and just under half of these have been in the Premier League. If he continues his good form there is no reason why the move couldn’t become permanent – particularly if Latics are in the Championship.
Latics have shown great ambition by bringing in a player of such quality at this stage in the season. Warnock’s addition has given the club a huge boost, which will help them in the final push for promotion
There are two difficult games over the Easter period against form teams Swindon Town away and Rochdale at home. Both teams have only lost one of their last eight games and both teams will be looking to cause an upset. Rochdale have an outside chance of the play-offs and Swindon will be looking to move into the top half of the table.
Caldwell is likely to make full use of his squad with two games in four days and will be boosted by the return of Chris McCann from suspension and hopefully Jason Pearce and Conor McAleny will be available after injury.
This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 25th March 2016.
Haris Vuckic got Latics back on track. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic
After three consecutive draws Wigan got back to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 victory over promotion rivals Bradford.
Yanic Wildschut went closest for Latics in the first half when his 25 yard effort smashed against the post.
Billy Clarke fluffed a chance for the Bantams when he failed to make contact with Jamie Proctor’s cross after the interval.
But just when it looked like the game would end in stalemate substitute Haris Vuckic produced a cool finish from a tight angle to secure an important three points for Latics.
Wigan extend their unbeaten run to 16 games and remain second in the table, six points behind leaders Burton and ahead of third placed Walsall on goal difference. Bradford slip down to seventh in the table.
Bradford had the first chance of the game after two minutes, when Kyel Reid tested Jussi Jaaskelainen with a low effort.
Latics responded and Yanic Wildschut nearly put Latics ahead when his low drive smashed against the post.
The Flying Dutchman picked the ball up on the left hand side and cut inside before unleashing a 25 yard drive, which beat Ben Williams but rattled against the left hand post.
The game was developing into a physical contest with both teams making some robust challenges.
Latics were edging the possession and creating the better chances. Ryan Colclough went close when he cut inside from the right and hit a low effort which was saved by Williams.
The teams went into the interval level but the Bantams started well at the beginning of the second half.
They had a great chance when Proctor crossed for Clarke, but the striker failed to connect properly from six yards out and the opportunity went begging.
Latics were now dominating possession but failing to create many clear cut opportunities as Bradford were proving difficult to break down.
The game looked to be heading towards a stalemate, but Latics showed their character and determination to get the winner with ten minutes remaining.
Substitute Haris Vuckic was played through by fellow substitute Craig Davies, and the Slovenian forward ran past keeper Williams to produce a very cool finish from a tight angle.
Bradford made a triple substitution bringing on Mark Marshall, Wes Thomas and James Hanson in an attempt get back into the game, but despite a couple of nervous moments, the Latics defence held firm for an important victory.
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