12th Man – No slip-ups allowed

Posted on February 26, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Gary Caldwell

Gary Caldwell focused on promotion

Latics produced another breathtaking away victory at Walsall and sent a strong message to their promotion rivals that they are gunning for the League One title.

After Burton Albion’s midweek defeat to Southend United, Latics are now only four points behind the league leaders with 14 games and 42 points still to play for.

Gary Caldwell’s team has made a remarkable surge up the table following an inconsistent start to the season. The manager and his recruitment team have made some excellent signings during the campaign and the squad now has greater quality in depth.

But tomorrow’s opponents Bury provide a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong, if the mindset is not right.

Latics were thrashed 4-0 in the FA Cup first round tie at Gigg Lane. Caldwell told the media at the time that it was the lowest point he’d had as a manager. He said:

“I’m embarrassed and I apologise to the fans. I’d have made 11 changes at HT and 3 more in the second half if I could.”

Latics had started well, but after a mistake by keeper Richard O’Donnell gifted the Shakers the lead, the performance went rapidly downhill and they were 3-0 down by half time.

Former Latics loanee Leon Clarke rubbed salt in the wound by adding a fourth in the second half.

Latics will be seeking revenge for that drubbing in the FA Cup and Caldwell and his coaching staff will be ramming home the message to the players that they must maintain their high standards if they are to achieve top spot.

Following the Bury game, Latics will have one of their most difficult fixtures of the season when they face fifth placed Millwall at the New Den on Tuesday night.

It is a notoriously difficult place to play with an intimidating crowd so Latics will have to be at their best to get a good result.

Last season both clubs were relegated from the Championship and the equivalent fixture was a bad-tempered encounter.

Millwall set out with a game plan to intimidate Latics with some tough tackling and off the ball aggravation and the strategy paid dividends in the second half as Martyn Waghorn was sent off for retaliation and then Jason Pearce and Ed Upson were both dismissed for an altercation as the game descended into chaos.

Caldwell will want to ensure there are no slip-ups this time around and the team’s focus must not waiver, whatever the intimidation, if they are to get the results required.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 26th February 2016.

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Wigan move on up – Walsall 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on February 21, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Yanic Wildschut Wigan Athletic

Yanic Wildschut scored a 91st minute winner. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Latics moved into second spot in the table with Yanic Wildschut’s 91st minute winner at Walsall and leapfrogged Walsall and Gillingham in the race for promotion.

Wigan took the lead in the first half with a 30 yard screamer by Everton loanee Conor McAleny, but they were pegged back by Sam Mantom’s long range strike on 68 minutes.

With both sides going for the winner it was substitute Wildschut who scored a stunning individual goal to give Wigan a massively important three points.

Gary Caldwell made two changes to the team which drew with Oldham Athletic with Sam Morsy returning in place of Reece Wabara and Ryan Colclough making his full debut in place of Wildschut.

In a fiercely competitive opening both teams battled to take control of the game, but it was Latics who created the better chances in the first half.

David Perkins produced a teasing cross from the left hand side but former Walsall striker Will Grigg was unable to make the vital connection.

Ryan Colclough then showed a good turn of pace and and went past two defenders before hitting a low drive which beat Neil Etheridge but ended in the side netting.

In the 39th minute Latics were ahead. McAleny picked up a pass from Morsy and unleashed an unstoppable effort from 30 yards which flew straight past Etheridge and into the Walsall net.

Latics might have increased their lead before the interval when Donervon Daniels’s excellent low cross evaded everyone including Grigg and Chris McCann. Grigg produced a shot from 25 yards which Etheridge did well to push away to safety.

Colclough was then brought down on the edge of the box, and McAleny’s dipping free-kick went just inches over the crossbar.

Latics had deserved their lead and probably should have been further ahead at the interval.

The home side responded at the beginning of the second half with Jason Demetriou’s shot from inside the box well blocked by Morsy, then Milan Lalkovic blasted over.

But Latics should have gone further ahead when they created a series of chances. In the 53rd minute Grigg hit the side netting from close range after good work by Colclough.

McAleny shot over the crossbar from a great position after Grigg had set him up on the edge of the box. Then Grigg once again hit the side netting after looking odds on to finish when Daniels found him free in the box.

But against the run of play Walsall equalised in the 68th minute. Demetriou’s free-kick rebounded off the Wigan defensive wall to Sam Mantom, and the midfielder volleyed the ball into the top corner of the Wigan net from 30 yards out.

Walsall were boosted by the unexpected equaliser and they would have gone ahead if it was not for some top class saves from Jussi Jaaskelainenen.

Milan Lalkovic broke free and hit a low effort which the Latics keeper pushed away with his legs, but Lalkovic retrieved the rebound and fired a stinging effort from close range which Jaaskelainenen did extremely well to push into the air and eventually over the crossbar.

Latics needed to find a response and Gary Caldwell made attacking substitutions first with Wildschut replacing Colclough and then later with Craig Davies replacing Conor McAleny.

Grigg might have made the breakthrough on 75 minutes when he evaded the challenges of two Walsall defenders but he scuffed his shot and the ball went wide of the far post.

It was end to end stuff now and Jaaskelainen tipped Anthony Forde’s shot over the bar just as it was heading for the top corner.

With 91 minutes on the clock Wildschut produced a stunning winner as he cut in from the left hand side and unleashed a powerful low drive past Etheridge to send the 1800 Latics fans into delirium.

Latics surge up the table has been remarkable as they are now unbeaten in 11 games and have only lost 2 in the last 25 games. Gary Caldwell has made some astute signings and the squad now has greater quality in depth. Mix quality with a relentless never-say-die attitude and Latics have the resources to go onto win promotion.

Posted in Conor McAleny, Gary Caldwell, League One, Walsall, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Playing for high-stakes

Posted on February 19, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Sam Morsy

Sam Morsy may come into the team at Walsall

Latics will have to be at their best tomorrow if they are to overcome promotion rivals Walsall at the Banks’s Stadium. The Saddlers sit in third place in the table, and lead Latics by one point as well as having a game in hand, so it would be the perfect time to get a victory.

Latics are on a great run and are undefeated in 10 games, and have only lost 2 in 24 games. But Walsall are also in a good vein of form and have only lost two in the last 14 League games and have responded very well to losing manager Dean Smith to Brentford in December.

New manager Sean O’Driscoll has managed to maintain the momentum near the top of the table and despite much speculation about departures during the transfer window, they have managed to hold onto highly rated players Romaine Sawyers, Rico Henry and top scorer Tom Bradshaw.

Walsall have won many plaudits for their attractive style of football including from former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho who came up against them in the League Cup and commented:

“I have years of cups in this country and I haven’t found a team in League One playing the quality of football that Walsall tried to play.”

Latics will certainly have to up their game after a toothless 0-0 draw with Oldham Athletic. Gary Caldwell will be looking for a big reaction from his players who never really got going against Oldham.

The manager suggested that there could be one or two changes after the below par performance at the DW Stadium. I expect Sam Morsy to come into the team and there could also be a start for Haris Vuckic, who was unlucky to miss out last week.

I am expecting an open game with two teams who like to play football in the right way. Walsall do have home advantage, but on paper Latics look to have the stronger squad, especially since the new additions in the transfer window.

That extra quality could be the difference in a closely fought game. The new players Yanic Wildschut, Sam Morsy, Ryan Colclough, Conor McAleny and Reece Wabara have already made a good impression, but they are capable of having an even bigger impact as the season moves towards its climax.

Latics will be roared on by a big away following at the Banks’s Stadium. It is a high stakes game and everyone will be acutely aware that the winners will move one step closer to an automatic promotion spot.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 19th February 2016.

 

 

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Frustrating day at the DW – Wigan Athletic 0 Oldham Athletic 0

Posted on February 14, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Jussi Jaaskelainen

Jussi Jaaskailenan produced a man of the match display

It was a frustrating afternoon at the DW Stadium as Wigan were held to a goalless draw by League One strugglers Oldham Athletic.

Promotion chasing Wigan produced a flat performance, with maybe one eye on next week’s big game at Walsall.

It was second bottom Oldham who went closest during the opening period when Carl Winchester’s 30 yard strike was superbly saved by Jussi Jaaskailenan.

Wigan were better in the second half and went close through Yanic Wildschut, Will Grigg and Conor McAleny. But Oldham worked hard throughout and deserved to take a share in the points.

Wigan started brightly and Will Grigg nearly scored an opportunistic goal in the opening minutes as Oldham’s John Coleman spilled a shot, but the keeper recovered just in time.

McAleny then fired just wide of  Coleman’s right hand post after good work by Wildschut.

On 19 minutes Wigan won a free kick on the edge of the area. McAleny chipped the ball over the wall but unfortunately into the side netting.

The visitors produced a stunning counter attack on 25 minutes when Carl Winchester’s 30 yard effort flew towards the top corner of Wigan’s goal, but Jussi Jaaskelainen superbly tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Just before the interval Oldham tested Jaaskelainen first from a Fonte volley, and then from distance by Winchester.

Wigan dominated possession for long periods of the second half, but they struggled to break down a well drilled and resilient away team.

The home team did create several good chances however.

First Wildschut broke clear on the left hand side and fired an effort at Coleman. Top scorer Will Grigg drew a fine save from the Oldham keeper and McAleny was unable to capitalise on more good work by Wildschut.

But Oldham always looked dangerous on the break.

With 13 minutes remaining Matt Palmer’s effort from range went narrowly wide of the post, and soon afterwards Danny Lafferty forced another good save from Jaaskelainen.

Wigan continued to dominate possession and to press for the winner, but Oldham defended admirably and deserved their share of the spoils.

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12th Man – Smells like team spirit

Posted on February 12, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Jussi Jaaskelainen

Keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has added stability to the defence

Latics are now hitting their best form as we approach the final third of the season. The performance at Sheffield United was their best so far as they dominated one of the play-off contenders, deserving the three points and moving up to third in the table.

Gary Caldwell got his tactics spot on as he changed to a flat back four with Chris McCann and Donervon Daniels occupying the full back slots.

Caldwell surprisingly made changes to a winning team by giving new signing Sam Morsy his full debut in front of the back four, while Conor McAleny went straight into the team after his loan signing from Everton, and it all worked a treat.

Latics controlled the game from the kick off, bossing possession in the first half and then upping the tempo in the second half to score two quick fire goals and thoroughly subdue the home team.

Caldwell’s team is getting better week-by-week and they showed great determination and professionalism at Bramall Lane.

They now have quality all over the pitch, and importantly they have a striker in Will Grigg who can score 20 plus goals in a season. Grigg has bagged 13 goals in all competitions and scored six in his last four games.

Latics also have plenty of other attacking options with Yanic Wildschut, Michael Jacobs, Haris Vuckic and new signings Conor McAleny and Ryan Colclough all providing a significant goal threat.

The defence is looking more solid with two recent clean sheets against Port Vale and Sheffield United and they are getting stronger as a unit.

Keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has added much needed composure to the defence and it is no coincidence that the team’s rise commenced when the former Finnish international took over in goal.

The team spirit is high and the squad has been strengthened during the transfer window. Competition for places is now at its greatest since the Premier League days.

The flexibility of Caldwell’s formation is also proving an added bonus as Latics outwit as well as outplay their opponents. The manager has continued to adapt Roberto Martinez’s 3-4-3 formation.

Given different types of opponents or a change in personnel the system can adapt to 3-4-2-1. The formation can be a base 3-4-2-1 but looks like a 3-4-3 and at times like a 4-4-1-1. Few teams in League One are able to cope with such improvisation and flexibility of formation.

Caldwell and his team are on the verge of success. They are playing with confidence; the momentum is with them. An automatic promotion place is within their reach but they must be wary of any complacency and not take anything for granted, starting against Oldham Athletic tomorrow.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 12th February 2016.

Posted in Gary Caldwell, Jussi Jaaskelainen, League One, Oldham Athletic, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics on the rise – Sheffield United 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on February 6, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Connor McAleny

Everton loanee Conor McAleny scored on his debut for Latics

Wigan Athletic showed their promotion credentials with an emphatic 2-0 victory over play-off hopefuls Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Will Grigg gave Latics the lead on 52 minutes from the penalty spot after Yanic Wildschut was brought down in the box by Chris Basham.

Everton loanee Conor McAleny then lashed in the second from the edge of the area on 55 minutes, before Grigg had a second penalty saved with 15 minutes remaining after Chris McCann was fouled by by Paul Coutts.

Latics continue their rise up the table, moving into third place and now only one point off an automatic promotion place.

Wigan made two changes going into the match with loanee Conor McAleny making his debut and Sam Morsy making his first full start for the club.

Latics looked confident right from the kick off, passing the ball with ease and dominating possession for most of the first half.

The Blades rarely threatened and when they did the Latics defence coped comfortably with captain Craig Morgan marshalling the defence superbly.

However, despite controlling proceedings Latics were unable to carve out any clear cut openings in the opening period as United defended in depth.

The second half opened with United creating the first clear opportunity when Billy Sharp forced an excellent save from Jussi Jaaskelainen low down to his right.

Latics went down the other end and the lively McAleny forced a good save from George Long.

On 49 minutes Latics went ahead. Yanic Wildschut drove powerfully into the United box and was brought down by Chris Basham. Will Grigg stepped up and converted the penalty, high into the middle of the goal.

Three minutes later Latics doubled their lead. Wildschut cut in from the left before passing to Max Power, who teed up the ball for McAleny and the young loanee lashed the ball into the bottom corner of Long’s net from 20 yards out.

Latics continued to drive forward. Daniels cross was cleared by Adams for a corner. Then McAleny evaded two challenges before putting in a dangerous cross, but no Wigan player was on hand to finish.

United had an opportunity in the 65th minute but Jay McEveley fired wide of the target from a good position.

With 15 minutes remaining Latics won a second penalty, Paul Coutts unnecessarily bringing down McCann in the box.

Grigg once again stepped up, but this time he sent his spot kick low down to the Long’s left and the keeper made a good save.

As the match moved towards full time Latics survived a couple of late goalmouth scrambles but overall they were good value for the win.

Gary Caldwell had got his tactics spot on as Latics took control of the game in the first half and then upped the tempo in the second half to deservedly take the three points

Wigan’s squad has been strengthened during the transfer window, they are playing with confidence, the momentum is with them and an automatic promotion place is now within their reach.

Posted in Connor McAleny, League One, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Getting one over Steady Nigel

Posted on February 5, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Nigel Adkins

Former Latics’ keeper and current Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins

Expectations are high after Latics produced a convincing 3-0 victory against Port Vale last Saturday. They are upping the pressure on the teams above them and will be seeking to maintain their promotion form this week at Sheffield United.

Former Latics’ goalkeeper Nigel Adkins manages the Blades and they should provide stiff opposition at Bramall Lane.

United have dropped to 9th in the table after Tuesday night’s games, but they are only two points off the play-off spots and will be desperate to reduce the gap between themselves and Latics.

The Blades’ manager Nigel Adkins is well known to Latics’ fans. Their former keeper was successful as manager of Scunthorpe United and Southamption.

‘Steady Nigel’ played 155 games for Latics in the 1980’s and early 90’s. At Wigan he was named ‘Steady Nigel’ as the fans behind the goal used to shout it to him when he came for high crosses.

He knows League One very well and managed to get both the Iron and the Saints promoted from League One to the Championship.

At Southampton he took the club from League One to the Premier League and was very unfortunate to lose his job when the club was in a position above the relegation zone.

Adkins went onto manage Reading, but despite finishing seventh in the Championship in his first full season in charge he was sacked in December 2014.

Adkins was a strong candidate for the Wigan manager’s job last season after the dismissal of Malky Mackay, but David Sharpe opted for an internal appointment with Gary Caldwell.

Adkins took over at Sheffield United last June with the brief to get United promoted. They are a big City club with high expectations and have frustrated their fans by spending five seasons in League One and failing in the play-offs on three occasions.

Whereas Latics made seven signings in the transfer window, the Blades failed to add any names to their squad, except for one extended loan deal for Leicester City player Dean Hammond, their fans have expressed their anger and frustration at the lack of transfer activity.

Despite the lack of incomings, the Blades still have a good number of dangerous forwards in their squad, with Billy Sharp (14 goals) Che Adams (6 goals) and former Latic Connor Sammon (6 goals), all likely to pose a threat.

It’s another big game for Latics and they will be hoping to get one over on Adkins especially after his team managed a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down at the DW Stadium in January.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 5th February 2016.

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Closing the gap – Wigan Athletic 3 Port Vale 0

Posted on January 31, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Will Grigg scored a hat-trick in front of his international manager

Northern Ireland international Will Grigg completed a hat-trick against Port Vale as Wigan closed the gap on the automatic promotion places.

Latics went ahead on seven minutes when Yanic Wildchut’s low cross was turned home at close range by Grigg.

Just before half-time Grigg was pulled down in the area and Vale defender Ryan McGivern was dismissed, before the striker got up to convert the spot kick.

With Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neil watching from the stands the striker completed his hat-trick on 69 minutes with a fine finish and enhanced his chances of playing in this summer’s European Championships in France.

Latics remain in fourth spot in the League One table, but with most of the teams around them losing or drawing they are now only five points off top spot and two points off second place with 17 games remaining.

Gary Caldwell made two changes from the team which drew 1-1 at Crewe last Saturday, with Haris Vuckic and Will Grigg replacing Michael Jacobs and Jordy Hiwula.

Latics were out of the traps quickly and immediately imposed themselves on a tentative looking Port Vale.

They went ahead after only seven minutes through Grigg after great work by Yanic Wildschut. The flying Dutchman out-sprinted his marker down the left hand side and pulled the ball to Grigg inside the six yard box and the striker got the final touch after an initial deflection by Vale defender Richard Duffy.

Latics continued to press forward and nearly went further ahead four minutes later.

Wildschut outwitted a Vale defender before trying to chip the advancing keeper Jak Alnwick. The ball rebounded off the keeper’s chest and fell to Grigg, but the striker couldn’t make a good enough contact and the ball came to Chris McCann whose cross shot flashed by Alnwick’s near post.

A rare Port Vale attack resulted in Jussi Jaaskelainen making a good save low down to deny a header from Matthew Kennedy.

Latics were soon back in control however and nearly doubled their lead when Wildschut and Grigg combined.

Wildschut produced another blistering run down the left hand side and crossed for Grigg, but the Irishman couldn’t make his effort count.

Grigg then had another chance on the half hour mark, when he met Wabara’s cross, but he was unable to get his effort on target.

However, Grigg did get his second on 41 minutes after winning a penalty. The striker looked to be through on goal, but the last defender Ryan McGivern wrestled him to the floor and was subsequently given a red card.

Grigg’s spot kick went into the net via the crossbar to give Latics a comfortable half-time lead.

The home team continued to dominate proceedings early in the second half.

Wildschut was a constant threat with his power and pace and the Dutchman nearly got on the score sheet when he once again tore through the heart of the Valiants defence.

The winger bombed down the left flank before cutting inside past several defenders, but just when it appeared he was going to score another wonder goal, his final effort went wide of the target.

Latics were now in total control and attacked in numbers. After some neat interplay on the edge of the Vale area, Max Power tried his luck, his shot from 20 yards just fizzing wide of Alnwick’s post.

On 69 minutes Latics added a third goal. Will Grigg completing his hat-trick with a cool finish after being played through by the excellent Chris McCann.

With Latics so dominant Gary Caldwell gave new singings Sam Morsy and Ryan Colclough the opportunity to make their debuts.

Colclough came close to capping his debut with a goal with 15 minutes remaining. The forward showed good skill to cut in from the right hand side and fired a shot just wide of the far post.

Wigan should have added further goals given their dominance, but a combination of poor finishing and last ditch defending by Vale somehow kept the score at 3-0.

Latics are increasing the pressure at the top of the table, they have now extended their unbeaten run to eight games and they are looking a good bet for promotion.

Posted in League One, Port Vale, Ryan Colclough, Sam Morsy, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Making the case for promotion

Posted on January 29, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Sam Morsy

New signing Sam Morsy

The doomsayers were out in force after Latics’ 1-1 draw at bottom club Crewe on Saturday night. The pessimists seem to think that the team had already blown their chances of promotion. However, I think they are very much in the race to go up automatically.

Latics are playing well and produced another good performance at Crewe; they were on top for most of the game and with a bit of luck would have secured all three points.

Some supporters assume that an away fixture at the bottom club is a guaranteed three points but in the football league the reality is often quite different.

Crewe defended well and counter attacked effectively and showed that they are a good football team who can take points off the best teams. They have previously managed draws away at Burton and Walsall and have beaten Sheffield United at home.

There are still many games ahead and there will be plenty of twists and turns and shock results before the end of the season.

If, as the cliché suggests, the English league calendar is more akin to a marathon than a sprint, then Latics’ season started slowly but is now gathering momentum towards the finish line.

Latics can achieve an automatic promotion place. They are unbeaten in seven games (currently the second best record in the Football League behind Nottingham Forest) and have moved up to fourth in the table.

They are only five points behind second placed Gillingham with 18 games still to play and a total of 54 points to play for.

Last season MK Dons were promoted in second place with 91 points and Latics are still capable of reaching that total.

The first team has been strengthened during the January transfer window with the exciting signings of Yanic Wildschut, Reece Wabara, Sam Morsi and Ryan Colclough.

Latics have a stronger squad after the transfer window than they did at the start, and with a few tweaks in the performances, an automatic promotion place is still a realistic target.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 29th January 2016.

 

Posted in Gary Caldwell, League One, Reece Wabara, Ryan Colclough, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resolute Crewe frustrate Latics – Crewe Alexandra 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 24, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Reece Wabara

New signing Reece Wabara scored his first goal for Latics

Bottom club Crewe denied promotion chasing Wigan with resolute defending and a little slice of luck.

Latics new signing Reece Wabara gave Latics the lead on 16 minutes with a superb strike from 20 yards, but Crewe drew level against the run of play with a quick counter attack well finished by Brad Inman.

The Alex might have gone ahead soon afterwards when Ryan Colclough struck the Latics bar from the edge of the area. Latics dominated possession and created numerous chances but were ultimately unable to get the winner.

Latics move up to fourth spot in the table and Crewe remain rooted to the bottom despite their sterling efforts.

Gary Caldwell made two changes from last Saturday’s victory over Chesterfield, with Yanic Wildschut and Chris McCann replacing Haris Vuckic and the injured Reece James.

Wigan dominated the early stages but they might have gone behind when Ryan Colclough shot was well saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Latics went ahead on 16 minutes through new signing Reece Wabara.

Wing-back Wabara played a one-two with Max Power before producing a quality first time strike to beat Ben Garratt from 20 yards.

Latics were now well on top and looking to add to their lead.

In quick succession, Jordy Hiwula, Michael Jacobs and Yanic Wildschut all had good opportunities well saved by Garratt.

However, Wigan’s momentum came to halt soon after Jacobs was stretchered off with a calf strain and replaced by Haris Vuckic.

Just before the break Crewe drew level following a quick breakaway from a Latics corner.

Bradden Inman found far too much space down the right hand side and produced a stunning rising shot past Jaaskelainen.

Then Crewe almost went ahead when Colclough smashed his curled effort against the crossbar from 25 yards.

The second half was mainly one way traffic however as Latics pressed for the winning goal and Crewe defended in numbers.

Latics were very unlucky when Wildschut looked to have regained them the lead on 55 minutes when he cut inside and unleashed a superb drive which beat Garratt, but unfortunately the ball crashed against the inside of the upright and away to safety.

Wildschut was causing Crewe plenty of problems and on 60 minutes he combined well with Chris McCann, but the keeper saved the shot with his feet before getting quickly back up to save the follow-up header.

Latics produced wave after wave of attacks but Crewe sat deep and hoped to hit Latics on the break.

Caldwell replaced Hiwula and Vuckic with Will Grigg and Craig Davies as they continued their onslaught on the home defence.

A Max Power corner evaded keeper Garratt and with the goal at his mercy Wildschut somehow headed over the crossbar.

Wabara fired across the six yard box, but no Wigan player was able to make the vital contact. Davies rolled his defender in the area and appealed for a penalty, but it would have been harsh decision, if given.

As the game moved into added time Latics upped the pressure with Davies and Power shooting from distance but Garratt was once again in position to save and earn Crewe a hard fought point.

Posted in Bradden Inman, Crewe Alexandra, League One, Reece Wabara, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment