Wembley dream blown away – Wigan Athletic 2 Barnsley 2 (Barnsley win 4-2 on penalties)

Posted on December 6, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Will Grigg’s two goals were not enough to save Latics from a JPT exit. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

Wigan Athletic’s hopes of winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy were blown away by League One strugglers Barnsley in the Northern Area semi -final.

Latics have only themselves to blame after a below par performance against a Barnsley team who showed more determination to progress and twice took the lead before being pegged back.

Wigan did manage to take the game to a penalty shoot-out, but Craig Davies and David Perkins failed to find the net, whereas the Tykes comfortably scored all their penalties to progress into the Northern Final.

Gary Caldwell fielded a strong starting line up with four changes from the team which drew at Southend. David Perkins, Michael Jacobs  Andy Kellett and Jack Hendry coming into the team.

In blustery conditions Latics might have been awarded a penalty in the second minute when Kellett appeared to be fouled in the area but referee Keith Hill turned down the appeals.

Barnsley soon threatened and Ben Pearson brought a good save from Juusi Jaaskelainen, Ivan Toney headed over the bar and then Jaaskelainen had to palm away Adam Hammill’s effort from the edge of the area.

The Tykes did not look like a team at the bottom of the League One table and they took the lead on 42 minutes when Hammill cut inside his markers and curled a superb shot into the far corner.

Wigan were not the cohesive unit of previous weeks with passes going astray and very few goalscoring opportunities created.

Caldwell must have been relieved that they were only one goal behind going into the interval.

It was no surprise when the manager introduced Yanic Wildschut at half time with Reece James making way.

The substitution had an immediate impact and the Dutch winger broke free down the left and crossed low from the byline and Will Grigg was on hand to get the final touch and draw Latics level.

The home team might have gone ahead soon afterwards when a deflected shot was cleared off the line by Alfie Mawson.

But on 53 minutes Barnsley re-took the lead when Toney headed home after Jaaskelainen could only parry a superb drive from Conor Hourihane.

Caldwell almost immediately made a double substitution replacing Alex Revell and Michael Jacobs with Craig Davies and Jordan Flores.

The game was now wide open with both teams attacking and neither team looking comfortable defensively.

With 82 minutes on the clock Latics drew level again. Davies showed good strength in the area and crossed for Grigg who made no mistake from six yards, much to the delight of the home fans.

There was still time for chances at both ends. Sam Winnall shot over and then Toney fired narrowly wide for Barnsley before Wildschut broke clear for Latics but his ball across to Davies was poor and opportunity was missed.

Despite a tense finale with five minutes of added time the match finished level.

Under JPT rules no extra time is played and the match moved straight to a penalty shoot-out.

Max Power showed great composure with Latics first penalty and sent Adam Davies the wrong way. Hourihane did similarly for Barnsley to make it 1-1. But then Craig Davies blazed high over the crossbar.

Toney then made it 1-2. David Perkins then had his tame effort saved by the Barnsley keeper. Sam Winall made it 1-3. Jordan Flores made it 2-3 with a cool finish but Mawson scored his penalty and Barnsley were through to the Northern Final.

Overall it had been a very disappointing performance from a strong Latics line-up. They were second best against a team who have had a torrid time in League One so far.

Gary Caldwell expressed his clear disappointment in his post match comments to the media:

“It is hugely disappointing for everybody; there are not many times in your life that you get the opportunity to win a trophy and, not only that, but one playing at a stadium like Wembley and we have let that opportunity pass us by.

“It is a disappointed dressing room but I said to them that you, more often than not, get what you deserve in football and we didn’t deserve to win the game.”

The players had let themselves and the club down by not making it through to Wembley. Caldwell now has a big job to rally his players for the League One campaign.

 

Posted in Adam Hamill, Barnsley, Ivan Toney, Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – An opportunity not to be missed

Posted on December 4, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Wembley Stadium

Wembley is the objective

Latics face Barnsley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern semi-final on Saturday and it is important that they grasp the opportunity to progress towards another Wembley final. They have appeared at the National Stadium on four occasions since April 2013 and it would be another great boost for the club and the town to make it there again.

Very few football clubs get the opportunity to play at Wembley so often and Latics are now within touching distance of creating football history.

They are only three games away from another big day and if they can overcome League One strugglers Barnsley, they will face either Fleetwood or Morecambe in the two-leg Northern Final.

Latics have a great chance of going on to win the trophy for a record breaking third time but they must avoid any complacency if they are to progress.

The expectations are that Wigan will go through, but they must not take anything for granted, as Barnsley will be desperate to cause an upset and turn their season around.

Barnsley manager Lee Johnson has had a torrid time since taking over at Oakwell. The club sit bottom of the table and they have won only once in eleven League games.

However, they have beaten Scunthorpe, Bradford and York in the JPT, and they did manage a draw in their last game against Sheffield United and defeated League leaders Burton Albion and fourth placed Gillingham earlier in the season.

Wigan’s recent performances have been unconvincing with a narrow home win against Shrewsbury, a home defeat against Burton and a draw away at Southend.

Wigan have lacked a cutting edge in those three games with only loan striker Alex Revell finding the net against Shrewsbury. Will Grigg has struggled with his form of late and Craig Davies does not look fully fit.

It is possible that Jordi Hiwula may get a recall to the starting line up after netting two goals in the last round against Blackpool.

Latics will be hoping that Yanic Wildschut is available after being rested for the Southend fixture, the dynamic Dutchman has been hampered by a hamstring injury, but if fit, he is likely to be Wigan’s biggest goal threat.

But whatever the players selected, it is important that Gary Caldwell and his players guard against any complacency and ensure that they move closer to another Wembley final.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 4th December 2015.

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Stalemate at the seaside – Southend United 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on November 29, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Southend United versus Wigan Athletic

Goalmouth action at Roots Hall

Southend and Wigan had a hard fought goalless draw in blustery conditions at Roots Hall.

Ryan Leonard went closest for Southend when he hit the crossbar in the sixth minute but Latics centre back Leon Barnett went close on three occasions. One was cleared off the line, another well saved by Dan Bentley and in added time he nearly stole the points when his effort crashed against the crossbar.

Latics remain in fifth place in the table and the Shrimpers in eighth.

Gary Caldwell made five changes to the starting line up with Yanic Wildschut and Craig Morgan injured and David Perkins, Michael Jacobs and Tim Chow dropped to the bench. Into the team came Will Grigg, Francisco Junior, Leon Barnett, Don Cowie and Jason Pearce.

Southend nearly rocked Latics early on when Ryan Leonard beat Jussi Jaaskelainen from 20 yards but the ball crashed against the crossbar and away to safety.

Latics best chance came in the 37th minute, when Barnett’s shot direct from a Max Power corner was cleared off the line by Will Atkinson.

Chris McCann had to leave the pitch on 40 minutes with a groin strain and was replaced by David Perkins.

Southend United mascots

The freakiest mascots in the Football League?

Early in the second half Latics might have gone ahead when Power’s corner was met by Barnett who forced a good save from Dan Bentley with a volley. Reece James then saw a powerful effort from 20 yards saved by Bentley.

Southend responded with a good spell of pressure, Mooney’s header causing problems for Jaaskelainen and Daniels had to be on hand to cut out Payne’s cross before John Whiter’s shot flew a yard wide.

Michael Jacobs replaced Grigg after 65 minutes and Craig Davies replaced Junior in the 75th minute as Latics looked to secure the three points.

Wigan had a great shout for a penalty when Davies turned his man and was hauled down in the penalty box but the referee Keith Stroud waived away their appeals.

As the match moved into added time Leon Barnett evaded his marker from a corner and his close range effort crashed against the crossbar and away to safety.

Ultimately it was probably a fair result as Latics lacked the cutting edge to finish off their combative opponents.

 

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12th Man: We need to be back to our best

Posted on November 27, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Roots Hall Southend United

Latics will be hoping to get back to winning ways at Roots Hall

In last week’s column I said that our next three matches would give us a good indication of Latics’ promotion credentials. The trio of games commenced with mid table Shrewsbury Town at the DW Stadium.

For most of the game Latics were the better team leading 1-0 and creating plenty of chances, but they struggled to put the game to bed and were left hanging on for a nervous final ten minutes.

Latics briefly moved up to fourth in the table and the expectations were that if they could overcome fifth placed Burton Albion on Tuesday night and other results go their way they could rise into the automatic promotion places.

However, everything did not go to plan and Burton proved stubborn opponents and frustrated the home team with a well-organised defence, some robust tackling and time wasting tactics.

The match looked to be heading towards a draw until Latics were caught out with a swift counter attack and Burton stole the three points.

The Brewers style of football is not pretty to watch but their manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had got his tactics right and had out witted Gary Caldwell on the night.

It was a harsh lesson to learn but it might just stand Caldwell in good stead for the rest of the season as he continues to learn the ropes as a rooky manager in League One.

Latics next game is away at Southend United who are pushing for a play off spot and had an impressive 5-2 away win at Oldham in midweek. They are only three points behind Latics and will prove a stiff test.

The Shrimpers were promoted to League One via the League Two play off final last season and have made a good start to this campaign. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and like Latics they are still in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Wigan will need to be at their best if they are to get a good result at Roots Hall.

Several players looked out of sorts and others looked to be carrying injuries against Burton so the Wigan manager will need to assess his options for Saturday and make sure he picks his strongest available players.

A return to the 4-4-2 that was so successful at Rochdale could prove most effective, with vice-captain Jason Pearce returning to the defence and Will Grigg partnering Alex Revell upfront.

Latics undefeated 11 game run has now come to an end, and Saturday’s game will be a difficult fixture, but they must get back to winning ways quickly if they are to secure a promotion spot.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 27th November 2015.

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Latics unbeaten run comes to an end – Wigan Athletic 0 Burton Albion 1

Posted on November 25, 2015 by ianhaspinall
reece-james73-2690806_231x264

Reece James hit the post for Latics

Wigan Athletic’s 11 game unbeaten run and unbeaten home record came to an end as they lost 1-0 to Burton Albion.

Latics were the dominant team but struggled to make their possession count and squandered several good opportunities before Burton struck with a late winner.

Following a spell of Latics pressure the Brewers broke away and substitute Timmy Thiele squared the ball for Abdenasser El Khayati to slot home.

The home team could have equalised when Reece James hit the Brewers post in the 84th minute, but the three points went to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s team.

Burton move up to third in the table while Latics remain in fifth spot.

Latics were unchanged from the 1-0 victory against Shrewsbury with Michael Jacobs surprisingly in the starting line-up despite having suffered a serious looking knee injury on Saturday.

Wigan started brightly with Yanic Wildschut charging down the left hand side and then squaring the ball to Tim Chow but the midfielder failed to get a shot on the Brewers goal. Michael Jacobs then fired a free-kick just over the crossbar from 25 yards out.

Burton were well organised and set up with two banks of four which made it hard for Latics to penetrate.

Wildschut did have an opportunity after 30 minutes when he ran almost the full length of the pitch before being thwarted by John Mousinho just when he was about to shoot. Soon afterwards Jacobs tried his luck from 20 yards but his effort cleared the crossbar.

Burton were also frustrating Latics with some time wasting tactics and some debatable challenges which referee Mark Haywood allowed to go unpunished.

Latics continued to press at the start of the second half and Burton continued to frustrate them.

Jacobs went closest when he curled a free kick that was cleared off the line but the Burton backline held firm.

Caldwell replaced Revell with Craig Davies to try to unlock the Brewers defence but it was the visitors who broke away and scored.

Max Power was dispossessed on the edge of the Burton box and Timmy Thiele broke away before squaring to Abdenasser El Khayati, who slotted home.

Caldwell replaced Jacobs and Craig Morgan with Will Grigg and Francisco Junior in an attempt to draw Latics level.

It looked as though they had got a deserved equaliser on 84 minutes when the ball fell to Power near the penalty spot but his shot was somehow blocked and when the ball came to Reece James his drive smacked against the near post.

Burton’s time wasting tactics resulted in seven minutes of added time but despite this, Latics could not make the vital breakthrough.

Although it was a below par performance by Wigan, the final result was rather harsh on them, a draw would have been a more accurate reflection of the game.

 

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Latics revelling in their success – Wigan Athletic 1 Shrewsbury Town 0

Posted on November 22, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Alex revell Wigan Athletic

Alex Revell scored on his home debut. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Striker Alex Revell’s first goal for Wigan was enough to defeat Shrewsbury and extend their unbeaten run to 11 games.

Latics had plenty of chances to increase their lead during the game but they had a nervous final ten minutes as Shrewsbury pressed for a late leveller.

Gary Caldwell made two changes to the side which won away at Rochdale with Tim Chow and Chris McCann replacing Jason Pearce and Craig Davies.

Latics started briskly and Max Power had the first attempt on goal within the first five minutes when his long-range effort cleared the crossbar.

Michael Jacobs had to leave the pitch on 14 minutes after a heavy challenge by a Shrewsbury defender and Will Grigg was brought on to replace him.

Yanic Wildschut was once again proving to be Latics most dangerous attacker and the Dutchman continued to create chances down the left hand side.

Latics were dominant and might have gone ahead on the half hour mark when Reece James got on the end of Will Grigg’s low cross but unfortunately the wing-back was unable to make a good enough contact and the effort went wide.

But the home team were ahead on 36 minutes, and it was that man Wildschut creating the opportunity for Alex Revell to score.

Wildschut took the ball down the left and cut inside his marker before chipping the ball to the back post for Revell to head powerfully past the Shrewsbury keeper Leutwiler from 12 yards.

Revell led his teammates in a commando style celebration. Crawling along the ground as they had done on a midweek team building exercise.

Almost immediately from the re-start Wildschut produced another mazy run before crossing into the danger zone where Tim Chow made contact but couldn’t quite make the opportunity count.

Latics continued to press at the beginning of the second half, but they were unable to add to their lead.

The visitors were growing in confidence and had an opportunity around the hour mark. Sulley Kaikai’s free-kick from 30 yards beating Jaaskelainen but also the right hand post.

Wildschut was continuing to the a thorn in the Shrews side as he jinked through the defence, and in the 69th minute his powerful effort from the edge of the area just cleared the crossbar.

Donervon Daniels then looked to have doubled Latics lead when he met Reece James’ corner, but his glancing header went just wide of the far post.

Latics should have been well ahead by the time Shrewsbury had another chance. Kaikai forcing an excellent save from Jaaskelainen with his volley from the edge of the area on 71 minutes.

Gary Caldwell replaced Alex Revell with Craig Davies and later Tim Chow with Jason Pearce as Latics sought to regain their momentum.

Latics were soon creating more opportunities with Chris McCann and Craig Davies forcing Leutwiler to make good saves, before in the final minute the Shrews keeper produced his best save of the match to deny Max Power’s goalbound effort by tipping over the crossbar.

Latics move up to fourth in the table and are now only one point behind second place Gillingham. They face fifth place Burton Albion on Tuesday night knowing that another home win could project them into the automatic promotion places.

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12th Man – Rising to the promotion challenge

Posted on November 20, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Alex Revell Wigan Athletic

Alex Revell made a good impression on his first start

It was another great away day last Saturday as Latics dominated proceedings to win at Rochdale. Latics should probably have won by more than two goals on the day, but it was still a classy performance by Gary Caldwell’s team.

Caldwell has put together a very strong squad for League One and he continues to add quality through the loan market.

Middlesbrough loanee Yanic Wildschut has been a revelation since his arrival at the club and his powerful attacking play has caused havoc amongst opposition defences.

The fans are understandably clamouring for the flying Dutchman to be signed permanently, and if this is not possible, at least until the end of the season.

The addition of Cardiff City loanee Alex Revell has further enhanced Wigan’s forward line, and if his performance at Spotland is anything to go by, he will be a success at Wigan.

Vice-captain Jason Pearce’s return to the starting eleven has got to be a big bonus and his no-nonsense defending at Rochdale helped the back four to keep a clean sheet for the first time away from home.

As one of the promotion favourites at the beginning of the season Latics were expected to be at the top of the table, but despite an indifferent start they are now rising to the promotion challenge.

Latics have a large squad with strength in-depth with only Kevin McNaughton currently on the injured list. The competition for places is now hotting up with at least two players vying for each place in the first team.

The mood at the club is buoyant and if they can maintain the momentum the prospects are looking good.

Latics are also going well in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, making the dream of a third Football League Trophy success a real possibility.

The prospect of playing in a Wembley final will be a major incentive for the players and should help to give more squad players game time and further galvanise the club.

Latics are now ten games unbeaten in League One, fifth in the table and only four points behind top team Gillingham.

The next three games are Shrewsbury Town (H), Burton Albion (H) and Southend United (A) and should provide a good indication of the team’s promotion credentials as they seek to move into the automatic promotion places.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 20th November 2015.

Posted in Alex Revell, Gary Caldwell, Jason Pearce, Johnstone's Paint Trophy, League One, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Past Hill and Dale – Rochdale 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on November 15, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Jason Pearce1

Jason Pearce gave Latics the lead. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Prior to the match, Rochdale manager Keith Hill assessed Wigan’s promotion chances when he said: “They’ll be in the top two. There’s no question in my mind that at the end of the season they’ll be in the top two”.

“Sometimes it takes big football clubs a certain amount of time to settle in and understand the league that they find themselves in, but they’ve found out and understood the league very early”.

Latics certainly looked like promotion challengers in this Lancashire derby and ran out deserved 2-0 winners.

Wigan opened the scoring on 16 minutes through a Jason Pearce header following a Michael Jacobs free kick and it was something of surprise that they were only one goal ahead at the interval.

Dale had a chance to draw level after the break when Joe Bunney lifted the ball over the crossbar from close range after Jussi Jaaskelainen fumbled a cross.

But Latics sealed the three points on 61 minutes when Yanic Wildschut outfoxed Rhys Bennett and pulled the ball back to Michael Jacobs who fired home via the underside of the crossbar.

Wigan manager Gary Caldwell made three changes from the last league match against Swindon. New loan signing Alex Revell went straight into the team, with Craig Davies and Jason Pearce replacing Chris McCann, Donald Love and Will Grigg.

Latics were quickly out of the traps and had their first effort on goal after five minutes, when Donervon Daniels shot from the edge of the box was well turned away by Dale keeper Josh Lillis.

Daniels headed over soon afterwards before Craig Davies side-footed wide after collecting a long pass from Pearce.

But it was not long before Latics went ahead. Michael Jacobs curled a free-kick to the far post and Pearce dived to head the ball home past the Dale keeper.

Jacobs then had two great opportunities to increase the lead, but his first effort went wide and the other was deflected for a corner.

Latics had dominated the opening half, but went into the interval only one goal to the good.

Keith Hill must have given his players a talking to at half time as Rochdale attacked from the kick off. Joe Bunney might have equalised but he lifted the ball over the crossbar from close range after Jussi Jaaskelainen fumbled.

But it was not long before Latics were in the ascendancy again and the points were sealed on 61 minutes when Jacobs scored his fifth goal of the season.

Daniels produced a superb diagonal cross field pass to Wildschut and the Dutch winger went around his marker before pulling the ball back to Jacobs on the edge of the box, who fired it home via the underside of the crossbar.

Rochdale tried to get back into the game and a curled low drive from Bunney was well saved by Jaaskelainen, but Latics were still in control and could have increased the margin of victory when Perkins unleashed a superb drive from 30 yards which produced an excellent save from Lillis.

Latics are now unbeaten in ten games and are only four points off top spot in the League One table. It looks like Keith Hill could be proved right at the end of the season.

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12th Man: Are Wigan Wembley bound?

Posted on November 13, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Yanic Wildschut

Yanic Wildschut on the Wembley trail. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Latics progressed into the Northern semi-final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Blackpool on Tuesday night. They are now only three games from another Wembley final and must be conscious that winning the Football League Trophy for a third time is a realistic target.

Wigan previously won the trophy when it was the Freight Rover Trophy in 1985 and the Auto Windscreen Shield in 1999 and they would surely love to make it three times.

The draw for the Northern semi-final takes place tomorrow morning on Sky TV and they will face either Barnsley or Fleetwood from League One or League Two side Morecambe.

If they get through the semi-final they will then face a two leg Northern final before they can reach Wembley.

The depth of Latics’ squad is certainly having a beneficial effect in the JPT and this will surely help them to be successful in their bid for promotion from League One.

Gary Caldwell was able to make ten changes from the team beaten at Bury in the FA Cup and they still ran out comfortable winners against Blackpool.

Wigan have one of the strongest squads in League One with many players who have played at a higher level, so if they can sort out their defensive frailties they have a realistic chance of promotion.

Latics will renew old rivalries with Rochdale at the weekend in a rare televised game. Rochdale spent most of their history in the bottom division and often teetered on the brink of oblivion, but they are now established in League One and are hoping to challenge for a play-off spot this season.

In Keith Hill they have a straight-talking manager who has done very well for the club. After playing for Rochdale, Hill managed the club to their first promotion in 2010 and then after a brief sojourn as Barnsley manager he returned to take charge at Spotland and helped get the club promotion to League One in the 2013/14 season.

Rochdale finished eighth in League One last season. They will be looking to end a sequence of four league draws and as Latics will be without internationals Will Grigg and Michael Love, they should not underestimate the Dale threat.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 13th November 2015.

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Latics cruise into JPT Northern semi-final – Wigan Athletic 4 Blackpool 0

Posted on November 11, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Johnstone's Paint Trophy

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy

Latics progressed into the Northern semi-final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Blackpool.

Two goals by Jordi Hiwula and one each for Sean Murray and Yanic Wildschut enabled Latics to move within three games of another Wembley final.

Blackpool offered very little opposition in a very one-sided match which Wigan might easily have won by six or seven goals.

Gary Caldwell made ten changes to the team beaten at Bury in the FA Cup. Only Craig Davies kept his place from Saturday, with Jussi Jaaskelainen replacing Richard O’Donnell between the sticks.

Tim Chow and Jordan Flores made a return to the starting line up alongside vice captain Jason Pearce who was coming back from injury.

After a rather disjointed opening to the game it was Blackpool who had the first chance through Bright Osayi-Samuel. The forward evaded the Latics defence and fired narrowly wide of Jaaskelainen’s goal.

Latics then tested Kyle Letheren through Jordy Hiwula, who forced a good save from the Seasiders keeper with his low shot.

Leon Barnett then had an effort cleared off the line by a Pool defender.

But it was not long before Latics went ahead, on 20 minutes, through the lively Hiwula. The Huddersfield loanee striker was fed by Don Cowie, and he made no mistake by hammering the ball past Letheren and into the left hand corner of the net.

The home team were soon creating more chances and Craig Davies twice and Hiwula had great opportunities to increase the advantage before the interval.

Wigan continued where they had left off at the beginning of the second half and Hiwula had the ball in the net in the first five minutes but was it was adjudged to be offside.

Latics then had a short period when they took their foot off the pedal and with the score only 1-0, the visitors threatened with their best chance of the night.

Jaaskelainen was forced into an excellent save low down to deny Jarrett Rivers at the near post on 56 minutes.

But on 63 minutes Latics doubled their lead through a superb Sean Murray strike.

The Watford loanee took aim from 25 yards and thumped the ball into the right hand corner past a despairing Letheren.

The introduction of substitute Yanic Wildschut was well received by the home fans and the Dutchman had an immediate impact.

After only a couple of minutes on the pitch, the winger powered into the penalty area and blasted the ball high into the top right hand corner nearly bursting the net in the process.

It was not long before Latics made it four. Hiwula won a penalty after rounding Letheren and seeing his effort handled by a Seasiders defender in the box.

The young forward stepped up to take the spot-kick and coolly converted the penalty past substitute keeper Myles Boney.

Latics should have added more goals to their tally as the Seasiders were now well beaten.

Hiwula could have had a hat-trick after a Donervon Daniels’ mis kick found him in space inside the area but his first-time effort flashed over the crossbar.

Wildschut continued to torment the Seasiders back line in the dying minutes of the game and it was something of a surprise that he did not manage add to his one goal.

Latics ran out very comfortable winners and will now face either Barnsley, Fleetwood or Morecambe in the Northern semi-final.

Posted in Blackpool, Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Sean Murray, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment