Caldwell embarrassed by FA Cup exit – Bury 4 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on November 7, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Wigan manager Gary Caldwell

Gary Caldwell embarrassed by Wigan’s FA Cup exit

Wigan manager Gary Caldwell apologised to the fans after his team crashed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle 4-0 to Bury.

Caldwell told the media 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.”

Wigan 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 with goals by Danny Mayor and Nathan Cameron.

Former Wigan loanee Leon Clarke completed the rout in the 65th minute to further rub salt into the wound.

Latics were FA Cup winners in 2013 but the current team showed little of the determination, quality and skill demonstrated by the cup winning team.

Caldwell made four changes to the team which defeated Swindon Town with Richard O’Donnell, Craig Davies, Francisco Junior and Haris Vuckic replacing Jussi Jaaskelainen, Max Power, Michael Jacobs and Yanic Wildschut.

Latics started on the front foot and controlling possession, but after 18 minutes they fell behind following a major blunder by keeper Richard O’Donnell.

Chris Hussey crossed and Tom Pope made contact, but it appeared an easy save for O’Donnell, but the ball somehow squirmed from his hands, hitting the post then crossing the line via the back of the keeper’s head.

It was a hugely disappointing mistake for O’Donnell as he was only returning to the starting line-up after Jussi Jaaskelainen was rested for the Cup tie.

It was not long before Latics went two behind. As they pressed for an equaliser the Shakers broke away and finished clinically.

Jacob Mellis dispossessed Francisco Junior on the edge of the Bury box and he sprinted the full length of the pitch and set up Mayor who fired home inside the near post.

Latics were all at sea and had no answer to Bury’s physical presence and quick counter attacks. The Wigan defence struggled to cope with crosses into the area and it looked only a matter of time before Bury would add to their lead.

Just on the stroke of half time the Shakers made it three from another cross into the box.

Nathan Cameron heading home at the back post following a deep cross from the left hand side.

Latics were in complete disarray and Caldwell made two changes at the interval with Haris Vuckic and Will Grigg replaced by Yanic Wildschut and Michael Jacobs.

The Shakers dominance continued however and O’Donnell had to save low down from Hussey’s free-kick.

Latics might have pulled a goal back in the 57th when Wildschut found Junior on the edge of the box but neither Junior or Jacobs could make the finish and the ball was deflected off Cameron for a corner.

Max Power came on for Junior on 60 minutes and Leon Clarke came on for Bury.

Five minutes later Clarke made it four for Bury as he stooped to head past O’Donnell from close range.

Latics huffed and puffed to try to grab a late consolation but they rarely threatened the Shakers keeper Bachmann who had a relatively untroubled afternoon.

Posted in Bury, Danny Mayer, FA Cup, Leon Clarke, Nathan Cameron, Tom Pope, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: FA Cup past, present and future

Posted on November 6, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Wigan Athletic team photograph 1970

The FA Cup heroes in 1971. Wigan Athletic 1970-71 L-R Ledgard, Temple, Sutherland, Roberts, Reeves, Davies, Morris, Breen, Savage, Coutts, Gillibrand, Milne, Todd, Fleming.

Isn’t the FA Cup a wonderful competition?

This season 736 teams entered, teams like Bamber Bridge and Mossley fight it out in the preliminary rounds before the qualifying rounds even start. There are a total of 14 rounds in the competition – six qualifying rounds, followed by six “proper”, plus the semi-finals and the final. Yet only 43 different teams have won the cup since it was founded in 1871.

When I started supporting Latics they were a non-league team and had to win through the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup. The prospect of coming up against a football league team in the first round was always an exciting prospect. Wigan were renowned for producing FA Cup shocks and defeating their so-called ‘betters’.

Back in 1970/71 they had a historic FA Cup run which began in the fourth qualifying round against Skelmersdale United. In the first round proper they overcame South Shields before defeating Peterborough United in the second round in front of 17,180 at Springfield Park.

Wigan drew Manchester City in the third round at Maine Road. The crowd of 46,212 was City’s highest crowd of the season. They gave their illustrious neighbours a major fright but City escaped with a 1-0 win after Latics goalkeeper Dennis Reeves split his boot from a goal kick and this allowed City to score.

Latics became a Football League team in 1978 and went on to produce some significant giant killings. In 1980 they knocked Chelsea out of the cup with a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Tommy Gore chip.

In 1986/87 they reached the FA Cup quarter-final knocking out second division Hull City and first division Norwich City before unluckily losing to Leeds United.

Of course, Latics greatest day came in the 2013 competition. They went into the FA Cup final as underdogs, but they deserved to defeat Manchester City on the day and make a place for themselves in FA Cup history.

It was a remarkable achievement in the context of the modern game and it will have given hope of FA Cup success to teams throughout the football pyramid.

Bury, our opponents on Saturday have won the FA Cup twice – in 1900 and 1903 – and are one of only 23 teams to win the cup on more than one occasion.

It will be a difficult fixture as the Shakers have already knocked us out of the League Cup and we had to come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Gigg Lane in the league fixture.

The FA Cup is a uniquely exhilarating competition and there will be plenty of desire and commitment as both teams seek to make it through to the next round.

Latics may not go on to win the FA Cup this season, but the competition will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of Wiganers everywhere.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 6th November 2015.

Posted in Bury, FA Cup, Manchester City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Latics patience is rewarded – Wigan Athletic 1 Swindon Town 0

Posted on November 1, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Francisco Junior

Francisco Junior on target for Latics with a late winner

A 96th minute winner by substitute Franscisco Junior was enough to give Wigan Athletic all three points against second bottom Swindon Town.

Latics dominated proceedings throughout, but the Robins were always dangerous on the break and hit the post through Ben Gladwin in the first half.

Yanic Wildschut, Will Grigg and Reece James all had good chances to give Latics the lead before Junior struck with a dramatic late winner.

Gary Caldwell made one change to the team which drew at Bradford City, with Manchester United loanee Donald Love replacing Leon Barnett. Haris Vuckic and Francisco Junior returned to the bench.

Latics attacked from the kick off and in the second minute Yanic Wildschut drove forward down the left hand side and fired a shot across the goal.

A minute later Wildschut was again causing more problems when the winger cut inside and squared the ball to Donald Love but the defender’s effort was blocked by a Swindon defender.

Swindon responded and Anton Rodgers had an effort just wide of the left hand post.

Latics were having most of the play and went close again when Michael Jacobs found Grigg and the striker saw his effort skim the far post.

Latics committed players forward and the Robins might have gone ahead against the run of play when Nicky Ajose and Ben Gladwin combined, and Gladwin’s curled effort smacked against the left hand post.

Wigan continued their assault on the Swindon goal and Wildschut tested Vigouroux with a low shot at the near post.

Grigg then set up McCann on the edge of the area but the defender’s effort was too tame to beat the Swindon keeper. Then Wildschut had another try on the left hand side and fired wide from close range.

Latics should have been ahead before half time but they were unable to convert their many chances.

Will Grigg had a great opportunity when he met Jacobs’ free-kick on the right and volleyed wide of goal, and then Wildschut forced another save from Vigouroux.

All square at the interval then. Would Wigan rue all their misses?

Latics continued their dominance at the opening of the second half. Will Grigg nearly gave the home team the lead but his close range effort following a corner was cleared off the line by a defender.

Grigg went close again soon afterwards when he was fed by Wildschut on the edge of the area, but Latics leading goalscorer blasted the ball high over the crossbar.

Swindon were proving to be stubborn opponents and some excessive time-wasting by goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux was particularly frustrating for the home fans.

But Wigan continued to press and went close again ten minutes from time when Reece James forced Vigouroux into an excellent save and then fired the rebound over the crossbar.

The Swindon keeper continued to waste time at goal kicks and was eventually yellow carded by referee Nigel Miller in the 93rd minute.

As the game moved into the 96th minute Wigan got their just rewards. Francisco Junior took advantage of a mistake by Vigouroux and forced the ball home from close range to seal a last gasp victory.

Posted in Francisco Junior, League One, Swindon Town, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Display at Bradford shows mastering defence

Posted on October 30, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Craig Morgan Wigan Athletic

Craig Morgan celebrates his equaliser at Bury. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

One of the main concerns about Latics early season performances has been their poor defending. Many of the games have seen lapses of concentration, defensive mix-ups and even bizarre own goals.

Richard O’Donnell, Leon Barnett, Donervon Daniels and Reece James have all looked shaky at times and with the absences of captain Craig Morgan and vice captain Jason Pearce they have shipped more goals than was acceptable.

However, the defensive display at Bradford City showed signs that the team might be mastering the art of defending.

Latics had to endure an aerial bombardment on Saturday with the home team winning fifteen corners overall. During the first half they forced six consecutive corners, but the defence was resolute and held firm.

The Bantams adopted a physical approach throughout, with centre forward James Hanson making life difficult for the Latics three centre backs, but they stood up very well to the test and were only breached once.

The return to the team of the captain Craig Morgan has certainly helped to steady the ship. The experienced Welsh international is cool under pressure and his organisation of the defence is starting to have an impact.

The former Bolton Wanderers keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has added greater stability and seems to have inspired confidence in those around him. Richard O’Donnell is a fine shot stopper but he struggled to build a rapport with the other defenders.

Chris McCann is now playing in an unfamiliar role as a defender but he has started to settle and was excellent under pressure at Valley Parade.

Jason Pearce is regaining match fitness and was on the bench for the Bradford game, but he is likely to return to the action and add his strength and experience in the near future.

If Latics can master the art of defending then they will continue their upward trajectory. They have now moved up into the play-off zone and are only five points behind second place Walsall.

If they maintain their excellent home form and keep picking up points away from home they will not be far off the automatic promotion places come May.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 30th October 2015.

Posted in Chris McCann, Craig Morgan, Jason Pearce, Jussi Jaaskelainen, League One, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics on the Up – Bradford City 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on October 25, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Michael Jacobs on target at Bradford City

Michael Jacobs on target at Bradford City. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

Wigan were held by Bradford in a highly competitive game at Valley Parade but still moved up to fifth in the League One table.

Latics took the lead in the 52nd minute through Michael Jacobs strike but were pegged back by the Bantams when James Hanson headed home from a corner in the 63rd minute.

This hard-fought bruising encounter ended with both teams pressing for the winner, but a point each was probably a fair result on the day.

Gary Caldwell named an unchanged team from the victory at Peterborough United, with vice-captain Jason Pearce being the only change on the bench replacing Jordy Hiwula.

Latics attacked from the off and Yanic Wildschut produced a driving run into the Bantams area before shooting low into the side netting.

Rory McArdle then headed over for Bradford from Reece Burke’s left wing cross.

But Latics were soon creating chances at the other end. Jacobs picked up Max Power’s through ball midway inside the Bradford half, and drove into the area before shooting at Ben Williams but the keeper was just able to turn the ball away for a corner.

Reece James then tested Williams and the Bantams keeper had to tip his effort over the crossbar. Then Power struck from 35 yards but the ball sailed just over the crossbar.

Bradford’s physical presence was starting to take effect and referee Richard Clark was far too lenient with some of the challenges. Fouls on Max Power and David Perkins, amongst others, went unpunished.

The home team further tested Latics with a series of corners and high balls into the penalty area but the defence managed to hold firm.

Latics responded and Will Grigg appeared to have beaten Bradford’s offside trap and finished with some aplomb, but it was unfortunately ruled out for offside.

Bradford forced four corners at the beginning of the second half and Jaaskelainen had to be alert to tip over a half-volley by McMahon from 20 yards.

Gary Caldwell replaced Donervon Daniels with Donald Love after 51 minutes and it immediately had a positive effect as Latics ahead. Loanee Love won a 50/50 on the right hand side and set up Jacobs on the edge of the box, and the winger’s powerful drive flew past Williams and into the net.

Latics might have added to their lead when Jacobs and then Wildschut had chances. First Jacobs’ final ball out to Love was over hit and then Wildschut fired into the side netting.

Bradford came forward and had an appeal for a penalty turned down when Devante Cole went down in the area and Hanson headed straight at Jaaskelainen when it appeared he would score.

But the Bantams did draw level on 63 minutes through Hanson. From yet another corner, Hanson headed towards goal from the penalty spot and Jaaskelainen was unsighted and the ball went in between him and Reece James on the goal line.

The match was finely poised now with both teams looking dangerous.

Latics might have won it when James cut in from the left but his shot from the edge of the box was a yard over. Substitutes Grant Holt and Love also had efforts but both were unable to beat the Bradford keeper.

Despite five minutes of additional time neither team could break the deadlock, but this was another good point for Latics who are now unbeaten in eight league matches and are moving confidently up the table.

Posted in Bradford City, James Hanson, League One, Michael Jacobs, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Bradford has a lot to live up to!

Posted on October 23, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Yanic Wildschut Wigan Athletic

Yanic Wildschut has made a big impact. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

It was another incredible away day on Tuesday night as Latics edged out Peterborough 3-2 in a dramatic finale at the ABAX Stadium.

Wigan had let a two goal lead slip and were in danger of losing when Max Power cut through the Posh defence and produced a sublime finish to secure all three points.

Recent away days at Chesterfield, Port Vale, Oldham, Crewe, Bury and Peterborough have all produced great entertainment for the travelling fans.

These away games have been characterised by great attacking play and poor defending. As a former defender, his team’s defending will frustrate Gary Caldwell, but it certainly ups the excitement quotient.

Latics fans have gone through the whole range of emotions during these games; there have been some desperate lows and some amazing highs.

You certainly get great value for money watching the side on the road.

Next up is another away day at Bradford City, and don’t forget to hold onto your seats – it could be another roller-coaster ride.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 23rd October 2015.

Posted in Bradford City, Gary Caldwell, League One, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Late Max Power play lifts Latics – Peterborough United 2 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on October 21, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Max Power

Max Power’s late goal won it for Latics

A late Max Power strike secured the three points for Latics in a pulsating encounter at the ABAX Stadium as they overcame the Posh 3-2 to move up to seventh in the League One table.

Wigan weathered early pressure from Peterborough before going into a two goal lead through Yanic Wildschut and Will Grigg.

But the Posh fought back to draw level through Erhun Oztumer and substitute Souleymane Coulibaly.

Just when it looked like Peterborough might go on to win it, Wigan had the final say when Power raced onto Craig Davies’s pass and finished in great style.

Gary Caldwell unsurprisingly named the same team which defeated Colchester for the fixture at the ABAX Stadium.

It was Peterborough who made the early running with a series of goalscoring opportunities.

First Michael Bostwick headed Erhun Oztumer’s corner wide after only four minutes. Jon Taylor fired wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s opposite post from Conor Washington’s cross, before Craig Morgan had to block an effort from Taylor when he may have gone on to score.

But against the run of play Latics went ahead with their first serious attack and it was that man Yanic Wildschut who did the damage.

The big Dutchman broke quickly from midfield and through his sheer power bulldozed his way through the Peterborough defence before tucking the ball under Ben Alnwick from just inside the area.

Wigan stormed forward boosted by Wildschut’s goal. The Middlesbrough loanee was creating all kinds of problems and the Posh simply couldn’t cope with his pace and power.

He created another opportunity soon afterwards, but the ball was cleared by Ricardo Santos, before Grigg could get the final touch. Power then blasted a shot across the Posh goalmouth.

But it was not long before Latics were 2-0 up. Wildschut unsurprisingly creating the goal. He picked up the ball on the left flank and drove at his full back before cutting the ball back to Reece James whose shot looked to have beaten Alnwick, but probably got a touch off Grigg before going into the net.

It was end to end stuff now as Peterborough tried to respond. Taylor had an effort that went just wide, before Gabriel Zakuani headed over.

Latics pressed again Wildschut and the winger’s low shot was well saved by Alnwick.

Lee Angol and Chris Forrester had shots from distance for Peterborough but Jussi Jaaskelainen was relatively untroubled.

Wigan might have increased their lead when Michael Jacobs fired a low effort across the face of goal which Alnwick had to palm away. Chris McCann then shot straight at Alnwick when an effort either side of the keeper would have probably beaten him. Will Grigg then had his effort pushed away by the keeper.

What an incredible half with numerous chances and with both teams looking good going forward and vulnerable defensively.

The second half continued in similar fashion to the first.

Forrester almost immediately received a yellow card for bringing down Wildschut who was tearing towards the Peterborough goal.

Soon afterwards Jacobs appeared to be pushed over in the penalty area but nothing was given.

Wildschut freed Jacobs and his shot from the edge of the area just missed the upright.

Wildschut earned a free-kick just outside the area and Jacobs low curled shot evaded the Peterborough defensive wall but was well saved by Alnwick. Reece James then powered the ball across the area, but no Wigan player could make the final contact.

Surely Latics would add to their lead soon?

But it was Peterborough who scored next.

Taylor struck with a fierce shot which Jaaskelainen was unable to hold and Oztumer blasted the ball home from close range.

Peterborough now felt they had a foothold in the game and could draw level. Washington’s shot from the left side beat Jaaskelainen but also the far post. Jermaine Anderson headed wide from Callum Elder’s cross.

Craig Davies then replaced a very tired looking Wildschut as the game moved towards an amazing finale.

First Peterborough drew level. Oztumer’s low cross was turned in by substitute Souleymane Coulibaly on 81 minutes.

Would Latics now succumb to Peterborough pressure? The answer was an emphatic ‘No’, as they went straight up the other end and scored a superb goal.

Davies exchanged passes with Power and the former Tranmere midfielder finished with great aplomb much to the delight of the travelling Wigan fans.

Latics had to endure an agonising six minutes of additional time, but they held on to record an important victory and move the team to within seven points of the top spot.

Posted in Erhun Oztumer, Max Power, Peterborough United, Souleymayne Coulibaly, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Five-star Latics show their intent – Wigan Athletic 5 Colchester United 0

Posted on October 17, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Will Grigg grabbed a brace for Latics. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

Wigan blitzed Colchester with a five-star show at the DW Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Latics tore into the U’s from the kick off and were ahead after only five minutes through Donervon Daniels after good work by Yanic Wildschut, and they went on to score three more before half time as the away team were left chasing shadows.

Max Power’s deflected shot, Daniels right footed drive and Will Grigg’s smart finish reflecting Wigan’s total dominance.

They should have scored more in a second half they fully controlled, but they did add a fifth following a sublime chip by Grigg in the 87th minute.

This emphatic display demonstrated the wealth of talent now available to Gary Caldwell and if this level of performance can be maintained, then Latics will soon be challenging for one of the top spots in League One.

Gary Caldwell made one change from the team which drew at Bury with Will Grigg returning from international duty replacing Jordy Hiwula.

Latics attacked from the kick off with Yanic Wildschut the outstanding player. The Dutch winger was unstoppable as he tore down left hand flank.

Wildschut created Latics’ first goal after only five minutes when his cross from the left was met by Daniels who finished from close range.

Latics almost doubled their lead three minutes later when Wildschut broke clear but couldn’t quite manage to get the final touch past the advancing Jamie Jones in the Colchester goal.

But in the 11th minute Latics went further ahead when Max Power unleashed a shot from 25 yards and the ball deflected off a U’s defender before looping over the helpless Jones and into the net.

The onslaught continued and Latics went further ahead on 14 minutes. Daniels was again on target when he picked Grigg’s header and he comfortably side footed the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Colchester were shell-shocked as Latics attacked in numbers with Wildschut, Jacobs, and Grigg all outstanding and the central midfield pairing of David Perkins and Power tenacious and combative.

It was not long before Latics made it four. Following a slick passing move the ball came to Perkins who drove forward into the area before pulling the ball back to Grigg, and the striker showed great composure to slot the ball home.

Wigan could have gone further ahead before half time when Grigg fired across the six yard box but no attacking player was able to make the vital contact.

The home team went into the interval with a four goal lead, but it could so easily have been six or seven, such was their dominance.

Wildschut continued to torment the Colchester defenders in the second half and he nearly got on the score sheet five minutes into the second half, but his shot from close range was well saved by Jones.

After 60 minutes Gary Caldwell decided to give the impressive Wildschut a rest and the winger left the pitch to a standing ovation. Grant Holt was introduced and Francisco Junior also replaced Michael Jacobs.

Holt was soon in the thick of the action and he had a couple of opportunities to get on the score sheet, firstly when Junior played the ball to Grigg in the area and the striker pulled it back across, but Holt couldn’t quite make the vital contact.

His second chance came when he was clean through on goal and although his shot beat Jones it also disappointingly went past the far post.

Latics finally got their fifth goal on 87 minutes when Grigg produced a sublime piece of skill to chip Jones.

The striker was released by substitute Donald Love, and he produced a delicate chip to lift the ball over the advancing Colchester keeper to round off a totally dominant Latics performance.

Posted in Colchester United, Donervon Daniels, League One, Max Power, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: We can make defences Yanic

Posted on October 16, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Yanic Wildschut Wigan Athletic

Yanic Wildschut. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Latics early season has been blighted by injuries, suspensions and international call-ups, but as more players return to the squad the prospects look bright. In particular, Latics now have plenty of goalscorers available for selection, although Craig Davies and Shaq Coulthirst remain on the injured list.

Long-term absentee Grant Holt has returned from injury, Haris Vuckic played 30 minutes for the Development Squad this week and forwards Jordi Hiwula and Samni Odelusi are in contention for a starting place.

But the three players, who I would suggest are most likely to make the biggest impact on League One defences are Yanic Wildschut, Will Grigg and Michael Jacobs.

These three attacking players have the ability to ignite Latics promotion push. The three forwards have shown plenty of promise already, but when they have the chance to play together regularly they could be the players to turn Latics recent sequence of draws into victories.

The 23-year-old Middlesbrough loanee Wildschut has impressed already with his direct play, a wonder-strike at Crewe in the JPT and a good performance at Bury.

He is still lacking match fitness but he has undoubted ability and when fully fit he will be a thorn in the side of League One defences.

Will Grigg has been unavailable due to injuries and international call ups but he will surely benefit from having a player like Wildschut around him – a player who runs at defenders and can deliver quality service into the 18 yard box.

Grigg has only started six games but he has still managed to score three goals for his new team. We have still to see the best of him, but with a run in the team and the right service the goals will surely flow.

Michael Jacobs has been Latics most consistent player so far, he is a clever winger who can create opportunities for his teammates and is dangerous from set pieces.

Gary Caldwell has encouraged him to be more direct and score more goals and I would expect him to beat the eight goals he managed in Wolves promotion season in League One.

Latics currently sit just outside the play-off zone three points behind Sheffield United in sixth place and only eight points off top spot.

They certainly need to tighten up in defence, but they also have the players capable of scoring the goals to get them promoted at the end of the season.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 16th October 2015.

Posted in League One, Michael Jacobs, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics are doing it the hard way – Bury 2 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on October 10, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Wigan fans at Bury

Wigan fans at Bury

It looks like Latics’ push for promotion from League One is going to be done the hard way. Despite dominating the game against Bury they gifted their opponents a two goal lead, before producing another dramatic comeback to secure a point at Gigg Lane.

The unmarked Nathan Cameron gave the Shakers the lead from a corner before the Bury substitute Tom Pope headed in Reece Brown’s cross.

Bury had Chris Hussey sent off for a second bookable offence, before a Cameron own goal brought Wigan back into the game.

Latics deservedly drew level on 90 minutes when Craig Morgan curled in a peach of an equaliser from the edge of the area.

Latics might have gone on to win the game after incessant pressure but Bury hung on for a share of the points.

Wigan manager Gary Caldwell recalled the rested Michael Jacobs, David Perkins, Reece James and Craig Morgan to the starting line-up from Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Crewe. Yanic Wildschut coming in for Will Grigg was the only change from the team against Walsall with the Northern Ireland striker on international duty.

Latics started positively with Wildschut producing a run and cross down from the left, but Jordy Hiwula was unable to convert the cross into a chance.

But then Latics went behind after only six minutes. Hussey swung in a corner and Cameron rose unchallenged at the back post to head the Shakers in front.

Latics responded with a low shot from Perkins from just inside the area, but the ball went wide of the target. Then Wildschut tried from distance but he also fired wide of the Bury goal.

The Wigan defence were once again all at sea from another corner, but fortunately Chris McCann cleared Peter Clarke’s header off the line.

The visitors continued to press however, with Wildschut, Hiwula and Perkins having shots which all deflected for corners.

Wildschut was looking Latics’ liveliest player and the Dutchman produced a trademark run towards the Bury goal before unleashing a 25 yard blast, Bury keeper Lainton was unable to hold the shot but the danger was eventually cleared.

Hussey was then booked for a professional foul on Jacobs as he broke clear. Latics then had shots from Jacobs and Perkins but both were blocked on the edge of the area.

Latics went into interval feeling aggrieved that they had dominated possession and created more chances than their opponents, but once again their poor defending had let them down.

Wigan began the second half on the offensive with Daniels having a deflected shot saved by Lainton, but they soon fell further behind to another sucker punch.

Bury broke quickly after another Wigan attack and substitute Tom Pope was allowed to get in front of Barnett, stoop low and head the ball past Jaaskelainen for an unlikely 2-0 lead.

Wigan were in shock and manager Gary Caldwell decided to try to change the course of the game by moving to a back four, replacing Reece James, and introducing Grant Holt in attack.

Latics upped the pressure and continued their dominance but Bury were difficult to breakdown. But on 77 minutes the home team were reduced to ten men when Hussey brought down Jacobs for a second bookable offence and was dismissed.

Caldwell surprisingly brought on Francisco Junior for the tiring Hiwula, when another forward might have been expected, but the change had a positive effect.

With the Bury defenders tiring, Junior linked up play well and created opportunities for his teammates.

Wildschut continued to threaten and when his cross found Jacobs it looked as though Latics would have a goal back, but the former Wolves winger lifted his effort way over the crossbar.

However, Wigan did pull one back on 84 minutes when Jacob’s cross from the right found Holt at the near post and the ball seemed to go into the net off Cameron.

Latics surged forward in search of the equaliser, but Bury somehow continued to survive the onslaught.

That is until the 90th minute when Wigan’s captain Craig Morgan produced a peach of a goal to send the travelling army of 1,677 fans into raptures.

Morgan picked the ball up on the edge of the box and curled a superb strike into the bottom left hand corner of the Bury net.

There was only one likely winner now as Latics continued their siege of the Bury goal. Power curled a free-kick just over the crossbar with Lainton beaten, and then substitute Tim Chow looked to have scored the winner, but only TV replays will be able to show if the ball crossed the line.

Despite five minutes of added time Bury somehow survived. Latics had produced yet another amazing comeback, but they will also be rueing the defensive frailties which had nearly cost them the match.

It is never boring watching Latics away from home this season, they are regularly giving their opponents a two goal start before they manage to get their own game going.

Gary Caldwell will be pleased with Latics domination of the game with 54% possession and 18 shots to Bury’s 6, but he will also be very unhappy with the numerous defensive mistakes that have blighted the season so far.

Posted in Bury, Craig Morgan, Grant Holt, League One, Nathan Cameron, Tom Pope, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment