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.

Posted in Jason Pearce, Keith Hill, Michael Jacobs, Rochdale, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Blackpool, Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Keith Hill, League One, Rochdale, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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.

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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