Roller coaster ends in disappointment – Port Vale 3 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on September 13, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Leon Barnett equalises for Wigan

Leon Barnett equalises from a Michael Jacobs corner

Latics almost repeated the heroics of last week as they came back from 2-0 down to draw level, but they were ultimately disappointed as Port Vale grabbed the winner in stoppage time.

Vale went ahead through Anthony Grant on 33 minutes and then doubled their lead on 63 minutes through Louis Dodds, but Latics then staged a late comeback with goals from Chris McCann and Leon Barnett.

But as Latics pressed for the winner they were caught out in defence as Barnett received a straight red card on 88 minutes for a foul on Enock Andoh. With Latics reduced to ten men the Valiants produced a dramatic soul-destroying last-minute winner through Uche Ikpeazu.

Gary Caldwell made two changes from the victory at Chesterfield. Sean Murray was replaced by McCann in midfield while Max Power was replaced by Jonjoe Kenny who was returning from international duty with England U19s.

After an even opening the best chance fell to McCann on 30 minutes after a low cross from Craig Davies, but the Irish midfielder was unable to apply the killer touch.

Somewhat bizarrely referee Mark Haywood then allowed the players a drinks break, and as at Gillingham, the home team scored from the restart as Latics switched off.

Carl Dickinson crossed from the left and McCann looked to have cleared the danger but he only played the ball into the path of Anthony Grant, who produced an unstoppable drive past Richard O’Donnell into the Latics goal.

Just before the interval Caldwell made a double substitution with Jody Hiwula and Andy Kellett replacing Haris Vuckic and Donervon Daniels.

Latics were put under pressure at the beginning of the second half and it looked only a matter of time before Vale would increase their lead.

Vale did double their lead from a corner in the 65th minute after some inept Latics defending, Louis Dodds smashing the ball into the net from close range.

Almost immediately Latics replaced Reece James with Will Grigg and the Irish striker had an instant impact. Davies got behind the Vale defence down the right hand side and pulled the ball back to McCann who side footed the ball past Alnwick and into the Vale net.

The prospects of another Wigan comeback were now on the cards and the 1,300 fans behind the goal began to sing ‘We’re going to win 3-2′.

Latics were now pressing for the equaliser with Davies at the centre of their best moves. The big striker almost got on the score sheet but Alnwick was able to save at the second attempt. Davies then fired another great effort across the face of goal before McCann fired his effort straight at Alnwick. Grigg then went down under a challenge from Richard Duffy but referee Haywood waved away Latics’ appeals.

Vale responded and O’Donnell had to produce an outstanding full length save to deny Dodds. It was end-to-end stuff now with both teams creating chances, but it was Latics who drew level on 83 minutes.

Michael Jacobs’ well flighted corner was met by Barnett who rose on the six yard box to head the ball powerfully past Alnwick.

Latics fans were jubilant and sensing another amazing comeback. But the game turned back in Port Vale’s favour on 87 minutes.

As Wigan pressed for the winner they were caught on the break and last man Barnett committed a professional foul on Enoch Andoh and was issued with a red card.

As the match moved into stoppage time Latics were unable to repel yet another Vale attack and the ball fell to Uche Ikpeazu who finished from close range to send the travelling army home disappointed.

Posted in Anthony Grant, Chris McCann, Enoch Andoh, League One, Leon Barnett, Port Vale, Uche Ikpeazu, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Another epic to remember

Posted on September 11, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Peter Houghton

Hat trick hero Peter Houghton

What a fantastic comeback at Chesterfield. Latics looked down and out at the Proact Stadium after 68 minutes when Leon Barnett put through his own goal to make it 2-0 to the Spireites. But Barnett soon redeemed himself with an excellent volley and Craig Davies’ penalty and Jordy Hiwula’s last-minute winner produced an amazing smash and grab victory.

Latics had shown great fighting spirit to score three goals and turn the game around in the space of only nine minutes. But Gary Caldwell should also be congratulated for his tactical changes and substitutions. The three substitutes Chris McCann, Jordy Hiwula and Andy Kellett made a difference and had a crucial role to play in all three goals.

During their eight seasons in the Premier League Latics had some memorable comebacks. Back in April 2010 they came back from 2-0 to win 3-2 to shock Arsenal. In the process they ended the Gunners title bid and practically secured their own top-flight status for another season.

Three goals in 10 minutes turned the game in Wigan’s favour late on, with future FA Cup hero Ben Watson scoring the first. A clanger from Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski allowed Titus Bramble to head Wigan level and then, in injury time Charles N’Zogbia’s strike won it. It was a stunning end to a game that Arsenal had looked odds on to win.

It was real Roy of the Rovers stuff at the end of the 2010/11 season as Latics had to win their final two games of the season to survive. It was all going wrong when they were 2-0 down at half time to relegation rivals West Ham in their penultimate game.

The roller coaster encounter saw Latics come back and win 3-2 in the 94th minute with a modern-day Roy Race that was Charles N’Zogbia getting the last gasp winner.

But probably the greatest ever turnaround was against our next opponents Port Vale on a Good Friday in 1979. 3-0 down at home to the Valiants with just 20 minutes to go, many disgruntled Latics fans decided to leave early, some angrily throwing their season tickets into the players’ tunnel.

But Latics stormed back to win 5-3. Centre forward Peter Houghton scoring a sensational hat trick in the space of just ten glorious minutes before Derek Brownbill and Micky Moore completed the amazing comeback.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 11th September 2015.

Posted in Ben Watson, Charles N'Zogbia, Craig Davies, Derek Brownbill, Gary Caldwell, Jordy Hiwula, League One, Leon Barnett, Micky Moore, Peter Houghton, Port Vale, Premier League, Titus Bramble, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

High drama secures Latics first away win – Chesterfield 2 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on September 5, 2015 by ianhaspinall

Latics

Proact Stadium, Chesterfield FC

View from the away end

Wigan recorded their first away win of the season with a dramatic comeback from two goals down to win 3-2 at Chesterfield. With nine minutes of normal time remaining Latics looked to be down and out, but Leon Barnett’s excellent volley, Craig Davies’ penalty and Jordy Hiwula’s last-minute winner produced an amazing smash and grab victory.

The Spireites had taken what looked like an unassailable lead through Dan Gardner’s spectacular 30 yard strike and a Barnett own goal.

But with 15 minutes remaining Wigan showed great determination and upped their game producing a plethora of chances as the home team crumbled under the onslaught.

Due to international call ups and injuries Gary Caldwell had to change his starting line up from the victory against Crewe Alexandra. Will Grigg, Jonjoe Kenny and Captain Craig Morgan were all unavailable. New loan signing Haris Vuckic partnered Davies in attack, Sean Murray made his first start in the centre of midfield and Barnett returned to replace Morgan in defence.

Chesterfield had the best of the opening exchanges and after 15 minutes Latics keeper Richard O’Donnell made a superb save to deny Ian Evatt’s header from close range.

Soon afterwards the home team may have been awarded a penalty when Lee Novak appeared to be fouled by Donervon Daniels in the penalty area. The referee Mark Brown played advantage only for Novak to then go down inside the box under a second Daniels challenge. However the referee pulled the play back for the initial infringement outside the area.

Latics responded with Max Power drawing a save from Tommy Lee. From the resulting corner Murray saw his effort blocked before Vuckic fired over from the edge of the box.

Davies then had a shot well saved by Lee before a Jacobs free-kick was tipped over the bar by the Spireites keeper.

Latics might have taken the lead in the 38th minute. Davies low driven free-kick ricocheted to Daniels in the box but Liam O’Neill slid in to block the shot and the ball flew wide of Lee’s post. O’Neill was forced to limp off after making the interception.

But with the match in first half injury time the best chance of the game so far fell to Jacobs. After some great work down the right hand side Vuckic found Davies in space and the big striker turned the ball into the path of Jacobs with only the keeper to beat but Lee produced yet another good save to deny Latics the lead.

Chesterfield upped their game at the beginning of the second half and started to take control of the midfield.

Latics were looking vulnerable down the left hand side with Power and Barnett struggling to contain the Spireites attacks.  On 62 minutes the home team made the breakthrough when Gardner cut in from the left and curled a spectacular shot past O’Donnell and into the top corner of Latics net.

Latics were stunned and six minutes later matters got much worse as Barnett, unchallenged on his own six yard box, inexplicably headed past O’Donnell from Daniel Jones free-kick.

It looked as though the three points would be going to Chesterfield but Latics gradually clawed themselves back into the game with substitutes Chris McCann, Jordy Hiwula and Andy Kellett having an increasingly prominent impact on proceedings.

Kellett forced a corner and following the corner Barnett made amends for his own goal by chesting the ball down and then firing an unstoppable half volley past Lee.

Latics now had a foothold and Chesterfield started to wobble. Davies was once again denied by Lee and then Hiwula crashed the ball against the crossbar when it appeared easier to score.

Latics were now well on top and when McCann broke through into the box he was unceremoniously brought down in the area by Sam Hird.

Davies had the responsibility to take the penalty against one of his former clubs and the striker powerfully converted his spot kick to draw Latics level and set up an incredible finale.

As the game moved into the 90th minute Latics sealed an unlikely victory as Kellet created an opportunity in the Spireites box and despite Lee’s save Hiwula was on the spot to fire home the winner and send the 1,000 travelling fans into ecstasy.

Posted in Chesterfield, Craig Davies, Dan Gardner, Jordy Hiwula, League One, Leon Barnett, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Let’s hope Latics can prove Hansen wrong again

Posted on September 4, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Haris Vuckic

Haris Vuckic joined Latics on loan from Newcastle United

Gary Caldwell made a real statement of intent by recruiting young and hopefully hungry players on transfer deadline day. The manager added four promising young players to his already youthful first team squad.

On a day when it looked like Latics might not sign anyone, they added the 20-year-old central defender Jack Hendry from Partick Thistle on a four-year contract. The highly rated Hendry was wanted by a number of other clubs but Caldwell convinced the former Dundee United youngster to make the move to the DW Stadium.

The 21-year-old full back Andy Kellett signed from Bolton Wanderers on a three-year contract. The defender spent last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle before switching to Manchester United and was a member of the team that went on to win the Under-21 Premier League title.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder Haris Vuckic joined on a season long loan deal from Newcastle United. The Slovenian international helped Rotherham United to win promotion from League One in 2013/14 and spent last season on loan at Glasgow Rangers scoring 8 goals in 15 appearances.

Watford loanee 21-year-old Sean Murray has impressed the Latics manager during his time at the club and his loan was extended until mid January. Caldwell has indicated that he wants greater competition for places in midfield and Murray fits the manager’s player profile.

Latics have now made 20 new signings in the summer transfer window and it is interesting to note that 14 of the 27-man squad are under-23.

Young players Reece James, Max Power, Francisco Junior, Johnjoe Kenny, Sanmi Odelusi, Donervon Daniels and Jordy Hiwula have already been recruited this summer but there could be more added when the Football League temporary loan window opens on Wednesday 9th September.

Caldwell and his recruitment team have clearly put their faith in youth and believe that these young players will be the future of the club and that they can grow and develop together while making a push for promotion.

Alan Hansen famously said, “You can’t win anything with kids.” He was proved wrong as Manchester United went on to claim a League and Cup double that season. Let’s hope he’s proved wrong again with Gary Caldwell’s young team.

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

Posted in Andy Kellett, Gary Caldwell, Haris Vuckic, Jack Hendry, League One, Sean Murray, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book review: Whatever happened to Billy Parks? A football novel with a heart and soul

Posted on September 3, 2015 by ianhaspinall

Whatever happened to Billy Parks? By Gareth Roberts

Whatever happened to Billy Parks? By Gareth R Roberts is a fictional account of wasted talent but with the possibility of a remarkable redemption.

Right from the beginning we are emotionally drawn to Billy; he has a difficult upbringing and his football success comes as a welcome relief. We care about him as we follow his developing football career, and relationships with his family and friends. Then his self-destructive tendencies start his degeneration into drinking and womanising. Finally there is an opportunity to make things right.

West Ham’s Billy Parks life follows a similar path to 1970s football icons like George Best and Stan Bowles. He is a faded terrace hero who has neglected his family and is heading towards an early grave.

After his playing career has ended his liver is failing and he earns his money selling football stories on the after-dinner circuit to anyone who’ll listen and buy him a drink. His family has deserted him and his friends are tired of his lies and excuses.

But then comes a fantastic occurrence to make things better. Billy is given the chance to reverse the dark night of 17th October 1973 when England were unable to beat Poland and qualify for the 1974 World Cup finals in Germany.

That night he was left on the bench but what if he could go back in time and win the game for England? What if he was able to undo the pain he’d caused his loved ones?

The book has been described as a British version of the baseball novel Field of Dreams but the difference is that, while Field of Dreams was concerned with changing the future, this is concerned with changing the past. But both stories acknowledge the transformative power of sport, the effect that it has on people’s lives, and both stories are about ghosts.

Throughout the book there is a welcome nostalgia for the football heroes of bygone times, the World Cup winners of 1966, the great football managers of the 1970s ‘ The Council of Immortals’ Ramsay, Shankly, Revie, Clough and Busby.

Some of the football passages are reminiscent of the bygone comic strip heroes Roy of the Rovers and Billy’s Boots. These passages manage to convey the adrenalin rush of beating the opposition and of scoring a goal for both players and fans. For example, when young Billy is playing for London Boys versus Manchester Boys:

“ Ahead of me was a mass of open field. Instinctively, I knew that if I hoofed it forward the wet pitch would stop it carrying through to their keeper. I knew it and I did it: I hoofed it towards  the edge of the penalty area where it stuck in the mud. Now, there was just a foot race to the ball between me, northern monkey Feeney, who was charging from my left, the Manc goalie Joe Corrigan and Big Tommy Booth. But I was away, my feet gliding across the glistening grass, water sputtering upwards as I went. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Feeney coming towards me, while straight ahead was the massive frame of Joe Corrigan. If Joe had been more decisive, he’d have got there first, but he held off for just a second, just long enough for me to reach the ball a moment before he did, a tiny weeny insignificant moment in the encyclopaedia of time, but long enough for me to clip the ball over him, hurdle him, and steer the ball into the empty net as Feeney crashed into his own goalkeeper. ”     

There are also details of fixtures, dates, venues, team line-ups and historically accurate references to give the story added realism.

The book certainly packs an emotional punch and has won the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize and was Longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize. ‘Whatever happened to Billy Parks?’ deserves a place alongside the best football novels of the modern era, Nick Hornby’s ‘Fever Pitch’ and David Peace’s ‘The Damned United’.

* Whatever happened to Billy Parks? By Gareth R Roberts is published by the Friday Project and is available on Kindle and in paperback.

** This article was originally published in the Daisy Cutter in August 2014.

Posted in Book Reviews, Gareth R Roberts, West Ham United | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Jacobs makes the difference – Wigan Athletic 1 Crewe Alexandra 0

Posted on August 30, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Michael Jacobs

Michael Jacobs was on fine form and scored his first goal for Latics

Wigan remain undefeated at the DW Stadium after a less than convincing 1-0 win against Crewe Alexandra. Michael Jacobs header in the 12th minute was enough to separate the two teams in a closely fought encounter.

Latics just about deserved the points after creating a number of good chances in the first half but credit should be given to Crewe for continuing to play their good football throughout. The visitors might even have drawn level as the home team visibly tired towards the end of the game.

Gary Caldwell made three changes to his starting line up following the defeat at Gillingham with Jason Pearce replacing Chris McCann. Johnjoe Kenny and Max Power also came back into the team in place of injured players Francisco Junior and Kevin McNaughton.

After a brisk opening by both teams Latics created the first chance of the game when Will Grigg met Reece James’ cross from the left hand side and forced a good save from Ben Garratt.

The visitors responded through Ollie Turton, who forced a spectacular save from Richard O’Donnell with his driven shot from the edge of the penalty area.

The end-to-end opening continued as Michael Jacobs gave Wigan the lead from Max Power’s corner as he headed the ball home at the back post.

Crewe almost immediately drew level but although Bradden Inman’s low drive defeated O’Donnell the ball smacked against the post and away to safety.

Michael Jacobs was having an excellent game and he almost doubled the lead after 20 minutes when he produced a great direct run through the Crewe defence but he was ultimately denied at the last moment by the diving Garratt.

Latics were now on top and they went close again in the 27th minute when Jonjoe Kenny fired the ball straight at Garratt after good work by Jacobs.

Jacobs was proving to be Wigan’s biggest threat and he went close soon afterwards forcing yet another good save from Garratt.

Latics were disappointed to go into the interval with a one goal lead but Crewe were also a little unlucky not to have troubled the score sheet.

Latics started the second half brightly and Jacobs played a neat one-two with Will Grigg, before once again testing Garratt from 25 yards.

Will Grigg was then very unlucky not to double Latics lead when he headed Craig Davies’ cross from the left against the crossbar from close range.

Wigan’s failure to capitalise on their chances meant Crewe still posed a serious threat. The visitors continued to play their neat passing game often to the frustration of the Latics midfielders who struggled to get to grips with their neat interplay.

With 25 minutes remaining Crewe might have equalised when substitute Lauri Dalla Valle headed narrowly wide of the Wigan goal.

As the game moved towards full-time Latics lost their impetus and it was the visitors who were threatening. Fortunately the defence was well marshalled by Captain Craig Morgan and Crewe were unable to create any other clear-cut chances to draw level.

Gary Caldwell was clearly relieved at the final whistle as his team had run out of steam in the second half. The manager will also be concerned about the lack of steel from his midfield. On occasions Latics were outplayed in the centre of the park and they will need to improve in this area if they are to get anything from their next two away fixtures at Chesterfield and Port Vale.

Posted in Crewe Alexandra, Gary Caldwell, League One, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: How do we bounce back?

Posted on August 28, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Gary Caldwell

Gary Caldwell on the look out for new players. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

Latics quickly need to get back to winning ways on Saturday at home to Crewe Alexandra after a very lacklustre performance at Gillingham. Apart from a brief spell in the second half at the Priestfield Stadium, Latics had been unable to replicate the slick pass and move of the Scunthorpe victory.  Several players were well below par on a very hot day in Kent.

If Latics are to be challenging at the top of the table this season they will need to bounce back in their next game. Nothing is certain in football, but Latics will be expected to win against a Crewe team who have started the season poorly and are one of the favourites to be relegated from League One. 

Crewe lost 2-0 at Scunthorpe two weeks ago and they are still awaiting their first win of the season. The Crewe manager Steve Davis has this week re-shuffled his back room staff after their poor start with James Collins coming in as the new first-team coach.

If Latics are to secure the three points they must start with the same intensity that they showed against the Iron. Francisco Junior and David Perkins must stamp their authority on the game from the outset and control the midfield areas. 

The wingbacks, likely to be Jonjoe Kenny and Reece James, must get forward at every opportunity and provide the crosses for the forwards Michael Jacobs, Will Grigg and Craig Davies.

Wigan are a work in progress and there is still a lot of work to be done in all departments. Sadly it was two defensive errors by Chris McCann and Donervon Daniels that contributed to the Gills goals.

The expected return of Jason Pearce from injury should help provide greater solidity to the back line. However, they are still without Tim Chow, Don Cowie and Grant Holt and injuries to Kevin McNaughton and Shaq Coulthirst have further depleted the squad.

As well as the injuries Latics must contend with the ongoing unprecedented turnover of players. Billy Mckay, Leon Barnett and Chris McCann are currently attracting interest from other clubs and may depart.

Gary Caldwell has also indicated that he is on the look out for two or three new players, so expect more outgoings and incomings before the transfer window closes at 6pm on Tuesday night.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 28th August 2015.

Posted in Crewe Alexandra, Gary Caldwell, Gillingham, League One, Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dack double sinks Latics – Gillingham 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on August 23, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Latics on the attack

Wigan on the attack

After the optimism of Wednesday night Latics were brought back down to earth with a bump as they were outplayed by Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium.

Two goals from Bradley Dack, one in each half, ensured the Gills secured all three points and moved to the top of the League One table on goal difference. Latics drop down to 13th place having won 1 drawn 1 and lost 2.

Wigan made one change from Wednesday night’s win against Scunthorpe with Kevin McNaughton replacing Jonjoe Kenny at right wingback.

The Gills started confidently with Dack bringing a save from Richard O’Donnell within the first minute. Gillingham pressed and Latics struggled to get their passing game going.

Latics did create an opportunity around the 20th minute mark when Michael Jacobs’ free kick was flicked on by Craig Davies but Chris McCann’s header flew just over the Gills crossbar.

Latics best opportunity came when Grigg shot from distance after good work by McCann, but Nelson saved comfortably.

A rare event for the English Football League took place after 33 minutes when the referee Trevor Kettle gave the players a drinks break due to the exceptional heat.

Unfortunately the break may have affected Latics concentration, as they failed to deal with Rory Donnelly’s run down the right and the ball fell to Dack on the edge of the box and his shot straight down the middle of the goal wrong footed O’Donnell.

McNaughton then suffered a muscle injury and had to be withdrawn and replaced by Kenny. An out of sorts Francisco Junior was replaced at half time by Sean Murray.

Gillingham nearly doubled their lead at the start of the second half but a superb last-ditch tackle by Craig Morgan denied Luke Norris after he looked odds on to score.

Latics might have drawn level soon afterwards when Murray’s deep cross found Grigg at the back post but the striker’s effort was well saved at close range by Nelson.

However, Gillingham were still the dominant team and Donnelly rattled the Wigan upright and then Norris fired just wide.

Caldwell made an attacking change on 75 minutes when Reece James was replaced by Billy McKay.

But the points were sealed on 84 minutes when Donervon Daniels conceded a penalty. The big defender allowed Dack to get on his wrong side and then made a clumsy challenge from behind as the striker moved towards goal.

Dack got up and comfortably converted the penalty sending the Gills to the top of the league table.

Apart from a brief spell in the second half, Latics had been unable to replicate the slick pass and move of the Scunthorpe victory.  Several players had been well off the pace on a very hot day in Kent.

The team is still in a period of transition but Gary Caldwell will have plenty of food for thought after such a disappointing display.

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12th Man: Scunthorpe show was reminiscent of Martinez

Posted on August 21, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Francisco Junior

Everton loanee Francisco Junior making a big impact at Latics

Gary Caldwell’s young team gave Scunthorpe United a lesson in pass and move on Wednesday night at the DW Stadium. The Iron had no answer to Wigan’s style of play, which was reminiscent of the dominant performances produced in the Roberto Martinez days.

The opposition may not have been top drawer but Latics demonstrated how to outplay their opponents with some top quality football. The 3-0 scoreline did not flatter Latics who could have won by considerably more on the night.

Latics are still a work in progress but they produced the kind of football that had the fans purring. It has been evident in the opening games what they have been trying to achieve, but this was the first time that the team had fully clicked together.

Latics newly assembled team were nearly always quicker to the ball and slicker in their passing than their lacklustre opponents.

It was a great team performance but there were also some outstanding individual performances from the diminutive duo David Perkins and Francisco Junior. Comparisons to Barcelona’s Xavi and Iniesta may be stretching a point, but the duo displayed the type of interplay characterized by the famous Spanish duo.

Captain Craig Morgan marshaled the Latics defence superbly, while Will Grigg and Craig Davies provided the cutting edge that had previously been missing. The team’s unity was evident throughout as the players linked up well and won their individual battles all over the pitch.

Caldwell identified that Wigan’s game plan is now coming to fruition. He said,

“We’ve spoken a lot about playing from the back with Richard O’Donnell and how we have to impose our style on other teams, and right away we did that tonight.”

“There was composure, intensity and authority that showed we were in control tonight. It was important that the level continued throughout the game, and the players certainly delivered.”

Caldwell has been working to establish a new style of play and it is now starting to pay dividends. However it is still very early in the season and the Latics manager, players and fans should not get carried away just yet.

There is still a lot of work to do and the next fixture is a difficult away game at second place Gillingham, but if they can recreate this type of performance they will soon be challenging at the top of League One.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 21 August 2015.

Posted in David Perkins, Everton, Francisco Junior, Gary Caldwell, Gillingham, League One, Roberto Martinez, Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Latics are tiki-taka tormentors – Wigan Athletic 3 Scunthorpe United 0

Posted on August 19, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Will Grigg opened the scoring for Latics. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

Wigan gave Scunthorpe a footballing lesson as they recorded their first win of the 2015/16 League One campaign. The 3-0 scoreline did not flatter Latics as they dominated proceedings throughout the 90 minutes.

Will Grigg gave Latics the lead from the penalty spot after only three minutes and Donervan Daniels doubled the lead on 27 minutes before Craig Davies completed the rout on 70 minutes.

In truth it could have been many more as Scunthorpe offered only limited resistance to a free-flowing home team.

Latics newly assembled team were nearly always quicker to the ball and slicker in their passing than their opponents. It was an excellent team performance but there were also some stand out performances from the combative David Perkins and Francisco Junior in midfield, Craig Morgan in defence and Will Grigg who led the line with aplomb.

Latics made two changes to the team which drew with Doncaster on Sunday, with Donervon Daniels and Craig Davies replacing Leon Barnett and Max Power.

Caldwell’s young team attacked from the kick off and won a penalty after only three minutes when Will Grigg was pulled back in the area by David Mirfin. Grigg stepped up and despatched the spot kick with ease.

The early goal gave the Latics players confidence and they continued to press the Scunthorpe goal with Michael Jacobs, Davies and Grigg all linking up well.

Latics doubled their lead just before the half hour mark through Donervon Daniels, after Jacobs’ cross had evaded the Scunthorpe defence the former West Bromwich defender fired home at the back post.

Gary Caldwell’s team were on top of their game and the Iron had no answer. Latics nearly added a third just before the interval when Davies shot was well saved by Joe Anyon, before Jacobs volleyed the rebound against the crossbar and away to safety.

It remained 2-0 at the interval, but it could so easily have been many more.

The second half continued like the first with Latics controlling possession and dominating their opponents. Scunthorpe rarely threatened but when they did they were repelled with relative ease.

The hard-working Perkins nearly got on the scoresheet in the 67th minute when he dribbled into the area past several Iron defenders but unfortunately he stroked the ball just wide of the far post.

But Latics sealed the victory on 70 minutes when Davies latched onto Grigg’s superb through ball and fired past the helpless Anyon.

Grigg might have added a fourth soon afterwards when he rounded Anyon and slotted home, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on the defender.

No matter Latics had won convincingly and produced a delightful display of tiki-taka football which had the home crowd in raptures. Long may it continue.

Posted in Craig Davies, Donervon Daniels, League One, Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment