Let's Hang On

12th Man: Travelling support will help Latics at Oldham

Posted on September 25, 2015 by ianhaspinall

Wigan fans are travelling in greater numbers this season

Latics travel to another Latics, Oldham, tomorrow and a large away following will back them. Around 1,500 fans will make the trip to Boundary Park or the SportsDirect.com Park as it’s now known and they will be determined to make their voices heard.

Wigan’s average away attendance this season currently stands at 1,155, which is surprisingly higher than the final season in the Premier League and the average over the two Championship seasons.

But why has the travelling support gone up this season?

Cost is certainly a factor, as the ticket prices in League One are generally less than the Championship and Premier League.

£15 at Gillingham is much more affordable than the £56 charged at Chelsea. The distances travelled for the away games played so far, apart from Gillingham, have not been too onerous.

Some fans may feel that Latics have a better chance of winning this season now that they have dropped into League One. They are one of the favourites for promotion with the bookies and are regarded as a big fish in this division.

However, in some ways playing in League One is a return to Wigan’s roots in the Football League. Prior to 2003 Latics had spent 25 years in the third and fourth tier of English football.

For the old brigade, like myself, it is a re-connection with our past, but for some of the newer and younger fans it is an adventure and there are plenty of new teams and grounds to visit.

There is usually a good atmosphere at these smaller grounds that is not always present in the more sterile surroundings of the Premier League.

There is often a party feeling amongst the travelling fans and the camaraderie is often enhanced away from home, as these are some of the most dedicated of Latics supporters all brought together.

Fans’ singing is certainly a big part of the match day experience. But whatever the reasons for the increase in Latics travelling support, this can only be beneficial to the players and have a positive effect on the results.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 25th September 2015.

Sweet success for Wigan – Wigan Athletic 2 Fleetwood Town 1

Posted on September 20, 2015 by ianhaspinall

Latics fan Jordan Flores scored on his full debut

In a fixture between two towns renowned for famous confectionary it was the Uncle Joe’s of Wigan who came out on top against the Fisherman’s Friends from Fleetwood.

Latics dominated the first half and should have been more than 1-0 ahead at the interval after local boy Jordan Flores had given them the lead on his full debut.

Wigan doubled their lead through Michael Jacobs just after the restart but Fleetwood pulled a goal back through Tyler Hornby-Forbes on 61 minutes.

Despite Latics having plenty of chances to seal the points they ended the game defending nervously but held on to collect the three points which moved them up to seventh in the league table.

Gary Caldwell had to make a number of changes to the team beaten at Port Vale due to injuries and suspensions. Jordan Flores replaced the injured Haris Vuckic. Max Power returned in place of the suspended Leon Barnett, whilst injuries to strikers Will Grigg and Craig Davies meant loanee Jordy Hiwula was given his first start for the club.

Latics started positively, moving the ball around to good effect and they nearly went in front on fifteen minutes. Jason Pearce shooting just wide from Reece James’ corner.

Wigan should have had a penalty five minutes later after a Fleetwood player handled the ball in the area but the referee Fred Graham ignored the appeals.

On 23 minutes the fans rose for a minute’s applause in honour of Latics defender Juan Carlos Garcia who is battling Leukaemia.

Jordy Hiwula might have given Wigan the lead when he had a couple of good opportunities.

In the 28th minute Reece James whipped the ball into Hiwula but the Huddersfield Town loanee couldn’t quite manage to get in a shot from a good position.

Two minutes later Hiwula met Jonjoe Kenny’s cross from the right but he miskicked his shot and the ball went wide of Maxwell’s goal.

But in the 39th minute Wigan went ahead through season ticket holder Jordan Flores on his full home debut.

Jacobs crossed from the right hand side and the ball was cleared only as far as Flores who delightfully smashed the ball home with a left foot volley.

Latics had dominated the opening half and created numerous chances but they went into the break only one goal to the good.

But right at the beginning of the second half they doubled their lead. Reece James cut the ball back from the goal line to Jacobs, who side footed the ball home from about eight yards out.

It appeared as though Latics would go on to score a hatful but Fleetwood gradually clawed themselves back into the game.

Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander made a double substitution on 55 minutes introducing Haughton for Jónsson and former Latics trialist David Ball for Matt, and the move had a positive effect for the away team.

On 61 minutes Antoni Sarcevic’s free kick deflected off the Wigan defensive wall and the ball fell into the path of Tyler Hornby-Forbes, who volleyed the ball home from inside the six yard box.

Latics were running out of steam and retreated into defence. The home fans became increasingly nervous when on 70 minutes Jamie Proctor headed just over the Wigan crossbar.

Substitute Sanmi Odelusi might have relieved the tension when he was clear on goal after a long clearance from David Perkins, but he fluffed his lines and his wayward shot nearly hit the corner flag.

With 90 minutes on the clock referee Graham added six minutes of injury time. Fleetwood had one last chance and they almost drew level when David Ball fired against the outside of the post following a goalmouth scramble.

Latics had dominated the first hour of the game but they were ultimately relieved to hold out and record an important third win in four league games.

Posted in Fleetwood Town, Jordan Flores, League One, Michael Jacobs, Tyler Hornby-Forbes, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Fleetwood Town, Jordan Flores, League One, Michael Jacobs, Tyler Hornby-Forbes, Wigan Athletic | 2 Comments

12th Man: Spirit will stand Latics in good stead

Posted on September 18, 2015 by ianhaspinall

Gary Caldwell will stick to his principles

Latics will be regretting allowing their opponents two goal starts in their recent away fixtures. Fortunately they were able to retrieve the deficit at Chesterfield although they were ultimately unsuccessful at Port Vale.

But what it does demonstrate is the determination and commitment in the current squad to fight back from a losing position.

The relegated team of last season rarely showed the same fighting spirit and it is unlikely that they would have shown the same determination to comeback from 2-0 down.

The club has been in a downward spiral following the relegation from the Premier League and Gary Caldwell has had a difficult task to turn around the club in such a short space of time.

He has recruited a completely new squad but there are already positive signs that he is lifting the gloom around the club, raising the spirit and moving the club in the right direction.

Caldwell has been trying to instil the same fearless ethos that was prevalent under Roberto Martinez and he will be pleased to see that the desire not to be beaten has once again started to take hold.

It is still early in the season and probably too early to tell if the team will be good enough to get promotion, but the manager believes he has recruited players who have the ability to be successful.

Caldwell believes that by dominating the ball and keeping possession they can control the game and get the required results.

Latics are still a work in progress with plenty of room for improvement, but Caldwell has stated he will stick to his principles and he will stick to his tactics.

Wigan have a big squad compared to some of the other clubs in the division and the manager feels that the competition for places will have a positive effect on performances. He believes the pressure to perform will drive the players on to better results.

Caldwell has signed players who are predominantly young and hungry for success and the second half performances at Chesterfield and Port Vale would indicate that he has also signed players who have the fighting spirit and never-say-die-attitude which could prove crucial at the end of the season.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 18th September 2015.

Posted in Chesterfield, Gary Caldwell, League One, Port Vale, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Chesterfield, Gary Caldwell, League One, Port Vale, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

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

Posted on September 13, 2015 by ianhaspinall

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 Anthony Grant, Chris McCann, Enock Andoh, Iche Ikpeazu, League One, Leon Barnett, Port Vale, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

12th Man: Another epic to remember

Posted on September 11, 2015 by ianhaspinall

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 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 | Leave a comment

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

Posted on September 5, 2015 by ianhaspinall

Latics

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

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

Posted on September 4, 2015 by ianhaspinall

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 Andy Kellett, Gary Caldwell, Haris Vuckic, Jack Hendry, League One, Sean Murray, Wigan Athletic | 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 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 17^th 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 Book Reviews, Gareth R Roberts, West Ham United | Leave a comment

Jacobs makes the difference – Wigan Athletic 1 Crewe Alexandra 0

Posted on August 30, 2015 by ianhaspinall

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 Crewe Alexandra, Gary Caldwell, League One, Michael Jacobs, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

12th Man: How do we bounce back?

Posted on August 28, 2015 by ianhaspinall

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