Latics spirited display may not be enough – Fulham 2 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on April 11, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Craven Cottgae

Fulham’s Craven Cottage. Photograph by Kenneth Yarham

Wigan Athletic’s Championship survival hopes are now hanging by a thread after last night’s 2-2 draw with Fulham.

Despite a spirited performance under new manager Gary Caldwell Latics were unable to capitalise on their dominance and are now seven points from safety with only four games remaining.

Fulham took an early lead through Ross McCormack’s curled shot into the bottom corner but Latics responded with an even better goal from Jermaine Pennant’s superbly executed free kick.

The Cottagers regained the lead through Matt Smith’s spectacular 25 yard strike, before Jason Pearce levelled for Latics on 69 minutes.

New manager Gary Caldwell made two changes from the home defeat to Derby County with Scott Carson replacing Ali Al-Habsi in-goal and Jermaine Pennant replacing Leon Clarke upfront.

Caldwell’s reign got off to a disastrous start when Harry Maguire’s header fell to McCormack and the former Leeds striker curled the ball past Scott Carson after only four minutes.

Wigan responded positively to the setback and started to gain control of the game.

They were rewarded on 20 minutes when James McClean’s was brought down by Scott Parker 25 yards out. Jermaine Pennant stepped up and replicated his excellent free kick technique from the Rotherham victory by beating Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Latics were now dominating possession but on 35 minutes and against the run of play Fulham were once again ahead.

Matt Smith was given plenty of space just outside the Wigan area and the former Oldham striker chipped the ball over Carson from 25 yards out.

It was a massive body blow to Wigan and they went into the interval 2-1 down.

Martyn Waghorn replaced Marc-Antoine Fortune on 56 minutes and he might have scored with his first touch. Pennant’s corner was headed towards goal by McClean but Bettinelli saved with Waghorn ready to pounce.

Fulham were dangerous on the counter attack but Latics continued to control possession and finally drew level on 69 minutes.

Pennant’s corner was met by a powerful header from Maguire and Jason Pearce smashed the ball into the roof of the net at the far post.

Surely Latics would now go onto win the game.

Winger Josh Murphy replaced Pennant on 83 minutes in a push to grab all three points.

Latics continued to press with McClean twice firing at goal, one went wide, the other was blocked.

In added time McClean and Waghorn tried to combine on the edge of the box, then Fulham had a chance but Gaetan Bong blocked Grimmer’s effort.

A draw will probably not be enough for Latics survival, but it was a much improved performance and Caldwell was proud of his players after the game.

Wigan now go to Millwall on Tuesdsay night knowing that only a win will do if they are to have any chance of escaping the drop.

Posted in Championship, Fulham, Gary Caldwell, Jason Pearce, Jermaine Pennant, Matt Smith, Ross McCormack, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Can Caldwell be Superman?

Posted on April 10, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Gary Caldwell has a big challenge ahead

Gary Caldwell has a big challenge ahead

Latics fans used to sing about Gary Caldwell being Superman, but will he be a super success as a manager? Wigan’s young chairman David Sharpe has acted very quickly and some would say too hastily in appointing an untried manager to lead the club.

Caldwell has an unenviable task of trying to pull off a miraculous escape from relegation with Latics eight points from safety with five games remaining.

But if Caldwell is able to lead the club to safety he will go down in Wigan Athletic history as the man who achieved the greatest of great escapes.

No one really expects the former Scotland captain to do it, but problems could arise next season when Wigan will be expecting to make a speedy return to the Championship.

The club has already undergone a massive exodus of quality players under Malky Mackay. Many of the remaining established players contracts are coming to an end and others are on short-term loan deals.

Caldwell will have to transform the playing squad and quickly build a team fit for promotion.

Somewhat bizarrely David Sharpe said the club did not approach any other candidates following Mackay’s departure.

“Gary is the only candidate we considered because we are so convinced of his qualities,” Sharpe said.

“He knows who we are as a football club and shares the same football philosophy.”

It is seems rather strange that Sharpe did not even consider at least speaking to some of the very well qualified and experienced managers currently available.

It could work out to be an inspired appointment or it could be a disastrous one. Caldwell was regarded as both a heroic and comedic figure during his time as a player.

He helped lead Wigan to Premier League survival on a number of occasions but he was also capable of some major defensive blunders, which cost the team vital points.

Sharpe’s intention is that the former Latics, Celtic, Hibernian and Newcastle player will be able to re-create the successes of the Paul Jewell, Steve Bruce and Roberto Martinez eras.

But it will be a tall order as all these men had experienced managerial successes at other clubs before taking the helm at Wigan. Caldwell was a good leader on the pitch but that doesn’t always transfer to a managerial position.

Desire and commitment are not the only characteristics required to be a successful modern-day manager. Caldwell has been working through his coaching badges but the theory doesn’t always translate into the reality on the pitch.

Tactics, man management, motivational skills and bringing in the right type of players will all be crucial if he is to be a success.

He does have the experienced coaches Graham Barrow, Eric Black and Mike Pollitt alongside him, but the move from playing into management has often proved too difficult for many ex-players.

It is certainly a high-risk strategy for a club that is now onto its fourth manager since winning the FA Cup in May 2013. The challenge ahead should not be underestimated.

Wigan are in a downward trajectory and Caldwell has a massive task to turn the club around. It looks like we are soon going to find out if Gary Caldwell really is Superman.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 10th April 2015

Posted in Championship, David Sharpe, Gary Caldwell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mackay sacked after another home defeat – Wigan Athletic 0 Derby County 2

Posted on April 7, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay was relieved of his managerial duties after Latics moved closer to relegation with another disappointing display against promotion chasing Derby County.

Wigan have failed to win at home since August 30th and their attack once again lacked any cutting edge. Despite creating a multitude of goal scoring opportunities they rarely looked capable of beating Derby keeper Lee Grant.

The Rams looked out of sorts in the opening period but the introduction of talisman striker Chris Martin at half time turned the game in their favour. Martin lashed in the opener on 51 minutes and was involved in most of the Rams best moves.

Darren Bent was on hand on 80 minutes to seal the points after Jason Pearce had failed to clear Johnny Russell’s cross.

Mackay made two changes to the team which had lost at Middlesbrough with William Kvist and Marc-Antoine Fortune replacing Jermaine Pennant and Josh Murphy.

Latics had the better of the first half on a difficult playing surface. Kim Bo-Kyung went close for the hosts after 25 minutes with a low drive and then Latics should have taken the lead ten minutes later.

Kim produced a perfect cross from the right and James McClean executed a powerful header but Lee Grant produced a superb save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Latics were unable to capitalise on their dominance in the first half and their profligacy was to haunt them in the second half.

Derby Manager Steve McClaren introduced top scorer Chris Martin at half time and the influential striker almost immediately changed the game in the Rams favour.

On 51 minutes Martin was allowed far too much space on the edge of the area and his emphatic finish was too much for Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal.

The Wigan players heads went down and it was Derby who dominated proceedings. Latics might have drawn level but McClean couldn’t quite lift the ball over Grant after Murphy’s effort had been blocked.

With ten minutes remaining and with Wigan desperately searching for an equaliser the points went to Derby.  Johnny Russell put the ball into the danger zone and Jason Pearce inadvertently presented the ball to Darren Bent who made no mistake from five yards out.

It was yet another abject home performance and many of the fans in the West Stand made their views about Mackay’s management skills crystal clear as a cascade of season tickets landed in the technical area.

The early indications are that Wigan’s young Chairman David Sharpe will make a speedy managerial appointment in time for the trip to Fulham on Friday.

The early front-runners in the betting for manager all have strong Wigan connections, Nigel Adkins, Graeme Jones, Gary Caldwell and Paul Jewell. My personal choice would be Nigel Adkins.

Posted in Chris Martin, Darren Bent, Derby County, Malky Mackay, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Deflected goal dents Latics survival hopes – Middlesbrough 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on April 4, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Riverside Stadium Middlesbrough

Riverside Stadium

Patrick Bamford’s deflected 20th minute goal was the difference between promotion chasing Middlesbrough and relegation threatened Wigan at the Riverside Stadium on Good Friday.

In an evenly fought encounter both teams had chances to win it, but it was Boro who moved to the top of the Championship table. Latics remain deep in the relegation zone, five points behind Rotherham United who are fourth bottom.

Malky Mackay made one change to his starting line up from the draw against Bolton Wanderers with James McClean returning from suspension in place of Marc-Antoine Fortune.

The Boro goal came courtesy of a counter attack when Albert Adomah broke away. The ball came to Patrick Bamford and the on loan Chelsea striker’s effort from the edge of the area unfortunately hit Harry Maguire before evading Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Bamford was Boro’s biggest goal threat and he nearly added a second but Al Habsi was at his best to save the striker’s curling effort.

Latics struggled to pose a major attacking threat in the first half but the introduction of Marc-Antoine Fortune at the start of the second helped galvanise them going forward. Fortune drew a good save low down from Dimi Konstantopoulos on 62 minutes.

Later James McClean had Wigan’s best opportunity to equalise but he somehow miscued his volley with the goal at his mercy.

Latics desperately pushed for the equaliser but Boro stayed resolute. William Kvist put in a couple of his long throws causing consternation in the host’s defence but the danger was somehow cleared.

In the dying minutes Latics threw everything forward in an attempt to get the elusive equaliser, but it was not to be. Wigan remain five points from safety with six games to save their Championship status.

Posted in Championship, Middlesbrough, Patrick Bamford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

12th Man: High stakes at the Riverside

Posted on April 3, 2015 by ianhaspinall
James McClean

James McClean hoping to be on target at Middlesbrough. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Third bottom Wigan kick off a sequence of seven critical games in 30 days today at third top Middlesbrough. Latics away form has been very good with four wins in the last four on the road at Reading, Blackpool, Norwich and Rotherham, but promotion-chasing Boro will provide a stiff test to Latics survival credentials.

The Teessiders currently have the meanest defence in the Championship having only conceded 30 goals so far this season, so goals could be at a premium at the Riverside Stadium.

Emotive language has been used by players from both teams in the build up to the game with Boro defender Ben Gibson stating: ‘The next seven games are the biggest games of our lives,’ and Latics full back Gaetan Bong claiming: ‘Every game will be like a war – and only if we look at it this way we can do it.’

Although this may be overstating the situation a little, it is certainly a high stakes game for both teams. Promotion for Boro to the Premier League is likely to be worth around £120m and relegation to League One would cause significant financial damage to Latics’ revenue streams.

Boro are one of the best footballing outfits in the Championship and have improved this season under Jose Mourinho’s protégé Aitor Karanka. Top scorer Patrick Bamford is on loan from Mourinho’s Chelsea and the striker scored a vital equaliser for Boro at the DW Stadium in November.

Their recent form though has been similar to Latics with three wins out of the last six games, but their last result was a disappointing 3-0 defeat at league leaders Bournemouth, which saw them drop out of the automatic promotion places.

The pressure to succeed will certainly be on the hosts as well as Latics and I’m anticipating a tight game.

Boro could be without their first choice centre backs Daniel Ayala and Jonathan Woodgate who didn’t feature at Bournemouth, so loan signings Dwight Tiendalli from Swansea and Fernando Amorebieta from Fulham could be involved.

Latics will hope that all their international stars, Kim Bo-Kyung, Ali Al-Habsi, William Kvist, Emmerson Boyce, Bill Mckay and James McClean all return from international duty fully fit.

Playing away from home seems to suit Wigan’s counter attacking style of play and James McClean likely to return from suspension, could be a major goal threat on the break.

Latics defence has been resolute in recent games with Harry Maguire and Jason Pearce outstanding, and they will have to be at their best again, if they are to keep out a team going for automatic promotion.

Looking positively, Wigan managed to draw with Boro at the DW Stadium earlier in the season. Another point would be a good result at the Riverside, but don’t rule out Latics pulling off another away victory.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 3rd April 2015

Posted in Championship, James McClean, Middlesbrough, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Seven to save our season

Posted on March 27, 2015 by ianhaspinall

Believe_large2

This weekend’s international break gives Wigan time to take stock and prepare for the big challenge ahead. After the internationals Latics will have seven critical games in the space of only 30 days in which to avoid relegation.

Four of the games are away and three at home, which might be regarded as an advantage given our terrible home form.

Latics have the unenviable record of not having won at home in 17 matches, but they must win at least one of their home games before the end of the season in order to escape the drop.

It’s going to be a tough run in with all the teams Wigan are facing involved in either promotion or relegation issues. First up are third placed Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Good Friday.

Boro are one of the best footballing outfits in the Championship and have developed considerably this season under Jose Mourinho’s protégé Aitor Karanka.

Looking positively Latics managed to draw with Boro at the DW Stadium earlier in the season and they could be without regular centre backs Daniel Ayala and Jonathan Woodgate next Friday.

Playing away from home seems to suit Wigan’s counter attacking style of play and a point would be a good result at the Riverside. Prediction: 1 point.

It’s then quickly onto Derby County at home on Easter Monday. The Rams have slipped to fifth place in the table and will be desperate to get back amongst the automatic promotion places. However their current form is poor having won only two of their last eight matches.

The bad run of results has coincided with the absence of top scorer Chris Martin due to a hamstring injury and he might still be unavailable to face Wigan.

I’m going to stick my neck out and predict that Latics will pull off a surprise and get their first home win in a very long time. Prediction: 3 points.

Fulham (a) are struggling and have only won two of their last eight games. Latics will be hopeful of reducing the points deficit on the team who are currently eight points ahead of them in the table. Prediction: 1 point.

Millwall away is a notoriously difficult fixture and the Lions are currently only two points behind Latics. But I’m hoping their position may have worsened, before they play Wigan, with difficult London derbies against Charlton and Watford. Prediction: 3 points.

Brighton (h) have revived their form since Chris Hughton took over as manager and they are now looking capable of achieving safety. They could well be safe by the time Wigan play them, and this might allow Latics to secure an important victory. Prediction: 3 points.

Wolves at home is another difficult game against a team pushing for the play-offs, but Wigan held Wolves to a draw at Molineux and I think they can do it again. Prediction: 1 point.

Brentford away on the last day of the season could be another nail-biting affair. It would be nice to think that Wigan could be safe by then but it is more likely that we will need to get something from the game.

The Bees are going for a play-off spot and will not want to miss out on an opportunity to compete at the highest level. Prediction: 1 point and hopefully Championship safety.

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

Posted in Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Championship, Derby County, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Wigan Athletic, Wolves | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fantastic finale gives Wigan hope – Wigan Athletic 1 Bolton Wanderers 1

Posted on March 22, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Martyn Waghorn

Martyn Waghorn provided the vital equaliser (photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic).

Martyn Waghorn came to Wigan’s rescue with a spectacular overhead kick in the 94th minute to deny Bolton an unlikely victory at the DW Stadium.

Latics had dominated proceedings but were unable to capitalise on their dominance and when Tom Walker’s deflected shot beat Ali Al Habsi, it appeared the points were going to the Trotters.

With the game deep into added time substitute Waghorn produced an acrobatic overhead kick to keep Latics season alive.

Relegation rivals Rotherham United were leading against Sheffield Wednesday when the final whistle blew at the DW Stadium. But in added time at the New York Stadium the Owls produced a miraculous turnaround to win 3-2 and the gap between the Millers and Latics is now only five points with seven games remaining.

Wigan made one change from the side which lost at home to Watford, with loan signing Josh Murphy replacing Sheyi Ojo.

After a cagey opening from both sides, Latics gradually took control of the game.

In the 15th minute James Perch nearly put the home team ahead when his curling shot from the edge of the area beat Wanderers keeper Ben Amos, but the ball crashed against the crossbar and away to safety.

Centre back Harry Maguire then drove forward and fired his volley just over the Wanderers crossbar.

Wigan continued to dominate and they should have been ahead on 37 minutes. Marc-Antoine Fortune headed Murphy’s cross straight at Ben Amos from close range, when a header either side of the keeper would have almost certainly resulted in a goal.

Just before the interval Latics did have the ball in the net but unfortunately Leon Clarke’s finish was ruled offside.

Early in the second half Wigan continued to dominate possession and create opportunities.

Jermaine Pennant tried a quick free kick which nearly evaded Amos at the near post, but the keeper was able to turn the ball away to safety.

Winger Josh Murphy continued to pose a threat to the Trotters and he nearly got on the score sheet in the 66th minute when his curling effort from the edge of the area looked to have beaten Amos but dropped onto the roof of the net.

But the DW Stadium was stunned in the 70th minute when Tom Walker’s effort from distance took a deflection and wrong footed Ali Al-Habsi and the ball rolled in the bottom left hand corner.

It was looking like all their dominance would come to nothing, and with other results going against them Latics were on the verge of relegation.

With around 15 minutes remaining, Murphy again went close when his shot from range curled just wide of Amos’ goal.

Wigan continued to press forward in an increasingly desperate search for the equaliser. When Leon Clarke crashed his header against the crossbar in the 90th minute it looked as though Latics luck was out.

But with 94 minutes on the clock Latics deservedly equalised from a spectacular overhead kick by substitute Martyn Waghorn following substitute William Kvist’s long throw.

The Wigan players and fans were mightily relieved not to lose to their local rivals and with news of Sheffield Wednesday’s fight back against Rotherham filtering through it was a fantastic finale to the day.

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, Championship, Martyn Waghorn, Tom Walker, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

12th Man: Goal poacher is the key to survival

Posted on March 20, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Billy Mckay

Billy Mckay deserves his chance

It was always going to be a tough fixture against Watford who are in one of the best teams in the Championship and pushing for automatic promotion. Latics matched their high-flying opponents for much of the game but once again they lacked any cutting edge at the DW Stadium.

The main difference between the two teams was in the final third and Watford’s strength in this area stands in stark comparison with Wigan’s lack of marksmen.

Troy Deeney is probably the best striker in the Championship and his two emphatic finishes demonstrate how important it is to have top strikers at the football club.

Deeney has already scored 19 goals this season and he is backed up by Odion Ighalo scoring 17, Matej Vydra 12, Almen Abdi 8, and Fernando Forestieri 5 goals. But even from midfield the Hornets have goal scorers such as Daniel Tozser with 5 goals.

Admittedly Wigan’s top scorer James McClean, 6 goals, was suspended on the night, but Latics other forwards have only mustered a handful between them all season.

It is fair to say that Wigan have not had any prolific goal scorers since the days of Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts when we won promotion to the Premier League. Latics will continue to under perform until they have strikers who are capable of scoring 15-20 goals per season.

Wigan have not won on home soil for seven months and have only scored eight goals at the DW Stadium during that time.

The terrible state of the pitch is a factor and makes it difficult to play good passing football but Malky Mackay’s tactics are looking increasingly desperate. The long ball is now the primary mode of attack and this invariably means that possession is lost too easily and the opposition gain control.

The manager has overseen a huge turnover of players and has brought in many loan players to try to stem the tide of poor results.

Some have been a success such as Harry Maguire and Gaeten Bong, but unfortunately the recruitment drive looks increasingly desperate with young untried players such as Jerome Sinclair and Josh Murphy having to make an immediate impact to save Wigan’s season.

Fortunately both Rotherham and Fulham lost on Wednesday night so the gap remains at six points, and Latics have a marginally better goal difference than the two teams above them.

Wigan have eight games to save their season, four home and four away. All the teams we are up against have something to play for, either at the top of the table or at the bottom.

Rotherham, Fulham and Brighton are catchable but we will have to win our home games starting against local rivals Bolton on Saturday.

Wigan will have to go all out to win the game and it is imperative that Mackay gives Billy Mckay his chance against Bolton probably alongside Leon Clarke. The Northern Irish striker has proved his worth in the Scottish Premier League and Latics have been lacking a goal poacher for a very long time.

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

Posted in Billy McKay, Bolton Wanderers, Championship, Malky Mackay, Troy Deeney, Watford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Deeney double deepens Wigan’s gloom – Wigan Athletic 0 Watford 2

Posted on March 18, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Troy Deeney Watford

Watford striker Troy Deeney scored twice

Troy Deeney grabbed a brace as Watford moved to the top of the Championship and kept Wigan deep in relegation trouble.

Deeney was once again the difference between the two sides in a hard-fought contest. The prolific striker had scored two in the fixture at Vicarage Road in December and he was able to repeat the act at the DW Stadium.

The 19 goal striker headed home Adlene Guedioura’s cross early in the second half and later converted a penalty after Fernando Forestieri was brought down in the penalty area by Emmerson Boyce.

Latics matched their high-flying opponents for much of the game but once again lacked any cutting edge on home soil. Watford’s plethora of goalscoring players contrasts markedly with Wigan’s lack of marksmen.

Malky Mackay made one change from the team which won at Rotherham, with Leon Clarke coming in for the suspended James McClean.

Latics attacked from the kick off but the Hornets dealt comfortably with their early forays.

Wigan created the first opportunity in the tenth minute, when full back Gaetan Bong curled his effort from the edge of the area over the Watford crossbar.

Watford responded when Guedioura unleashed a shot from range, but Ali Al-Habsi saved comfortably.

The first real danger came in the 25 minute when Ali Al-Habsi made a great save to deny Deeney’s diving header.

Latics then had a goal disallowed for offside. Leon Clarke broke clear of the Watford back line and slotted home, only for referee David Coote to call the play back for offside.

Deeney was Watford’s biggest threat, and the striker nearly got on the score sheet before the interval, when his near post header was well saved by Al-Habsi.

But Latics nearly went ahead just on the stroke of half time when Sheyi Ojo forced his way down the left and his cross found Marc-Antoine Fortune, but the striker’s effort was saved by Heurelho Gomes.

It was a fairly even match at half time with neither side having gained the upper hand.

Early in the second half Sheyi Ojo blazed over the crossbar following a great cross by Jermaine Pennant.

But two minutes later the Hornets were ahead. Guedioura’s deep cross found Deeney at the back post and the Watford captain powered his header past Al-Habsi.

Malky Mackay almost immediately replaced the out-of-sorts Jermaine Pennant with new loan signing Josh Murphy.

Watford might have doubled their lead on 6o minutes when Guedioura broke free but his shot went just wide of the target.

Murphy was starting to make an impact down the right hand side and his cross found James Perch, whose acrobatic effort went just wide of the left post.

Watford were growing in confidence however, and their organisation and determination was becoming increasingly impressive.

On 75 minutes Joel Ekstrand might have increased the lead but his shot went narrowly wide of Al-Habsi’s left post.

Latics were still battling hard, but failing to create any clear-cut openings.

Watford once again threatened and Emmerson Boyce came to Latics rescue when he made an acrobatic goal-line clearance to deny Guedioura’s effort.

But the points were sealed on 90 minutes when Boyce was forced into conceding a penalty by fouling Forestieri and Deeney converted the spot kick.

Watford moved to the top of the table on goal difference and Latics continue to languish in the relegation zone having not won at the DW Stadium in seven months.

Posted in Ben Watson, Championship, Troy Deeney, Watford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Pennant perfection may prove priceless – Rotherham United 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on March 15, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Rotherham United's New York Stadium

Rotherham United’s New York Stadium

Two perfectly crafted free-kicks by Jermaine Pennant helped Wigan to win this important relegation six pointer 2-1 at Rotherham.

Pennant superbly curled his first free-kick into the top left corner to put Wigan ahead, and then five minutes later found the other corner with an equally stunning set piece.

The Millers managed to reduce the deficit on the stroke of half time when Matt Derbyshire headed home from Ben Pringle’s cross.

Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi produced an incredible double save to deny the home team and Latics held on to reduce the gap between the two sides to six points.

Malky Mackay made one change to his starting line up against Leeds United with Ali Al-Habsi replacing Scott Carson in-goal and what an important decision it turned out to be.

The Millers made the early running and pursued a course of aerial bombardment of the Latics goal. Paul Green had three early chances for the home team but the Wigan defence stood firm.

The game turned in Wigan’s favour on 31 minutes when James McClean was brought down by Kirk Broadfoot on the edge of the Rotherham area.

Pennant produced a stunning piece of skill when he stepped up and lifted the ball over the wall and into the top left corner with the Rotherham keeper Adam Collin left rooted to the spot.

Five minutes later Pennant incredibly repeated the act from a similar position but this time placing the ball into the opposite corner of the net.

The Rotherham players were initially shocked by the two free-kicks but they gradually worked themselves back into the game.

Paul Green blasted just over the crossbar and on the verge of half time they pulled a goal back when Matt Derbyshire headed past Al-Habsi at the far post following Ben Pringle’s cross.

Rotherham continued to produce a series of high balls into the Wigan area at the start of the second half, but the Latics defence held firm with Harry Maguire and Jason Pearce outstanding.

William Kvist replaced Sheyi Ojo in midfield on 62 minutes as Mackay tried to stem the tide of Rotherham attacks.

Keeper Al Habsi had to be at his best to save Kari Arnasson’s header from the centre of the penalty area.

Don Cowie replaced Pennant on 75 minutes but Latics continued to be penned back in their own half. William Kvist did have a rare opportunity for Wigan in the 85th minute when his deflected effort looked to have evaded the Rotherham keeper, but Collin just managed to tip the ball over the crossbar at the last moment.

Rotherham threw more players forward in a desperate attempt to equalise and it looked like they had done so until Al-Habsi came to Wigan’s rescue. The Oman international keeper produced a miraculous double save to deny substitute Jordan Bowery. First he dived full length to his left to tip the ball onto the post and then get up for the rebound and dived to his right to deny what looked like a certain goal.

Despite an agonising 5 minutes of injury time, Latics held on to record their fourth straight away win and move six points from safety.

The result maintains Wigan’s hopes of Championship survival but they must now capitalise on the excellent away form with home victories against Watford and Bolton Wanderers.

Posted in Ali Al Habsi, Championship, Jermaine Pennant, Matt Derbyshire, Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment