Royals routed by Latics supershow – Wigan Athletic 3 Reading 0

Posted on April 18, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Callum McManaman

Callum McManaman’s superb strike sealed the victory for Wigan

Wigan produced a top quality performance to defeat play-off rivals Reading 3-0 at the DW Stadium.

In a one-sided encounter the Latics completely outplayed the Royals and thoroughly demonstrated their promotion credentials.

Latics consolidated their fifth spot in the table and moved six points ahead of Reading who slipped out of the play-off places.

A 30 yard strike on 30 minutes from Jordi Gomez gave Wigan a deserved lead before Martyn Waghorn added a second on 42 minutes.

Callum McManaman then sealed the victory on 51 minutes when he fired home via the underside of the cross-bar for 3-0.

Wigan produced some scintillating soccer particularly in the first half with Shaun Maloney, Roger Espinoza and Jordi Gomez outstanding.

McManaman was proving a threat and had a shot well saved by Reading keeper Alex McCarthy before both he and Espinoza had efforts into the side-netting. But it was Gomez who opened the scoring with a spectacular swerving strike from 30 yards.

James McArthur and then Gomez had shots saved by the Reading keeper, but Waghorn was in the right place to increase the lead after a great run and shot by McManaman.

Wigan could have been three or four ahead by half-time as the Royals had no answer to the creativity and work rate of the home team.

McCarthy made another excellent stop to keep out James Perch’s header from Gomez’s corner but McManaman made it three on 51 minutes when he fired home from 15 yards.

Reading rarely threatened and looked like a team who will struggle to make the play-offs on current form.

Manager Nigel Adkins introduced Hal Robson-Kanu for Daniel Williams, Nick Blackman for Jobi McAnuff and Adam Le Fondre for Garath McCleary but it made little difference as Latics continued to dominate possession and create chances.

McArthur might have scored but shot wide of the target when well placed, and Latics had several more opportunities to increase their lead but the final finish was not forthcoming.

On this form Wigan look very strong contenders for promotion via the play-offs, but the former Brentford manager Uwe Rosler will need to keep his players focussed on the critical matches ahead.

Posted in Callum McManaman, Championship, Jordi Gomez, Martyn Waghorn, Nigel Adkins, Reading, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wigan pay the penalty – Wigan Athletic 1 Arsenal 1 (Arsenal win 4-2 on pens)

Posted on April 13, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Jordi Gomez

Jordi Gomez penalty gave Wigan the lead

Wigan were just eight minutes away from a second FA Cup final but ultimately succumbed 4-2 to Arsenal in the penalty shoot out.

Wigan took the lead through a Jordi Gomez penalty on 62 minutes after Callum McManaman had been brought down, but the Gunners equalised with eight minutes of normal time remaining when Per Mertesacker scored from close range.

Despite chances at both ends no further goals were scored in extra time and the match went to penalties. Mikel Arteta, Kim Kallstrom and Olivier Giroud were all on target for Arsenal – while James McArthur and Jean Beausejour scored for Wigan – leaving Santi Cazorla to send a relieved Gunners through.

Like in previous FA Cup ties Wigan were once again the underdogs but performed admirably against supposedly superior opposition. Latics matched Arsenal in most areas of the pitch with James McArthur, Jordi Gomez and Callum McManaman in particular producing stand out displays.

Arsenal were the first to show and Scott Carson saved well from a Yaya Sanogo header but Wigan were not overawed. With Callum McManaman at his best and tormenting Nacho Monreal, Wigan looked like they could overcome the less than impressive Gunners. 

On 63 minutes McManaman was the key to Wigan going ahead when he was brought down by Mertesacker as he weaved across the Gunners area.

There was an injury to Monreal, which meant a four-minute delay before Gomez could take his kick, but he showed impeccable calmness to beat Fabianski from the spot.

An increasingly agitated and under pressure Arsene Wenger replaced Lukas Podolski with Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal surged forward in search of an equaliser.

Sagna headed against the post and Carson saved superbly from substitute Kieron Gibbs before on 82 minutes Mertesacker got on the end of a miscued shot by Gibbs to draw Arsenal level.

The match ended level and although Arsenal had more possession in extra time, Wigan always looked capable of snatching something on the break. Substitute Nick Powell surged forward on one such counter attack and outpaced several Arsenal defenders before disappointingly firing wide of the target.

Latics biggest scare came when Oxlade-Chamberlain’s powerful shot crashed against  the angle of post and bar with Carson beaten.

Then came the penalties. Perhaps the biggest surprise and disappointment for Latics fans was that substitute Gary Caldwell was chosen as the first penalty taker. Caldwell had not played a first team game since being injured last season and it was important Wigan got off to a good start.

Gomez who had already scored a penalty was the obvious choice to take the first spot kick, but was held back for later. The decision was to prove crucial as Caldwell’s low kick was easily saved by Fabianski.

Mikel Arteta scored comfortably for the Londoners before loanee Jack Collison stepped up for Latics and Fabianski once again saved.

Substitute Kim Källström converted for the Gunners and so did Jean Beausejour for Latics.

Olivier Giroud then scored and so did James McArthur before Santi Cazorla converted to send the ecstatic Gunners through to the final.

Posted in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, FA Cup, Per Mertesacker, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Wigan inspired shirt giveaway

Posted on April 10, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Campo Retro shirt

Wigan inspired Campo Retro shirt

Let’s Hang On and Campo Retro have come together to offer all fans around the world a fantastic opportunity to win a unique Campo Retro shirt with any name & number on the back.

The shirt in question, The Bernabeu, with a subtle hint of Wigan, this shirt is a winner.
Campo Retro also has a wide range of retro shirts available. With classic shirts and track jackets ranging back from 1950s to 2000s, not only that, but Campo Retro will also print any number that you want on the back of the shirt to make it extra special.

This competition is open to entrances from all over the world, so whether you live in Wigan or Watford, you still have a great chance to win this fantastic prize. It couldn’t be simpler to enter this competition, all you have to do is answer the simple question below and email the answer to competitions@camposports.com

‘Who was the manager that led Wigan to FA Cup glory in 2013?’

It’s that Simple. The competition closes on 1st May 2014 and the winner will be announced soon after. The winner will receive an email from Campo Retro to request information on shirt size, personalization and delivery address. All entries will also receive an exclusive discount to use at www.camporetro.com

GOOD LUCK!

Posted in Campo Retro, FA Cup, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

FA Cup semi-final preview – Can Wigan’s Wembley wonders do it again?

Posted on April 9, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Wigan fans at the FA Cup Fina

Wigan fans at the FA Cup Final in 2013

Don’t let the media backlash following Arsenal’s defeat at Everton fool anyone, the Gunners will be the favourites when they face the Latics in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Arsenal are still the fourth placed team in the Premier League and have an easier run in than Everton to secure a 12th consecutive Champions League place. They have quality players in abundance and will be desperate to reach their first FA Cup Final since 2005.

Arsene Wenger is the most experienced manager in the Premier League and he will want to ensure that his players do not underestimate Uwe Rösler’s emerging team.

Wigan may be the holders and going into their fourth Wembley fixture in the space of 12 months, but they are also clear underdogs.

The Latics have been on a tremendous run since Rosler took over in December, but they are still a Championship team without the Champions League resources of the Londoners.

All the expectation and indeed pressure will be on Arsenal and Wenger to succeed. Media pundits and even former Arsenal players are coming out to criticise the current crop of players and the fans will be merciless on Wenger if they are unable to get past the Latics.

Wenger said after the Everton game said that his side were lacking confidence, charisma and belief. A damning criticism, a worry for Gunners fans and one which gives Wigan fans hope.

There is no doubt the Gunners are on a poor run having won just three of their last 11 league matches.

Uwe Rösler like his predecessor Roberto Martinez, is a shrewd tactician who will have learned from Everton’s victory at the weekend. The German likes to play a high tempo game and will demand that his players press the opposition into giving the ball away. The manager is not afraid to rest and rotate players and he is likely to make full use of his freshest players at Wembley.

An added bonus for Wigan is the likely return of long-term absentee Shaun Maloney. The Scottish international has been absent since mid-September but returned to the team on Tuesday night against Millwall, and the tricky and skilful midfielder is capable of unlocking the best defences.

Wigan pulled off the greatest double giant killing in FA Cup history when they defeated Manchester City twice.

If the Latics once again set about their illustrious opponents with the vigour and belief they showed against City they are capable of reaching the FA Cup final for the second year running.

The underdogs are relishing the prospect of another Wembley appearance and have the belief they can pull off another FA Cup shock.

Posted in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, FA Cup, Shaun Maloney, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lions cause an upset at the DW Stadium – Wigan 0 Millwall 1

Posted on April 8, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Carlos Edwards

Carlos Edwards scored the winner for Millwall

Wigan suffered a setback in their pursuit of a Championship play-off place when they were defeated 1-0 by Millwall at the DW Stadium.

The relegation threatened Lions produced a major upset on the night to move within two points of fourth bottom Charlton Athletic.

Carlos Edwards deflected 22nd minute effort was enough to separate the two teams and will mean that the FA Cup semi-finalists will have an anxious wait before they can confirm a Championship play-off spot.

With the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal in mind the Wigan manager Uwe Rosler made eight changes from the starting line-up that defeated Leeds United at the weekend. Only Emmerson Boyce, Martyn Waghorn and Rob Kiernan remained from Saturday’s starters.

Shaun Maloney made his first appearance since being injured in mid-September and Jean Beausejour returned from suspension.

Wigan struggled to find any cohesion in the opening stages and it was the Lions who had   an early opportunity to open the scoring when James McClean tripped Lee Martin on the edge of the area and from the resulting free-kick Owen Garvan fired over the cross-bar.

Martyn Woolford then had a great chance to open the scoring for Millwall but he headed Martin’s cross straight at Scott Carson from only six yards out.

On 22 minutes the visitors were ahead as Edwards shot from 20 yards deflected off Leon Barnett to loop over Carson with the Wigan keeper stranded.

It was no more than the Lions deserved as they had been the better team in the opening phase of the game.

But as the half wore on Latics responded with McClean firing over after being set up by Collison and Waghorn headed McClean’s cross wide at the back post.

Waghorn then crossed for Nicky Maynard, but the Cardiff loanee could only volley tamely wide of David Forde’s right-hand post.

Maynard nearly got on the score sheet just before the break but he fired high and wide from another good position.

Wigan were looking deficient in central midfield with Josh McEachran looking out of sorts and it was no surprise that he was replaced by James McArthur during the interval. Marc-Antoine Fortune also coming on for the ineffective Maynard.

Early in the half Fortune headed narrowly wide from Collison’s cross and McClean fired just over from 25 yards as Latics pushed for an equaliser.

The home team were now well on top and substitute Nick Powell had two great opportunities to draw Latics level. First he had his shot deflected over from James McArthur’s cross and then he blasted over from Maloney’s superb cut-back.

Millwall were defending in-depth, but Latics should have drawn level when Jack Collison’s shot curled wide after excellent work by Beausejour’s on the left hand side.

It was nearly all Latics now, but the visitors could have sealed the points on 80 minutes, but substitute Steve Morison and Woolford were both denied by Scott Carson at close range.

Fortune might have levelled in injury time but he fired straight at the Lions’ keeper and the game was lost.

Rosler’s eight changes had been disruptive and with one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final Wigan had struggled to hit their usual form.

The one positive to come out of the game was the return to action of long-term absentee Shaun Maloney. The creative Scottish international lasted the full ninety minutes and put in a sterling performance. He will surely now play some part in the semi-final.

Posted in Carlos Edwards, Championship, Millwall, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Waghorn cements Latics play-off push – Wigan Athletic 1 Leeds United 0

Posted on April 6, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Martyn Waghorn Wigan Athletic

Martyn Waghorn’s goal secured the three points for Latics

Martyn Waghorn signed on a permanent deal from Leicester City this week and his 33rd minute goal was enough to edge past Leeds United at the DW Stadium.

It was not Wigan’s best performance of the season but they did just enough to consolidate their fifth place in the Championship table.

Leeds meanwhile continued their slide towards the lower reaches of the table and have now lost seven of their last eight games.

A dour opening ten minutes was enlivened when Jordi Gomez drove an effort just wide of the post before Nick Powell failed to get on the end of Gomez’s defence-splitting pass that would have put the young loanee through on goal.

Just past the half-hour mark Wigan took a deserved lead. James McArthur drove towards the Leeds area before playing the ball into the path of Waghorn, whose low shot couldn’t be kept out by the Leeds’ keeper Jack Butland.

Former Wigan midfielder Michael Brown seemed to be having a personal vendetta against his former employers and proceeded to carry out a series of petulant and unnecessary fouls. Brown received a booking for a late challenge on Gomez but in reality the midfielder was very lucky not to have been sent off by the interval.

Latics continued their good work early in the second-half with Callum McManaman’s pass finding James Perch at the back post but the wing-back’s effort was deflected over by Jason Pearce.

Waghorn curled a free kick just over the cross-bar from 30 yards as Latics looked capable of adding to their lead.

But as the half progressed the home team sat back and allowed Leeds to have more possession.

Leeds best chance came when Ross McCormack finally managed to evade the Latics back line and to chip an effort from the edge of the area just wide of the goal.

Leeds forced a series of corners and from one Pearce headed over when he should probably have done better.

At the other end Gomez had a glorious chance to get on the score sheet in the final minute of normal time but the Spaniard miskicked his effort well wide following substitute Marc-Antoine Fortune’s neat cut back.

Despite four minutes of added time Latics had done enough to take all three points and they are now unbeaten in eleven games at the DW Stadium.

The other teams in the play-off places will be looking anxiously at Wigan’s inexorable rise under Uwe Rösler. After a disapppointing start under Owen Coyle, they have now emerged as the strongest contenders for promotion during the second half of the season.

Wigan have a huge week ahead, three points against Millwall would put a play-off spot within their grasp and a victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final would secure an epic FA Cup final appearance for a second year.

Posted in Championship, Leeds United, Martyn Waghorn, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Wigan held by Champions-Elect – Wigan Athletic 2 Leicester City 2

Posted on April 1, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Ivan Ramis

Ivan Ramis on target for Wigan

Wigan went toe-to-toe with Champions-elect Leicester City in an entertaining 2-2 draw at the DW Stadium.

With three minutes of normal time remaining Latics looked to have secured the three points but Dean Hammond headed home to keep open the Foxes chance to confirm their promotion to the Premier League on Saturday.

Wigan had taken a 37th minute lead through Ivan Ramis’s header but Andy King replied on 41 minutes.

Rob Kiernan’s first ever goal looked to have won it for the Latics, but Hammond’s late header denied what would have been a deserved victory for the home team.

In a frantic opening to the game chances were created by both teams. Liam Moore’s header was cleared off the line by Ramis and then the central defender nearly got on the score sheet at the other end when he headed wide from Jordi Gomez’s pass.

Latics continued to go forward with Gomez at the centre of their best moves. Maynard mis-kicked following Powell’s pass and then Gomez fired narrowly over from Crainey’s cut-back.

Wigan’s good work paid off in the 37th minute when Gomez’s superbly floated free-kick was met by Ramis who powerfully headed past Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel. 

But the lead lasted only four minutes as David Nugent fed Andy King inside the box, and the midfielder calmly slotted the ball past Ali Al-Habsi and in off the far post.

Leicester showed why they are the Championship leaders with some incisive counter attacking play, but the teams went into the interval level.

On sixty minutes James McArthur produced a stunning 20 yard drive which Schmeichel did well to tip over, and from the resulting corner Latics took the lead when Kiernan headed home at the near post.

Wigan proceeded to create a catalogue of chances to put the game to bed.

Substitute James McClean looked to have increased their lead but despite getting his shot past Schmeichel, Wes Morgan produced a last-ditch goal-line clearance.

McClean was posing a major threat down the left hand side but as in other recent games his final pass or shot was disappointing.

Leicester substitute Riyad Mahrez had a great chance to equalise for the Foxes, but he blazed over when unmarked in the Latics penalty area.

Gomez then forced another save from Schmeichel as he broke positively from midfield and fired in a low drive.

Emmerson Boyce might have sealed it for the Latics on 84 minutes when Jack Collison’s shot deflected into his path, but the skipper couldn’t make a proper contact and the ball flew wide.

But Leicester were not going to relinquish their unbeaten run without a serious fight and with Latics tiring, Hammond got on the end of a Mahrez free-kick to head past Al-Habsi from 10 yards out.

Leicester’s unbeaten run in the Championship now extends to 20 games and it appears to be only a matter of time, when, not if, they will be promoted.

Wigan continue to show excellent form under Uwe Rösler, losing only three of their last 26 games in all competitions. Promotion through the play-offs certainly looks like an attainable goal.

Posted in Andy King, Championship, Dean Hammond, Ivan Ramis, Leicester City, Rob Kiernan, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Derby day deadlock for Latics – Bolton Wanderers 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on March 30, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Al Al Habsi

Man of the Match performance from Ali Al Habsi

Wigan nearly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the Lancashire derby against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

Wigan trailed to Lukas Jutkiewicz’s 30th minute goal before a dramatic turn around came in the final few minutes as Nick Powell struck an 88th minute equaliser and in added time Jordi Gomez had his penalty saved by Wanderers keeper Adam Bogdan.

Bolton had been the better team for most of the game but they could not add to Jutkiewicz’s goal, mainly due to Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi who produced a catalogue of fine saves to deny the Wanderers attack.

Wanderers might have scored in the first minute when Richard Hall drew a fine save from Al Habsi.

Latics first serious attack came around 15 minutes into the game when Marc-Antoine Fortune’s effort on the turn was deflected for a corner with Bogdan beaten. Bogdan and Zat Knight then had a moment of uncertainty and the ball had to be scrambled to safety with James McClean closing in.

On 30 minutes Leon Barnett was incorrectly adjudged to have fouled Jutkiewicz and from the resulting free kick Bolton took the lead.

Hall curled the ball into the danger area and it just needed the slightest touch from Jutkiewicz to beat Al-Habsi.

Wigan might have been two behind at the interval but Liam Trotter wasted a good opportunity.

Uwe Rösler was clearly disappointed with Wigan’s first half performance and removed the ineffective James McClean for Callum McManaman at half time.

McManaman was soon producing a threat to the Wanderers’ back line with his characteristic jinking runs and neat interplay, but Latics could not create a clear opening.

There was a controversial moment on 52 minutes when Barnett was booked after pulling down Trotter on the edge of the Wigan area. Bolton fans called for a red card but after referee Drysdale consulted his assistant a yellow card was given.

Wigan were struggling with Bolton’s physical presence and the home team’s aerial bombardment continued with a series of corners.

It looked as though Wanderers would add a second goal but Al Habsi was in fine form. The former Bolton keeper had to push away an effort from Jay Spearing, before he tipped over David Wheater’s header and then saved Tim Ream’s drive.

With 20 minutes remaining Nick Powell replaced James McArthur and Rösler pushed four men into the forward line.

With only two minutes of normal time remaining Martyn Waghorn delivered a low cross into the box and substitute Powell showed great technique to volley high past a helpless Bolton keeper, much to the relief of the travelling Latics fans.

But the drama was not yet over as in added time substitute Alex Baptiste brought down McManaman in the area.

Gomez had the chance to give Wigan all three points but his spot kick was brilliantly saved by Bogdan. A point each was probably a fair result as Wigan had only really raised their game in the final minutes.

The result was a minor setback for Rösler’s team, but they are still on an incredible run having lost only three of their last 25 games in all competitions.

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, Championship, Jordi Gomez, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Nick Powell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Setback for Latics at Loftus Road – Queens Park Rangers 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on March 25, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Loftus Road

Loftus Road, QPR

Wigan suffered a setback in their pursuit of a Championship play-off place when they went down 1-0 to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

An early goal by Yossi Benayoun, who was later sent off for a second yellow card, was enough to give the Londoners the three points and establish a seven point gap over the Latics.

Wigan wasted a number of good opportunities to score during the game with James McClean in particular having an off day in front of goal.

Uwe Rösler shuffled his starting line up and rested several players from Saturday’s starting line up including current captain Emmerson Boyce. The formation was once again 3-5-2 with the three centre backs Thomas Rogne, Ivan Ramis and Rob Kiernan and wing backs James Perch and Stephen Crainey.

QPR had central defender Richard Dunne returning after his recent suspension.

Both teams’ might have profited from free kicks in the opening few minutes but it was QPR who went ahead following some neat interplay as Clint Hill played in Benayoun to smash home on 15 minutes.

Wigan responded with James Perch almost getting on the score sheet when his right footed shot from the right side of the box was saved low down by the Rangers keeper Robert Green.

Nick Powell’s shot from distance almost deceived Green but the former West Ham and England keeper parried his effort away.

McClean then turned the full back inside out before firing a low shot which Green did well to save low down at his near post.

Thirty seconds later McClean had another chance when his volley from close range was saved by the Rangers keeper low down at the opposite post.

Kranjcar had a rare sortie forward for Rangers on 40 minutes when he should have done better from 18 yards in the centre of the goal, but his shot went tamely to Ali Al Habsi.

The best opportunity of the half then fell to McClean after a defence splitting pass by Powell. The Republic of Ireland winger drove into the 18 yard box but his right footed effort went disappointingly wide of the far post.

Wigan had certainly had the better of the first period but somehow found themselves behind at the interval.

The second period commenced with Wigan maintaining their dominance and forcing a series of corners.

McClean had a left footed shot from the centre of the box saved by Green, Perch stumbled when in front of goal and Powell headed against the cross-bar following a corner, but Latics just couldn’t finish.

On 55 minutes Rangers might have doubled their lead when Bobby Zamora found himself in plenty of space in the Wigan area but he strangely decided to play the ball backwards to Benayoun and the Israeli’s shot was easily saved by Al Habsi.

Wigan continued to have territorial possession but despite the introduction of Jean Beausejour for Crainey, Jordi Gomez for McEachran and Nicky Maynard for Rogne, they couldn’t beat Green.

Benayoun was sent off for a second bookable offence on 91 minutes following a foul on Gomez.

Wigan’s final chance came on 93 minutes when substitute Maynard’s header was bound for the top corner but Green somehow managed to push it away.

Latics unbeaten run had to come to an end sometime, but it was disappointing that it came in a match in which they should have won.

Fortunately for Wigan most of the other teams chasing a play-off place lost on the night, so they remain in fifth place, three points ahead of Reading and five ahead of Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town with a game in hand.

Posted in Championship, QPR, Wigan Athletic, Yossi Benayoun | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wigan consolidate position in play-off places – Wigan Athletic 2 Watford 1

Posted on March 23, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Jean Beausejour

Jean Beausejour on target for the Latics

Wigan Athletic extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to an impressive ten games when they defeated mid-table Watford at the DW Stadium.

Goals in each half by Jean Beausejour and Martyn Waghorn cancelled out Lewis McGugan’s opener for the visitors.

The result consolidated Latics fifth place in the play-off positions and moved them five points ahead of seventh-placed Nottingham Forest with a game in hand on most of their rivals.

Watford’s winless away run now extends to 14 matches and any hopes of a play-off place now seem to have disappeared.

Wigan started positively and pushed forward with Beausejour nearly giving them the lead on eight minutes. Jordi Gomez’s superb deft pass put the Chilean in the clear but the Watford keeper Manuel Almunia blocked his effort from only ten yards out.

Beausejour was enjoying lots of space down the left side and his deep cross to the far post nearly deceived the Hornets keeper but was tipped over at the last moment.

Ivan Ramis looked like he had given Latics a 13th minute lead following a corner, but his  header was blocked on the line by the Hornets striker Troy Deeney.

James McClean should have scored soon afterwards when he met Waghorn’s pass but he drove his close range effort straight at Almunia.

Minutes later the Republic of Ireland international had another great chance when after beating his man he fired into the side-netting.

But against the run of play, it was the visitors who went ahead when McGugan’s strike from 25 yards out went through Rob Kiernan’s legs before beating Ali Al Habsi in the Latics goal.

It was not long before Wigan drew level however, as Ivan Ramis picked out Beausejour and, after Almunia had saved the Chilean’s volley, he headed home the rebound.

It was no less than Wigan deserved after dominating the opening period.

The opening ten minutes of the second-half saw Latics on top but unable to penetrate the Hornets defence, until on 56 minutes they went ahead with Waghorn grabbing his third goal in Latics colours.

The Leicester City loanee managed to control James McArthur’s low shot from 12 yards before turning quickly and angling his shot into Almunia’s bottom left-hand corner.

West Ham loanee Jack Collison made his Latics debut on sixty  minutes, replacing Waghorn and proceeded to make a good start to his Latics career by showing considerable strength and commitment for the remainder of the half.

Wigan continued to create opportunities and Beausejour volleyed just wide from substitute Nick Powell’s neat flick.

Watford were always dangerous on the break and should have equalised when Ikech Anya went one-on-one with Al Habsi with five minutes remaining but the Scottish winger shot wide of the Wigan goal.

Marc-Antoine Fortune and McArthur might have increased Latics lead before the final whistle but both fired wide of the Hornets goal from good positions.

Wigan now move onto an important game at Loftus Road on Tuesday night when they face fourth place Queens Park Rangers. Another win for the Latics would see them go to within one point of the Londoners with a game in hand.

Posted in Championship, Jean Beausejour, Lewis McGugan, Martyn Waghorn, Watford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment