Tamed by the Terriers – Huddersfield Town 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on February 9, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Huddersfield v Wigan

Wigan on the attack

Wigan’s play-off ambitions received a setback when they went down 1-0 to a late Adam Clayton strike at the John Smith’s Stadium.

In exceptionally windy conditions both teams struggled to play their best football and the match looked to be heading for a draw with only five minutes remaining when Clayton unleashed a dipping drive from 20 yards which found the bottom left hand corner of the Wigan net.

Wigan drop a place to 11th in the Championship table and Huddersfield move up to 13th.

Uwe Rösler made four changes from the victory against Charlton Athletic, with loanee Martyn Waghorn making his debut and last week’s goal scorers Fortune and Jordi Gomez coming in alongside Stephen Crainey.

Wigan started brightly and looked the more comfortable team in the opening period.

Jean Beausejour created a great opportunity to open the scoring when he produced an incisive cross with James McArthur and Waghorn waiting in the area, but neither player could make full contact and the ball was turned behind by Alex Smithies.

Waghorn was involved in many of Latics best moves and he should have given them the lead just before half time but his close range effort was directed straight at Smithies.

Wigan started the second period in similar fashion and would have been ahead apart from some wayward finishing.

Waghorn hit the side netting, James Perch then headed over at close range from a corner, Ben Watson had a shot blocked and then Waghorn first time volley at the back post, hit the side netting for a second time.

Fortune got in on the act on the hour mark when his deflected shot hit the cross-bar, but the best chance fell to Waghorn and McArthur who couldn’t finish a perfect cross from Gomez.

Latics failure to score was to prove very costly as the Terriers gradually hauled themselves back into the game.

The Terriers brought on midfielder Danny Ward for record signing Nahki Wells and the substitution turned the match in their favour.

Ward soon hit the side-netting with a near-post shot from Oliver Norwood’s angled pass and then Norwood himself was soon peppering the Wigan goal with long-range shots.

Norwood looked to have given the home team the lead on 80 minutes when his thirty-five yard free kick beat Al Habsi, but the ball came back off the cross-bar into the keeper’s grateful hands.

Just when it looked as though Wigan had survived the onslaught, Clayton picked up a poor clearance out of defence and rifled a dipping shot from outside the box into the bottom left hand corner of Al Habsi’s goal.

Despite the defeat Uwe Rösler was surprisingly positive in his post match comments,

“We played some very good football in difficult conditions and limited Huddersfield to few opportunities, particularly in the second half.

“Our shape was good and I was delighted with the way in which we attacked the opposition but when you don’t score from those moments the other side always have a chance.

“Their goal came from a clearance we couldn’t make, and was helped by the wind behind it.

“Overall, I’m as happy as is possible after a defeat.”

It is true that Wigan played well in patches despite the difficult conditions, but their lack of a cutting edge in front of goal proved crucial. Latics had 11 shots during the game but significantly only one was on target and it is evident that they are missing injured top scorer Nick Powell.

Latics will be looking to get back on track when they travel to in-form Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night and then face Cardiff City in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Posted in Adam Clayton, Championship, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

International Rescue – Wigan Athletic 2 Charlton Athletic 1

Posted on February 1, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Jordi Gomez

Jordi Gomez scored the winner with a superb free kick

Two late goals by substitutes Marc-Antoine Fortuné and Jordi Gomez saved Wigan’s blushes against Championship strugglers Charlton.

The Latics trailed to an early Marvin Sordell strike, but couldn’t break down a stubborn Addicks rearguard until the 88th minute when the French striker Fortuné stroked the ball home following a good pass from new loan signing Josh McEachran.

In stoppage time the Spaniard Gomez produced a superb free kick to score at the near post and secure an important three points, which had seemed unlikely with two minutes of normal time remaining.

Uwe Rösler made three changes from Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough, with James McClean, Callum McManaman and Ben Watson coming into the starting line-up. Nick Powell, who tweaked a hamstring on Tuesday night, was notably absent from the Latics squad.

The Addicks took a shock lead after only three minutes when Sordell raced onto a through-ball from Johnnie Jackson to beat Ali Al-Habsi with ease.

Wigan quickly responded with McManaman going close twice, but the away team could have increased their lead when Reza Ghoochannejhad crashed a powerful shot against the crossbar.

The Wigan fans were growing restless as the prospect of losing contact with the play-off places loomed large.

But the home team were starting to dominate possession and create chances and McManaman nearly restored parity when his lobbed effort came back off the crossbar.

After the break the lively winger also set up Nicky Maynard but the Cardiff City loan player’s effort was disallowed for offside.

As the half progressed Charlton retreated and Wigan pressed forward. Chance after chance was created by the home side but a combination of a poor final ball and some last-ditch defending by the Addicks prevented a Wigan goal.

Ben Watson and Emmerson Boyce went close for Rösler’s men and Leon Barnett looked to have wasted the best chance to draw level when he headed over from six yards out.

The Wigan manager is not reticent in making substitutions and it was the introduction of Fortuné, McEachran and Gomez that dramatically swung the game in Wigan’s favour.

With only two minutes of normal time remaining McEachran produced a slide rule pass into Fortuné and the well-travelled striker slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net to equalise.

As the game moved into stoppage time, Gomez produced a moment of magic as he curled his 20 yard free-kick around the wall and into the net and cue joyous scenes around the DW Stadium.

Wigan’s renaissance under Rösler continues with this hard-won victory. They are now unbeaten at home in seven matches under the new manager. They have moved up to 10th in the Championship table, seven points off the play-off positions but crucially with two games in hand on most of their rivals.

Posted in Championship, Charlton Athletic, Jordi Gomez, Marvin Sordell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics held at the Riverside – Middlesbrough 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 28, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Front of the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium

Wigan’s push for a play-off place received a setback when they were held to a goalless draw at Middlesbrough tonight.

In a scrappy game with few clear-cut chances for either team, the Latics failed to recreate the form that had knocked out Crystal Palace in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Despite the dropped points the Wigan manager will at least feel it was an improved performance from their recent away defeat at Doncaster.

Rösler made four changes to the team that had won at the weekend with Stephen Crainey, Chris McCann,  Nick Powell and Marc-Antoine Fortune coming into the starting line-up.

In windy conditions Wigan had the better of the opening period with McCann having his shot deflected just wide of the post.

The away team were having the majority of possession, but Boro threatened on the break and almost scored on 28 minutes when Mustapha Carayol’s low shot from the edge of the area whistled wide of Al Habsi’s post.

A disappointing half ended with Middlesbrough’s Rhys Williams stretchered off with what looked like a back injury.

The second period continued in a similar vein to the first with both teams giving away possession too easily and wasting free kick opportunities.

Wigan made a double substitution on 60 minutes with James McLean replacing Fortune and James McArthur coming on for Watson.

On 64 minutes the home team had a great chance to take the lead when Carayol broke down the left to send Ledesma into the box and he pulled the ball back to Curtis Main but his shot was scooped over from eight yards out.

Wigan responded on 69 minutes when McClean pushed forward and fired over from 20 yards, and they could have grabbed the lead on 76 minutes when Stephen Crainey produced a stinging shot which took a slight deflection but was well saved by Shay Given.

Latics continued to press in the final minutes and forced a series of corners, but their best chance came when Powell got onto a Jean Beausejour cross but headed over the bar.

Neither team probably deserved to take all three points and in the final analysis an away point for the Latics may prove to be a good result against Aitor Karanka’s team, who have only lost one of their past 12 home games in the Championship.

Both teams are now locked together in mid table with 37 points, although Latics have two games in hand on Boro, and are only seven points behind sixth place Reading.

Posted in Aitor Karanka, Championship, Middlesbrough, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Eagles eliminated as Wigan march on – Wigan Athletic 2 Crystal Palace 1

Posted on January 25, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Ben Watson Wigan Athletic

FA Cup final hero Ben Watson gave Wigan the lead

The FA Cup holders progressed to the fifth round with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Premier League Crystal Palace at the DW Stadium.

Last season’s Cup Final hero Ben Watson steered in James McClean’s pull back to give Wigan a half time lead.

Palace drew level when substitute Aaron Wilbraham pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box following a corner in the 69th minute.

But with 12 minutes of normal time remaining McClean’s deflected low shot from 15 yards sealed the victory for the Latics.

Wigan manager Uwe Rosler made four changes from the Championship defeat to Doncaster Rovers last weekend, with James McClean, Callum McManaman, Roger Espinoza and James Perch coming into the starting eleven.

The Eagles are struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table and it was evident that the Latics believed they could cause an upset as they dominated the opening period.

The young Liverpudlian McManaman was on fine form and was making it difficult for the Palace left-back Jonathan Parr with some excellent wing play.

But Wigan’s opener came on the opposite flank after some good work by Espinoza allowed McClean to break free and cross the ball for Watson to expertly side foot home.

Palace suffered a further set back just before half time when full back Parr was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking neck injury after a collision with McManaman.

Palace rarely threatened in the opening half but they did improve after the break.

On the hour mark Jason Puncheon volleyed from the edge of the area following a scramble in Latics’ area, but as the ball headed towards the top corner Al Habsi pulled off an outstanding stop to tip over.

Soon afterwards Palace centre back Paddy McCarthy was given way too much room at the back post but fortunately for Wigan Al Habsi comfortably saved his header.

Latics fought back and created chances themselves but the ball wouldn’t quite fall for McManaman on two occasions as Palace managed to block.

But following a Palace corner, substitute Wilbraham scored from inside the Wigan six-yard box only seconds after joining the fray.

Soon afterwards the away team were nearly ahead when substitute Dwight Gayle drew another superb left handed save from Man of the Match Al-Habsi.

Wigan responded and on 78 minutes Espinoza found McClean on the left with just one man to beat.

The winger ran towards goal and evaded a challenge before firing a low drive from the edge of the area which seemed to take a deflection before finding the the bottom corner of the Palace net.

McLean then had a chance to seal the result in stoppage time when he had a one-on-one but his shot was well saved by Speroni.

In added time the Eagles had an appeal for a penalty turned down when the Wigan Captain Emmerson Boyce appeared to pull back Gayle, but a replay would have been hard on the Latics who had been the better team overall.

Posted in Aaron Wilbraham, Ben Watson, Crystal Palace, FA Cup, James McClean, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

FA Cup Dreams – Could it be Wigan Athletic again this season?

Posted on January 21, 2014 by ianhaspinall
FA Cup Dreams

FA initiative gives children a chance to make their FA Cup dreams come true

Every fan, manager and player dreams of lifting The FA Cup – and a new initiative from the Football Association this season is providing a glimpse of what it would be like for Wigan to get their hands on the famous trophy again.

In a bid to introduce a new generation of fans to the magic of the world’s oldest domestic football competition ahead of Wigan Athletic’s Fourth Round tie against Crystal Palace at the DW Stadium, The FA has released a short film showing a young Latics fan dreaming of winning The FA Cup at Wembley.

Watch the video here: 

The FA is also giving under 12s the opportunity to have their own FA Cup Dreams come true, with prizes offered throughout the season including the chance to win The FA Cup in your home overnight, lift the trophy in front of your own club’s fans, walk out with the players at The FA Cup Final and even win a sleepover at Wembley the night before it.

The initiative is being backed by FA Cup winner and England legend Michael Owen, and families are encouraged to enter at www.facebook.com/TheFACup

Posted in FA Cup, Michael Owen, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Rovers upset the odds with big win – Doncaster Rovers 3 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 18, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Rovers

The view from the away end

Few people could have predicted this result prior to kick off, as Doncaster had not won for eight and Wigan were unbeaten in six Championship games under Uwe Rösler, but it was Rovers who defied the odds to win 3-0.

Rovers striker Chris Brown grabbed the first for Doncaster in the seventh minute and the home side rarely looked in difficulty as the Latics had an off day.

James Coppinger scored the second following a 52nd-minute goalmouth scramble and Brown added the third from the penalty spot in the 69th minute as Rovers provided one of the shocks of the day in the Championship.

Rösler made six changes from the starting line-up at MK Dons in the midweek FA Cup win, with new signing Nicky Maynard making his first start, and on loan Everton defender Ty Browning making his full debut for the club.

The Wigan manager opted for another experimental defensive back line with Chris McCann dropping into defence alongside Emmerson Boyce and Leon Barnett with Ty Browning and Jean Beausejour as the wing backs.

Both teams looked threatening in the opening few minutes and Leon Barnett put a free header high over the cross-bar from a corner before Brown put Rovers ahead.

Some neat interplay on the right provided an opportunity for Paul Keegan who chipped the ball to the unmarked Brown, who scored comfortably from 10 yards out.

Wigan then responded with Maynard having a shot on the turn tipped over the bar by Ross Turnbull.

Nick Powell was then played through the middle by Jordi Gomez and tried to lob the advancing keeper Turnbull, but his attempt just cleared the cross-bar.

An equaliser at that time might have steadied Wigan, but they continued to under perform and looked unbalanced in defence with McCann particularly ill at ease in a defensive role.

Doncaster nearly went further ahead when Coppinger had a near-post header cleared off the line and another effort was well saved by Al Habsi.

The home side were denied again just on the stroke of half time when a header from Brown was scrambled away by McCann.

Rösler reverted to a flat back four for the second period with McCann moving into his customary midfield position.

Wigan looked threatening and forced a couple of corners but the chances of a revival were quickly undone when Doncaster added a second goal in the 52nd minute.

Coppinger shot following a miss-kicked Leon Barnett clearance, Ali Al Habsi saved, but could only parry to his left. Coppinger then got back to his feet to squeeze the ball between the goalkeeper and the right post. But Confusion reigned as neither the referee nor linesman seemed confident of giving the goal as Browning seemingly cleared off the line.

The referee Keith Hill’s confusion was symptomatic of his poor officiating throughout. His decision-making was called into question on numerous occasions, particularly as some severe tackling on Wigan players went unpunished.

The Latics struggled to battle after the setback and in truth looked way off the form that had pushed them up the table under the new manager.

The result was confirmed six minutes later when Rovers left-back James Husband was fouled by Browning as he ran into the penalty area and Brown stepped up to score the third from the penalty spot.

Wigan’s poor performance was typified by their lack of serious goal attempts throughout the 94 minutes. Rovers ran out comfortable winners and Rösler will have much to contemplate after this first major setback of his Wigan managerial career.

Only the news of Bolton’s 7-1 thumping at Reading provided much-needed relief for nearly 2,000 Latics fans who had made the trip to South Yorkshire.

Posted in Championship, Chris Brown, Doncaster Rovers, James Coppinger, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Rösler revolution gathers pace

Posted on January 15, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Uwe Rösler

Uwe Rösler during his time as manager of Viking – photo by Jarle Vines

Uwe Rösler has certainly made an impressive start to his managerial career at Wigan Athletic. Latics have progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 victory at MK Dons and currently sit 10th in the Championship. They are undefeated in the league since the former Brentford manager took over, taking 14 points from a possible 18, with a game in hand on most of their rivals.

The team previously struggled for consistency under Owen Coyle and culminated in the former Bolton Wanderers manager’s early exit. But Rösler has quickly galvanized his squad and is now looking towards the play-offs and a quick return to the Premier League.

Rösler must be regarded as very unlucky not to win the Championship Manager of the Month award for December, particularly as Wigan won 1-0 at winner Steve McClaren’s Derby County on January 1st.

The Latics have now gone four Championship games without conceding a goal and achieved their biggest win under Rosler with a 3-0 victory against Bournemouth last weekend. It is fair to say that the fans expectations of success are now much greater than under the less than organized Coyle.

It is often the case that a change in manager can have an immediate effect on results but this often tails off very quickly. For example, Paolo Di Canio’s impact at Sunderland probably saved them from relegation last season but it all ended sourly when results failed to materialize this season and Di Canio was dismissed after only thirteen games in charge.

In contrast the Rösler appointment appears to be the perfect match. Just like the Wigan owner Dave Whelan, Rösler has a reputation as a very determined and hard working individual. He has also had to win a personal battle against cancer, which is documented in his recently published autobiography ‘Knocking Down Walls’.

The former East German international has family in the North West and made his name in England as a popular striker for Manchester City, so the move to Wigan was an ideal step up for him.

He is very ambitious and wants to manage in the Premier League and thinks he can achieve this with the Latics. The club does have a large squad of players with top-level experience, and with the addition of a few good signings in the transfer window a push for the play-offs looks a realistic target.

Since taking over at the DW Stadium he has not only steadied the ship and changed the style of play, but tactics, organisation, team selections and team spirit have all improved.

The new manager has introduced a high tempo pressing game at Wigan similar to the successful German teams like Borussia Dortmund. His football philosophy is comparable to his famous countrymen Jürgen Klinsmann and Joachim Löw, with the emphasis on quick transition, and based on quick counter attack.

He likes good technical players, with forward passes and to attack in numbers. The recent success of the German clubs and national team make this an attractive template. But replicating this style will require improved fitness levels at Wigan.

Rösler has moved quickly to bring in a new Head of Performance Chris Haslam from Brentford and maintaining fitness levels could be crucial if his style of football is to be a success.

Rosler’s impact since taking over at the DW Stadium in early December has been dramatic and all the signs are that Wigan have made the right appointment this time around.

Posted in Borussia Dortmund, Championship, FA Cup, Joachim Löw, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nick Powell powerplay sinks brave MK Dons – MK Dons 1 Wigan Athletic 3 (AET)

Posted on January 14, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Goalscorer Nick Powell

Nick Powell grabbed a brace

Two goals by substitute Nick Powell ensured the FA Cup holders progressed to the fourth round despite stubborn resistance from MK Dons.

The League One side had taken an early lead through Luke Chadwick but with 11 minutes of normal time remaining Powell produced a quality finish to take the tie into extra time and then early in the first period of extra time he added a second. Striker Marc Antoine Fortuné then sealed the result for the Latics with ten minutes remaining.

Wigan now face a home tie against Premier League Crystal Palace on Saturday 25 January.

Partly due to a number of defensive injuries, Uwe Rösler was forced into selecting an experimental line up, with two midfielders in a central defensive trio, Ben Watson and Chris McCann joining recognised centre-half Leon Barnett at the back. Stephen Crainey and James Perch were the wing backs and Fraser Fyvie made a rare start in midfield. Marc Antoine Fortuné was joined by James McClean upfront.

MK Dons started the game confidently and quickly started to cause the experimental Wigan back line problems. Daniel Powell was a constant threat and had an early chance but shot tamely at Ali Al Habsi.

James McClean scuffed a shot wide of the Dons goal but the home side were ahead in the 10th minute. A long ball found Ben Reeves who pulled the ball back to former Manchester United player Chadwick, who finished with some aplomb.

Wigan responded with several attempts at the Dons goal with Fyvie and Roger Espinoza going close.

But the Dons always looked dangerous and could have increased their lead if it was not for the agility of Al Habsi. The Omani international keeper pushed Shaun Williams’s free-kick around the post and produced a miraculous left-handed save to Dean Lewington’s goal bound drive.

Wigan were struggling to replicate their recent Championship form under Rösler and were relieved to go into the half time break only one goal behind.

During the second period the home team had further chances through on-loan Aston Villa youngster Samir Carruthers and Reeves fired over the cross-bar, before Williams had a deflected volley crash against the post.

On 60 minutes the Wigan manager made a double substitution that was to swing the tie in their favour. Emmerson Boyce replaced Perch and Nick Powell came on for Fyvie.

Almost immediately the two substitutes combined to set up McClean but from only six yards out the Irish international managed to mis-kick and then fall over and the chance was wasted.

Boyce was posing a threat as a progressive wing back and Powell was showing the kind of skill that can mesmerize defences.

The Latics equaliser came with 11 minutes remaining, when McCann’s excellent near post cross found Powell who produced a high quality right footed finish.

The FA Cup holders looked like they might seal victory in normal time, but they did score in the first minute of extra-time when Powell broke free of the Dons defence and then delicately chipped the ball over Martin.

Karl Robinson’s team continued to play good counter attacking football and create chances but with ten minutes of extra-time remaining Latics sealed their progress to the fourth round when Espinoza fed Fortune, who finished clinically from 10 yards out.

Posted in FA Cup, Luke Chadwick, Marc-Antoine Fortune, MK Dons, Nick Powell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fortuné favours the brave – Wigan Athletic 3 AFC Bournemouth 0

Posted on January 11, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Marc-Antoine Fortune

Marc-Antoine Fortuné opened the scoring

Prior to the game Uwe Rösler said that the main focus of his team would be attacking and to have plenty of hunger and desire and the Wigan manager was true to his word as they produced a convincing 3-0 victory over Bournemouth.

Latics high tempo game was too much for the Cherries as they produced chance after chance in the opening minutes.

Marc-Antoine Fortuné opened the scoring after just five minutes, shooting high into the Cherries net from close range. But the Latics missed several golden opportunities to increase their lead before the interval.

It was not until the second half that Wigan consolidated their dominance when Eliott Ward deflected Fortuné’s 58th minute effort into his own net and Jordi Gomez added the third with a left-foot strike in the final minute.

Rösler made several changes to the team held by MK Dons in the FA Cup with Ben Watson, Chis McCann, Nick Powell and Marc Anotoine Fortune returning to the Latics starting line up with Jordi Gomez, Grant Holt, Roger Espinoza and James McClean dropping to the bench.

Wigan were quickly out of the blocks and were ahead after only five minutes when McCann’s cross was flicked on by Powell and Fortuné volleyed high into the net past Lee Camp.

Callum McManaman should have doubled the lead just four minutes later, when he was through on goal but his attempted chip over Camp was well saved by the keeper.

The chances continued when on 11 minutes a powerful run and cross from Fortuné found Powell who attempted to flick the ball towards goal but he was unable to make a proper contact and the chance went begging.

Wigan had further attempts by Powell, McManaman and McArthur, but the Cherries responded by testing Ali Al Habsi at the other end.

The Cherries best chance fell to Matt Ritchie midway through the first half, when cutting inside from the right he forced Al Habsi into a low save.

Wigan responded with James McArthur shooting wide, before McManaman and Powell both spurned chances.

It was a major surprise that there had not been more goals in the first period and that Wigan were not further ahead.

Bournemouth started the second period the better team and were just starting to put together some promising moves when in the 58th minute Latics somewhat fortuitously consolidated their lead. Fortuné’s scuffed effort from inside the area deflected off Elliott Ward and into the Bournemouth net.

To their credit the Cherries continued to play good counter attacking football and should have reduced the deficit but for some poor finishing and the heroics of Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal.

McCann had an opportunity to put the game to bed on 68 minutes when Jean Beausejour’s low cross found him six yards from goal and unmarked but the Irishman only managed to pass the ball back into the grateful hands of Camp.

Jordi Gomez secured the three points on 90 minutes when he produced an unstoppable shot from 30 yards.

The Wigan revival since Rösler took over as manager continues to gather momentum with another convincing victory. They are now unbeaten in six Championship games and have taken 14 points from a possible 18, the once remote possibility of the play-offs now looks like an achievable target.

Posted in Bournemouth, Elliott Ward, Jordi Gomez, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

FA Cup holders held in six goal thriller – Wigan Athletic 3 MK Dons 3

Posted on January 5, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Roger Espinoza

Roger Espinoza on target for the Latics

The FA Cup holders were held to a draw in an entertaining six goal thriller with League One MK Dons. Wigan started the game with five of the players who won the trophy in May and took an early two goal lead with strikes by Roger Espinoza and Jordi Gomez.

But MK Dons hit back just before half time with two goals by Ben Reeves to stun the home crowd.

Just after the interval, Shaun Williams had a great opportunity to cause an upset but Ali Al Habsi guessed correctly and dived to save his penalty.

Callum McManaman looked to have secured Wigan’s progress on 65 minutes with a well taken goal but in the dying minutes Patrick Bamford equalised as the Latics defence failed to clear a corner.

Wigan must now overcome the Dons at Stadium MK if they are to progress to a fourth round tie at home to Crystal Palace.

Uwe Rosler made four changes from the team that won 1-0 at Derby County, with Grant Holt, James McClean, McManaman and Gomez coming into the starting eleven.

Wigan made a great start with Roger Espinoza scoring his first goal of the season with a spectacular 30 yard strike on 18 minutes.

It was not long before the Latics were two ahead as Gomez rifled a low shot past David Martin in the Dons goal.

Wigan looked to be cruising into the fourth round, but the Dons continued to play their passing game despite the two goal deficit and were rewarded just before half time when Reeves struck twice to draw level.

Just on the 45 minute mark Reeves showed good technique as he placed his shot past Al Habsi and two minutes later the midfielder turned attacker scored again as the Wigan defenders backed off.

Matters could have got worse for Wigan just after the break when James McClean fouled substitute George Baldock inside the box, but Al Habsi produced an excellent stop to deny Williams’ penalty kick.

The home team were ahead seconds later as Espinoza fed McManaman who broke the offside trap before firing past Martin.

But the Dons did not give up and equalised with five minutes remaining when Latics failed to clear a corner and Bamford finished from close range.

Rosler’s men will have to show much more resolve in the replay if they are to progress to the fourth round. Wigan should have closed off the game when they were in control at 2-0, but credit should be given to the League One team for persisting with their passing game and showing the determination to fight back on two occasions.

Posted in Callum McManaman, FA Cup, Jordi Gomez, MK Dons, Patrick Bamford, Roger Espinoza, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment