Let's Hang On

Rösler is the new man to lead the Latics

Posted on December 7, 2013 by ianhaspinall

New Wigan Athletic manager Uwe Rösler

Wigan have appointed the Brentford manager Uwe Rösler as their new manager following negotiations on Friday. Rosler has been in charge at Griffin Park since 2011, and succeeds Owen Coyle at the DW Stadium.

Rösler will watch Saturday’s match at Millwall from the stands, before officially starting work on Sunday.

A club statement read: “Wigan Athletic are delighted to announce Uwe Rösler as the club’s new manager.

“A compensation fee has been agreed with Brentford Football Club and Rösler will watch today’s match with Millwall from the stands, leaving Graham Barrow to take charge of the team.

“He starts work from tomorrow and will be unveiled officially on Monday.”

Latics Chairman Dave Whelan said: “Uwe is one of the brightest young managers in the Football League and his ambition is to manage in the Premier League.

“He impressed me enormously when I spoke to him, he has a strong philosophy about how to play the game and has a desire to shape all aspects of the long-term future of the club. I think he can and will achieve great things here at Wigan Athletic.”

The former Manchester City striker has his family in the North West and was keen to make the move to the DW Stadium.

While playing in Norway for Lillestrom in 2003 Rösler was diagnosed with chest cancer but following a remarkable recovery he was able to go into football management with Lillestrom, Viking, Molde and Brentford.

Despite initially finding it difficult to get a job in English football he had a successful time at Brentford. Guiding the Bees to their highest finish in six years in his first season, then narrowly missed out on promotion on the final day of the 2012/13 season.

Rösler recently published his autobiography ‘Knocking Down Walls’ were he outlines his early life in East Germany, his footballing exploits in Germany, England, and Norway and his fight against cancer.

As Rösler’s dream is to manage in the Premier League, let’s hope he gets his chance with the Latics.

Posted in Brentford, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Brentford, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | 4 Comments

Another defeat but new manager is top priority – Leeds United 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on December 5, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Elland Road

Managerless Wigan slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat as two Ross McCormack goals propelled Leeds towards the play-off zone.

The Scottish striker headed home on 15 minutes after good work by Tom Lees and he doubled United’s lead with a quality free kick in the 76th minute.

Latics had two good first half chances when the Manchester United loanee Will Keane was denied by some excellent work from United’s veteran keeper Paddy Kenny.

Wigan had a good spell of pressure following the half time interval but overall the home team were good value for their three points.

Caretaker duo Graham Barrow and Sandy Stewart made four changes to the team from Sunday’s defeat to Derby. Scott Carson replaced Lee Nicholls in-goal and there were also starts for James Perch, Jean Beausejour and Chris McCann.

Barrow and Stewart decided to go for a 3-5-2 formation which mirrored the Leeds formation.

After a subdued opening ten minutes with neither team settling, Leeds started to take control and created several early opportunities.

The Wigan defence was looking uncomfortable to a succession of Leeds corners and crosses and it was from a set piece that they took the lead on 15 minutes.

The Latics defence failed to clear and when Tom Lees headed the ball back across goal, it fell to McCormack who poked the ball over the line.

Despite the setback Latics started to get into the game with Watson, Beausejour, McCann and McArthur combining well in midfield.

It was Watson who had the away team’s first chance when his shot from just inside the area was blocked by the Leeds defence.

Will Keane then had two great opportunities to draw Latics level. The first saw him lose his marker to get on the end of a blocked McArthur effort but Kenny saved well from close range.

The second chance saw him pick up a loose ball right in front of goal but once again Kenny blocked the striker.

Wigan continued their good work early in the second period and were dominating possession.

Graham Barrow made two positive substitutions introducing James McClean and Grant Holt for Beausejour and Keane, but neither player was able to make a significant impact.

Leeds sealed the victory on 76 minutes. McCormack swung over a free-kick from the left and although Pearce appeared to get a touch, replays showed the ball evaded everybody before bouncing beyond Carson.

Overall Wigan had showed signs of improvement from their recent performances but unless they can be more ruthless in front of goal they will continue to struggle.

However, the main priority at the current time is getting the right manager in place. Despite the disappointing run of results it is imperative that the Chairman Dave Whelan takes enough time to make the right decision with his next managerial appointment.

He should consult widely and steer clear of the usual managerial suspects, some might appear to provide an easy fix, but they could cause long-term damage to the club’s prospects.

Wigan need a manager who will continue the good work done by Roberto Martinez. A modern manager who follows the stylings of Cruyff and Guardiola. A coach who will encourage skill and technique and strive to play attractive attacking football.

If he comes from another European league or from a club outside the Premier League then so be it. He should be offered a long-term contract which will allow him to develop an overarching strategy for the club.

The wrong appointment at this time could be catastrophic and mean that Wigan are never again in a position to challenge for a Premier League place. So ‘Come On Chairman Dave’, we are all relying on you to make the right choice.

Posted in Championship, Dave Whelan, Graham Barrow, Leeds United, Ross McCormack, Sandy Stewart, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Dave Whelan, Graham Barrow, Leeds United, Ross McCormack, Sandy Stewart, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Owen Coyle leaves Wigan after less than six months in charge

Posted on December 2, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Owen Coyle leaves after 23 games in charge

Wigan manager Owen Coyle has left the club following a sequence of three consecutive home defeats which left the club in 14th position in the Championship and on the verge of Europa Cup elimination.

The Wigan fans grew increasingly restless during Sunday’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Derby County and following discussions with Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan, Coyle left the club ‘by mutual agreement’.

According to the club,   both Dave Whelan and Owen Coyle have agreed that this is the right course of action in the best interests of both parties.

Owen Coyle said: “It is with great sadness that we have made this decision and I would like to thank all my football staff and the staff at the club, who have been very supportive of me in my time here. I am confident that with this set of players, the team can keep moving in the right direction.”

Latics first team coach and former manager Graham Barrow and Assistant Manager Sandy Stewart will take charge of the team for the visit to Leeds United on Wednesday night.

Coyle did not endear himself to the fans following the Derby defeat when
he called for a reality-check from those disgruntled by their start to the season.

“If it comes through expectation then so be it,” Coyle said of the discontent.

“The expectation can only come from being in the Premier League because it’s not as if Wigan Athletic have been winning games every week for four or five years, far from it. Wigan Athletic have been in the bottom three for the last four, five years and managed a few times to escape and they’ve done brilliantly to do that.

“They won the (FA) Cup which was brilliant but they lost their place in the Premier League and with them losing their place, the players, the ones of big value, left.

“It’s building that team and putting it together. If people want to be ultra-critical that’s the nature of football these days.

“I’m old enough to deal with that; if they think there’s something better that’s all well and good. That’s why we love football, it’s all opinion.”

Coyle’s record in 23 competitive matches was Won 7, Drawn 6, Lost 10.

The bookies early favourites for the managerial role include Ian Holloway, Mike Phelan, Paul Jewell and Karl Robinson. None of these names should create much enthusiasm amongst Latics fans.

I would personally prefer a manager who restores the passing football that characterised the Roberto Martinez era. Many of the FA Cup winning squad remain at the club and with the addition of some new players in the January transfer window an assault on the play-offs could still be within their reach.

Posted in Championship, Owen Coyle, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Owen Coyle, Wigan Athletic | 2 Comments

Wigan’s Europa hopes hit by late sucker punch – Wigan Athletic 1 SV Zulte Waregem 2

Posted on November 29, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Junior Malanda grabbed a late winner for Zulte Waregem

Wigan’s hopes of qualifying for the last 32 of the Europa League were dealt a severe blow when they went down 2-1 at home to SV Zulte Waregem. A late Junior Malanda strike sealing the three points for the Belgians who are now in prime position to finish in second place in Group D.

Wigan had taken an early lead through a Leon Barnett volley but Zulte equalised after a mistake by young Wigan keeper Lee Nicholls allowed Thorgan Hazard to score on 37 minutes.

Wigan had been on top for long periods and created many opportunities to increase their lead but as the game ticked towards the final whistle Zulte produced a slick counter attack and Malanda swept home from the edge of the area to give the Belgians the vital three points in their quest for qualification.

Manager Owen Coyle once again decided to rotate his squad with five changes from the team defeated by Brighton at the weekend. Nick Powell was the designated central striker with James McClean and Callum McManaman the wide men. Both Grant Holt and Marc-Antoine Fortune had to settle for places on the bench.

Wigan started much the brighter of the two outfits and could have scored when Emmerson Boyce narrowly failed to make contact with Jordi Gomez’s chipped free kick.

But they did take the lead on seven minutes when Gomez’s shot from McManaman’s cross fell to Barnett who finished with some aplomb from the edge of the area.

Latics continued to press and it was looking likely that they would add to their lead when both James McArthur and James McClean forced saves from the Zulte keeper Sammy Bossut.

But against the run of play Zulte drew level following a series of Wigan mistakes. As Wigan were pressing up the field James McArthur received the ball in the visitors half but instead of playing the ball forward he inexplicably lofted the ball back towards his own goal and set up a Zulte break away.

The Wigan defence managed to slow the attack but just as it looked like the danger had passed Thorgan Hazard was allowed to fire in a shot which Nicholls somehow contrived to slip between his fingers and into the net.

Latics went into the half time break disappointed that they had not made their dominance count and they had let the Belgians back into a game which should have been out of their reach.

The second period was to be a more open encounter with chances at either end. Wigan continued to create some good opportunities but the Belgians were always comfortable in possession and looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Hazard had a couple of efforts for Zulte and Nick Powell was proving to be Wigan’s most effective attacker.

McArthur saw his low shot from the edge of the penalty area skim the upright but it was the visitors who got the all important final goal.

The powerful central midfielder Malanda was given too much space by Chris McCann and he made no mistake with his shot which sent the Zulte bench and travelling supporters into delirium.

Wigan can still qualify but they must now beat Maribor in Slovenia in their final group game and hope that Rubin Kazan, who have already qualified as pool winners, beat Zulte in Belgium.

Posted in Junior Malanda, Leon Barnett, SV Zulte Waregem, Thorgan Hazard, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Junior Malanda, Leon Barnett, SV Zulte Waregem, Thorgan Hazard, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Wigan suffer first home defeat – Wigan Athletic 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 1

Posted on November 24, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Wigan’s unbeaten home record came to a freezing halt at the DW Stadium as Brighton won 1-0. Andrew Crofts secured the victory for the visitors with a header on 72 minutes after Wigan keeper Lee Nicholls had initially brilliantly saved Jake Forster-Caskey’s header.

The Seagulls deserved their victory after imposing their passing game on a misfiring Latics. The away side dominated possession for long periods and created several clear-cut chances. Wigan did have opportunities, particularly when substitute Grant Holt had a one-on-one with Brighton keeper Tomasz Kuzsczak, but the striker uncharacteristically missed the target.

Wigan manager Owen Coyle had retained the same line-up from the victory at Yeovil with Aston Villa loanee Marc Albrighton making his full home debut. Brighton had several players returning to the squad with midfielders Andrea Orlandi, Kemy Agustien and Liam Bridcutt all appearing on the substitutes bench.

In freezing conditions Wigan had the first sight of goal when Leon Barnett met Ben Watson’s s corner at the near post but his shot went wide.

Brighton keeper Kuzsczak was soon called into the action, first to deny Chris McCann’s header and then saving from Emmerson Boyce’s long-range effort.

However, it wasn’t one way traffic and the Seagulls nearly took the lead on eight minutes when right-back Bruno Saltor volley was well saved by Nicholls.

Ben Watson was then unlucky not to give the home team an 11th-minute lead after completing a neat one-two with Marc-Antoine Fortune and blasting a shot just wide of goal.

Manchester United loanee Nick Powell then produced a sublime piece of skill to evade his marker but his driven shot was comfortably saved by Kuszczak.

Powell was proving to be a major threat and he nearly gave Wigan the lead just before half time when he produced an excellent long-range effort inches wide of the Brighton goal.

Wigan had probably had the better of the first half chances, but the away team were dominating possession and always looked a threat on the counter attack.

Immediately after the break, Oscar Garcia’s team nearly took the lead when an unmarked Forster-Caskey headed straight at Nicholls.

Callum McManaman was having a relatively quiet game but he produced a powerful long-range effort on 52 minutes that Kuszczak did well to save.

Coyle replaced Fortune with Holt on 60 minutes. The big striker struggled to get into the game until he shook off Gordon Greer to go one-on-one with Kuszczak but he put his effort agonizingly wide of the goal.

Soon afterwards the Seagulls capitalised on Holt’s miss as they took the lead. The excellent Latics keeper Lee Nicholls had made a top drawer save from Forster-Caskey’s header but Crofts was on hand to head home.

Craig Conway nearly doubled Brighton’s lead after unleashing a stinging shot which Nicholls did well to save.

Wigan desperately pushed forward in search of the equaliser and it looked as though they had secured a point in the 90th minute when substitute James McClean’s cross was met by Holt’s powerful header but Kuszczak’s full length diving save denied the former Norwich striker.

Tomasz Kuszczak came to Brighton’s rescue

Brighton can be pleased with their away day and will be confident in the knowledge that with key players coming back to fitness they should be in the promotion mix at the end of the season.

Latics will be very disappointed to have surrendered their unbeaten home record but they will be hoping to make a quick return to winning ways on Thursday night in the Europa League against Zulte Waregem and thereby qualify for the round of 32.

Posted in Andrew Crofts, Brighton & Hove Albion, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Andrew Crofts, Brighton & Hove Albion, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

No ‘Glad All Over’ for Yeovil as Wigan win away from home – Yeovil Town 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on November 10, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Yeovil Town versus Wigan Athletic

Wigan’s first away win in nine league and cup games gave them an important three points at Huish Park.

Marc-Antoine Fortune’s first goal of the season moved the Latics to within two points of the play-off zone with a game in hand, while Yeovil remain two points adrift at the bottom of the table.

The striker scored at the back post after being set up by substitute Grant Holt from close range on 78 minutes, having seen two earlier efforts cleared off the line.

Owen Coyle continued his squad rotation policy with six changes to the team that faced Rubin Kazan in the Europa Cup, with Nick Powell, Emmerson Boyce, Chris McCann, Ben Watson, Marc Albrighton and Marc-Antoine Fortune coming in.

Yeovil manager Gary Johnson made three changes to the line up that started the last game at Leeds. Ed Upson was suspended and both Sam Hoskins and Liam Davis dropped to the bench. Replacing them were Paddy Madden, Sam Foley and Luke Ayling. Fraser Fyvie was unavailable to face his parent club.

Wigan started hesitantly and it was the Glovers who looked most likely to score in the opening exchanges.

Lee Nicholls was forced into a good save on 21 minutes, tipping Joe Edwards’ 20-yard strike over the bar. Soon afterwards Madden wasted a good opportunity when he blasted high and wide after being put through on goal.

For long periods of the game the Championship newcomers looked capable of causing an upset. But despite a brave battling performance the Glovers were unable to celebrate a goal with their famous goal music ‘Glad All Over’ by the Dave Clark Five.

They are now the lowest scorers in the Football League with just nine goals and their inability to take their chances is likely to be their downfall.

Latics had struggled to put together a consistent passage of play until just before half time when Nick Powell saw a close-range shot cleared off the line and Callum McManaman and Fortune both had shots blocked.

Loanee winger Marc Albrighton then produced a stunning drive from 25 yards and despite beating keeper Wayne Hennessey the ball hit the crossbar, much to the relief of the home fans.

Wigan were much better in the second period with Albrighton proving a constant threat down the right hand side.

Wigan on the attack

The Yeovil goal was leading a charmed life as Fortune again went close and a Ryan Shotton header was desperately cleared away.

Substitute Striker Holt made an instant impact on 78 minutes when his run and cross set up Fortune who finished from close range at the back post. The Yeovil players appealed for hand ball against Holt and TV replays suggest that they may have a case.

Powell could have made the result more emphatic in the dying seconds but he made a poor pass to substitute James McArthur and the opportunity was wasted.

Wigan’s performances have been far from convincing, but they continue to pick up the points which keeps them in contention for the play offs.

Coyle’s squad rotation system can prove problematic and like today many of the first half performances have been indifferent, but the victory has ended Wigan’s away day hoodoo and it is the first time they have won back-to-back Championship matches all season.

Posted in Championship, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Wigan Athletic, Yeovil Town | Tagged Championship, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Wigan Athletic, Yeovil Town | 1 Comment

Latics lose in Russia – Rubin Kazan 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on November 7, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Rubin Kazan v Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic experienced their first Europa Cup defeat when they were edged out 1-0 by Group D leaders Rubin Kazan.

A defensive lapse allowed Rubin full back Oleg Kuzmin to score in the 20th minute but Wigan might have levelled when Thomas Rogne hit the crossbar and James McClean flicked a corner narrowly wide.

The result leaves Wigan still in second place in the group with games against Zulte Waregem (H) and NK Marbor (A) still to come.

Manager Owen Coyle made six changes to the starting eleven from Saturday with James Perch playing an unusual role just in front of the back four. The Latics were without Jean Beausejour due to a foot injury, Ben Watson failed a fitness test and Scott Carson has an ankle problem, so Lee Nicholls was making his European debut in the goal.

James McArthur took over as Captain with Grant Holt starting upfront and McClean and Callum McManaman as the wide men.

Rubin had not lost a European home game in Kazan in 22 matches since going down 1-0 to Parma FC in the first round of the 2006/07 UEFA Cup. But they were still without top striker José Rondón who has been out since late September, after breaking a bone in his foot.

The game started in untidy fashion with neither side able to settle on the ball, but Wigan had the first opportunity on 11 minutes when McClean’s cross was well saved by Rubin keeper Ryzhikov with Holt ready to pounce at the back post.

The home team should have gone ahead on 14 minutes. Wigan gave the ball away on the edge of their own area and the ball was pulled back into the path of three Rubin attackers but none could make the vital contact.

Rubin did take the lead on 20 minutes when full back Oleg Kuzmin was allowed plenty of freedom by McClean and Stephen Crainey to run onto a hopeful pass and comfortably finish low to Nicholls right.

Latics were struggling to get a foothold in the game and Rubin were dominating possession for long periods. But Holt had an opportunity on 26 minutes when a long ball by Roger Espinoza found the former Norwich man in a good position but he headed over the crossbar.

The Russians slicker passing and better movement was noticeable and they looked likely to add to their lead. Wigan in contrast relied on the long ball and rarely threatened the Rubin goal.

Despite the poor first half showing Coyle did not make any changes at half time.

Wigan’s main goal threat now seemed to come from Ryan Shotton’s long throw. The defender currently on loan from Stoke City is not quite in the Rory Delap class, but his aerial bombs were proving a problem for the Rubin defence.

The Rubin keeper was lucky to get away with a free kick when Shotton’s long throw into the box deceived him and Leon Barnett sent the ball against the bar, but the flag was up from the referee’s assistant.

Nick Powell replaced Perch on the hour mark and he almost scored the equaliser when his long-range effort grazed the post.

Soon afterwards Marc-Antoine Fortune, on for the ineffective Holt, fired into the side netting from a decent position.

The home team were now sitting back and hoping the 1-0 scoreline would be enough. Wigan could have taken a vital point when Espinoza’s cross found Rogne, but his header came off the bar before McClean’s late flick from Crainey’s corner went agonizingly close.

Despite lacking some of the style and quality of their Russian opponents Latics probably deserved to take a point. Rubin Kazan now qualify for the Round of 32 and Wigan will need to take at least three points from their remaining two group games if they are to join them.

Posted in Europa League, Oleg Kuzmin, Rubin Kazan, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Europa League, Oleg Kuzmin, Rubin Kazan, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Latics tame Terriers – Wigan Athletic 2 Huddersfield Town 1

Posted on November 2, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Man of the match Nick Powell

Wigan maintained their unbeaten home record with an important victory over Huddersfield Town. Goals from Leon Barnett and Nick Powell enabled the Latics to move up to 10th in the Championship table, with a game in hand on most of their rivals.

Wigan took the lead in the 21st minute when Ben Watson’s corner was headed home by Barnett.

The Terriers equalised just before half-time when Oliver Norwood’s shot deflected in off Ryan Shotton.

But early in the second half the home team restored their lead after some sloppy defending by Town enabled Jordi Gomez to feed Powell who fired home the crucial goal.

Owen Coyle continues to shuffle his starting line ups and made two changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday as Marc-Antoine Fortune replaced Grant Holt and Ben Watson came in for James McArthur.

Town were in buoyant mood after a confidence boosting win over local rivals Leeds United, but leading goalscorer James Vaughan had to sit out the game due to suspension.

Wigan started more positively than in recent fixtures and could have scored on two minutes when Marc-Antoine Fortune blasted over the crossbar after good work by Powell.

On loan striker Powell missed another decent opportunity before the improving Chris McCann saw a long range effort tipped over by Smithies.

But Wigan took the lead from the resulting corner as Watson’s cross was headed home by centre back Barnett.

Keith Southern might have equalised for the Terriers soon afterwards when his deflected shot flew past Lee Nicholls post, but they did equalise just before half-time when Norwood’s shot deflected off Shotton into the Wigan net.

Coyle’s half time team talk must have roused his troops and Latics started the second period the stronger, with Fortune hitting the post in the opening two minutes.

They kept up their pressure and in the 50th minutes Powell put his side in front. The on-loan Manchester United man making the most of an opportunity gifted when Clarke’s pass was initially blocked by Jordi Gomez.

The next part of the second period was perhaps most notable for Adam Hammill’s embrassing temper tantrums when substituted by Sean Scannell. The former Wolves winger’s antics clearly upset manager Mark Robins who will no doubt fine the player for his childish behaviour.

Substitute Scannell made an instant impact and crossed the ball for Danny Ward who brought an excellent save from the young keeper Nicholls.

Aston Villa loanee Marc Albrighton replaced Jordi Gomez and later Marc-Antoine Fortune was replaced by Grant Holt and James McClean took over from Callum McManaman.

But Nick Powell remained the game’s best player, the 19 year old showed great quality and commitment in his man of the match performance. The former Crewe Alexandra player has now scored five goals in all competitions and looks likely to go onto score many more for Wigan in the future.

It was hard won victory against a side who should finish comfortably in mid table. The three points takes Latics within striking distance of the play off places, but they now have to move onto the Europa Cup and Rubin Kazan on Thursday night. A point in Russia would put the team in a good position to qualify for the Round of 32.

Posted in Championship, Huddersfield Town, Leon Barnett, Nick Powell, Oliver Norwood, Ryan Shotton, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Huddersfield Town, Leon Barnett, Nick Powell, Oliver Norwood, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Latics held by ‘Arry’s boys – Wigan Athletic 0 Queens Park Rangers 0

Posted on October 31, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Wigan and QPR produced a scrappy 0-0 encounter at the DW Stadium last night with neither team displaying sufficient quality to deserve all three points.

Charlie Austin had the best opportunity to give Harry Redknapp’s expensively assembled outfit the lead but could only hit his effort into the side netting. Chris McCann had the best chance of the game for Latics, but saw his header come back off the post and Callum McManaman fired the rebound high over the crossbar.

The result moves Wigan up to 13th in the Championship table with a game in hand on most other teams. QPR meanwhile remain in third position and four points behind league leaders Burnley.

Owen Coyle continues to shuffle his pack and made three changes to his last line up away at Charlton, with Ryan Shotton, Jordi Gomez and McManaman stepping in for Thomas Rogne, James McClean and Ben Watson. Reserve keeper Lee Nicholls made his home Championship debut in place of the injured Scott Carson.

Joey Barton was a significant absentee due to suspension from the Rangers team which still has big name players throughout their squad.

As with many of their recent performances Wigan started the game slowly and it was the visitors who controlled the opening exchanges with Niko Kranjcar firing over the crossbar and Junior Hoillett shooting wide of Nicholls goal.

However, Nick Powell was once again proving to be Latics most dangerous attacker and his shot from long-range stung the hands of Robert Green.

Rangers continued to dominate possession and nearly took the lead on the stroke of half time when Alejandro Faurlin found Austin in a good position but the former Burnley man could only hit the side netting.

Marc-Antoine Fortune replaced the ineffective Grant Holt at half time and the substitute quickly brought a good save from Green. Wigan were now having more of the game and had their best chance to score when McCann headed against the post from a good position and McManaman struck the rebound high over Rangers crossbar.

Substitute Andy Johnson was introduced late on and the striker was involved in a one-on-one collision with Nicholls, but despite Rangers players appeals for a free kick referee Michael Naylor waved play on.

Wigan’s appeals suffered a similar fate in injury time when last man Richard Dunne appeared to foul Nick Powell and both teams had to settle for a point.

Posted in Harry Redknapp, Lee Nicholls, QPR, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Andy Johnson, Harry Redknapp, Lee Nicholls, QPR, Wigan Athletic | 2 Comments

Stalemate at the Valley – Charlton Athletic 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on October 27, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Stalemate at Charlton

The Addicks and the Latics fought out an entertaining goalless draw at the Valley – but a draw will be of little satisfaction to either team. Wigan have moved up to 14th in the Championship table but have not won away from home in eight games and desperately need to show more quality if they are to make a challenge for the play-offs. Charlton meanwhile are now unbeaten in four games, but are in 19th position precariously just above the relegation places.

Owen Coyle continues to shuffle his starting line ups with Perch, Rogne, McClean and McArthur coming in. But the manager was forced into a late change when keeper Scott Carson injured an ankle in the warm-up and substitute keeper Lee Nicholls had to step in.

Charlton had the better of the first half as Wigan looked out of sorts after their mid-week Europa Cup exploits against Rubin Kazan. The 21-year-old Nicholls had a steady game and pulled off several good saves to deny the home team.

Bradley Pritchard was twice denied by Nicholls before he missed a great opportunity on the half-hour. Cameron Stewart made his way to the byeline and pulled the ball back for Pritchard, who had a free shot from the penalty spot but sent it high over the crossbar.

Both teams lacked real quality on the ball and resorted to a succession of long balls which often ended in a loss of possession.

Latics lacklustre first half meant they rarely threatened the Addicks goal, apart from a header from Grant Holt which went straight at Ben Hamer.

The Wigan players will no doubt have received some strong words at half time from Coyle and they were much improved in the second period.

Early on Chris McCann’s near post header crashed against the crossbar and bounced to safety. Hamer then saved from Leon Barnett and Emmerson Boyce volleyed narrowly wide from a Watson corner.

James McArthur and Callum McManaman fired over from the edge of the box, Watson shot wide from a good position and Holt’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Wood as Charlton hung on for a point.

Posted in Championship, Charlton Athletic, Lee Nicholls, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Charlton Athletic, Lee Nicholls, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment