Let's Hang On

Not always the beautiful game – football and fashion

Posted on February 15, 2013 by ianhaspinall

80’s style Chris Waddle

A new exhibition at the National Football Museum in Manchester surveys the cultural changes taking place in football fashion since the 1960’s. ‘Strike A Pose: 50 Years of Football and Fashion’ runs until 27th August, visit www.nationalfootballmuseum.com for full details of opening times.

The 1960’s started the revolution in style, youth culture and football as Kevin Moore, National Football Museum Director identifies,

“Ever since the footballers wage cap was lifted in 1961, fashion has gripped the football world. From the lavish style of the super-rich footballer to the average fan braving the cold winter afternoon on the terraces, fashion has had its say.”

George Best and Mike Summerbee

The acknowledged style icon of football and fashion George Best is celebrated, while at the other end of the spectrum are Liverpool FC’s infamous white suits and Chris Waddle’s mullet and check sports jacket combo.

Liverpool's lovely white suits for the 1996 FA Cup Final

Liverpool FC’s white suits for the 1996 FA Cup Final

The first Manchester United superstar and fifth Beatle George Best has his own dedicated section showcasing his stylish sixties clobber sold at his Manchester store, but it is the footballers many fashion faux pas which attract the eye.

The serious sartorial own goals include David Seaman’s multi coloured England goalkeepers jersey and the many outfits of the eccentric Mario Balotelli.

A special collage of footballers hairstyles centres on the Ralph Coates comb over and dishonourable mentions must go to Jason Lee’s Pineapple dreadlocks and Kevin Keegan’s Curly perm.

In contrast the black and white photography of Terry O’Neill captures some of the beautiful game’s legends. Highlights include a portrait of a young, thoughtful Paul Gascoigne and a dapper Peter Osgood.

Terrace style and culture movements are clearly identified with displays of mods, skinheads and casuals.

Terrace fashion for some

The close relationship between football and fashion is well evidenced in the different cultural tribes that have frequented the matches up to the modern-day.

Strike A Pose’s other items include a Victoria Beckham inspired dress, and outfits loaned from Sol Campbell, Gianluca Vialli and Joleon Lescott.

This is a thoroughly recommended exhibition if you want to see the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in football fashion.

Posted in Chris Waddle, Football and Fashion, George Best, Liverpool white suits, Mario Balotelli, National Football Museum, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Chris Waddle, Football and Fashion, George Best, Liverpool White Suits, Mario Balotelli, National Football Museum | 1 Comment

Benitez relieved as the pressure increases on Wigan – Chelsea 4 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on February 10, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Prior to the game all the talk was whether Rafa Benitez would continue his tenure as Chelsea’s interim manager if they failed to beat Wigan. However, by the 95th minute the Spaniard was relieved that his top players had performed well enough to overcome a stubborn Wigan side who themselves were desperate for the points. The Latics remain in the bottom three and have only won once in the previous 13 league games. The pressure is mounting and the customary late season revival hasn’t materialised.

Wigan had Captain Gary Caldwell in defence despite having missed the mid-week Scotland international through injury and Arouna Kone returning from African Nations Cup duty only had a place on the bench. Chelsea had Petr Cech back in goal and Juan Mata and Demba Ba on their bench.

Wigan started brightly with Franco Di Santo forcing Cech to save with his feet and then Shaun Maloney curling an effort which the Chelsea keeper saved at almost full stretch.

The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was perhaps understandably subdued and the customary chants for Roberto Di Matteo didn’t lighten the mood until a superb counter attacking goal lifted the home fans stupor.

David Luiz broke quickly and fed a pass through to Fernando Torres. The striker produced a sublime angled ball inside Maynor Figueroa and into the path of Ramires and the Brazilian finished with aplomb.

The home team were now in the ascendancy and Ali Al Habsi had to be at his best to keep out a powerful header by Torres and Frank Lampard fired just wide of the Omani keeper’s right hand post.

Wigan’s midfield were once again having an off day with Roger Espinoza struggling to get into the game and both James McCarthy and James McArthur looking subdued. Only Shaun Maloney looked likely to make an impact and it was the hard-working Scot who nearly created the equaliser just before half time. His floated cross to the far post was heading towards James McCarthy but an astute interception by Cesar Azpilicueta cleared the danger.

The second half began with Wigan having slightly the better of the play with Paul Scharner having a header saved by Cech and then Di Santo breaking into the Chelsea box pulling the ball back from the by line but unable to find a Wigan attacker to finish off the move.

On 56 minutes the home team doubled their lead after some slack defending by Jean Beausejour, the Chilean wing back allowed Azpilicueta far too much space inside the box and the Spanish full back cut inside before feeding Eden Hazard who side footed past Al Habsi.

Despite the set back Latics responded positively and two minutes later it was that man again, Shaun Maloney who got the goal. Paul Scharner made a great tackle in his own half to dispossess Hazard and the Austrian fed McArthur who played a good through ball to Maloney and with Cech well out of his goal the Scot scored from an acute angle.

With the score at 2-1 neither team looked comfortably in control and Wigan were denied a possible penalty when from close range Ronnie Stam’s shot hit Ashley Cole on the arm. Referee Mike Dean waved away Wigan’s appeals but it was certainly a debatable decision and one which could have been gone either way.

Chelsea introduced Juan Mata for the Brazilian Oscar and the Spanish midfielder had a part to play in Chelsea’s third goal. After Wigan pressure the home team broke quickly and Hazard got to the Wigan by line before pulling the ball back for Mata to step over and allow Frank Lampard to score his 198th goal for the club, four off Bobby Tambling’s all time record.

On 90 minutes things got worse for Wigan when a speculative effort by Azpilicueta was only parried and the ball fell invitingly to Marko Marin who slotted home his first ever goal for the home team.

The scoreline was harsh on Wigan but it could have been harsher on 94 minutes if Al Habsi hadn’t produced a brilliant double save to deny first Ramirez and then Torres.

Wigan’s next league fixture is at fellow strugglers Reading and it is now looking critical that they get a positive result from the game. A defeat is almost unthinkable if they are to have any realistic hopes of surviving in the top flight.

Looking forward to the fixture both Emmerson Boyce and long absentee Antolin Alcaraz should be available for selection and as Wigan fans know when the chips are down, the team usually produce something very special.

Posted in Chelsea, Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard, Marko Marin, Ramires, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Chelsea, Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard, Marko Marin, Ramires, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Maloney salvages a point for the Latics against the impressive Saints

Posted on February 2, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Shaun Maloney grabs a late equaliser

A 90th minute goal by Shaun Maloney rescued a point for Wigan after they had been outplayed in the second half by a rampant Southampton. The home side had taken the lead from a powerful Gary Caldwell header but the Saints had dominated the second period and gone ahead through goals by Rickie Lambert and Morgan Schneiderlin.

The Saints had been well worth their lead and could have been at least a couple more goals ahead before Maloney’s late equaliser.

Wigan had new loan signing and fans favourite Paul Scharner making his second Latics debut as he slotted into a back three with Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa.

The Saints made one change from their recent narrow defeat to Manchester United with Luke Shaw coming in for Danny Fox at left back. Following the game at Old Trafford, United’s manager Alex Ferguson claimed the Saints had been the best side he’d seen at the ground this season.

Southampton set up very positively, playing a high line and playing three forwards mirroring Wigan’s back three. The away team were determined to keep Wigan penned back and prevent them from imposing their usual passing game.

The Latics created the game’s first chance with Saints keeper Artur Boruc pulling off a spectacular full-stretch save to deny Franco Di Santo, who toe poked Jean Beausejour’s angled cross towards goal.

The Saints should have scored soon afterwards when the unchallenged Gaston Ramirez volleyed high over the bar from ten yards out.

Rather uncharacteristically Wigan took the lead from a set piece when Gary Caldwell met a Beausejour corner and headed powerfully into the Saints net.

Despite taking the lead Wigan looked unsettled with their opponents working hard to close down and pressurising them all over the park.

Schneiderlin nearly equalised when his block from James McCarthy’s clearance on the edge of the Wigan box rebounded towards goal but Ali Al Habsi produced a superb save to tip the ball over the bar.

The home team went into the break a little lucky to be ahead given the high level of performance from the away team. Wigan’s midfielders James McCarthy, James McArthur and Roger Espinoza were all having an off day but their opponents should be given credit for their tenacity and determination to win the ball.

The second half continued with the Saints on top, but with good defending by Wigan’s back three of Scharner, Caldwell and Figueroa held firm until the 64th minute.

The equaliser came however when Jack Cork crossed to Jay Rodriguez who out-jumped the defence to head on to Lambert, who beat Ali Al-Habsi to the ball at the back post.

Southampton continued to dominate and went close to going ahead when Adam Lallana’s volley crashed back off the post and Lambert volleyed wide from a Luke Shaw cross.

Wigan hung on desperately until the 85th minute, but some superb counterattacking by the Saints gave them the lead when Rodriguez broke down the left, beat a lunging challenge from substitute Callum McManaman and crossed for Schneiderlin to finish comfortably.

Despite the set back Wigan refused to give up and it was the returning hero Paul Scharner who had a big part in the equaliser. The colourful Austrian got his head to a corner and Shaun Maloney forced the ball over the line from close range.

It was probably more than Wigan deserved but in the long run it could be a crucial point in their fight for survival.

Many people will be critical of Wigan’s performance as the home team, but the Saints should be given due credit for their outstanding display.

Southampton had produced one of the best performances I have seen at the DW Stadium this season. New manager Mauricio Pochettino has made an instant impact at the club and he has already got them playing some great football which will surely pull them away from the relegation zone.

Posted in Gary Caldwell, Morgan Schneiderlin, Rickie Lambert, Shaun Maloney, Southampton, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Paul Scharner – footballer, spaceman, sailor, skydiver – the saviour?

Posted on February 1, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Paul Scharner in the Fur Coat

Former Latics player Paul Scharner returned to the club on loan until the end of the season and what a positive impact he has made even before kicking a ball.

The popular Austrian international could play a critical role in Wigan’s efforts to retain their Premier League status.

The eccentric Austrian has already been a big hit on social media and was spotted shopping in Wigan ASDA in his fur coat and Wigan hat.

Scharner shopping

Speaking to the Official Wigan website, the colourful character spoke of his delight at making what Roberto Martinez described as a ‘romantic return’:

“It feels as though I’ve come home,” said Scharner, “because my first spell here lasted four-and-a-half years with many happy memories, so I’m delighted to get this opportunity to return.

“When I discovered that the manager wanted to bring me back, there was no question about it, it was an easy decision.

“I haven’t been playing much in Germany with Hamburg and for me there is no better place in England to come to than Wigan”.

To celebrate Paul’s return I have created a Pinterest board which shows some of the highlights from his Wigan career and his own personal adventures.

Paul says thanx to the fans

The 6ft 3in defender has a great relationship with the Wigan fans and if he can re-create some of his more memorable performances in a Wigan shirt he could be just the boost the club needs to get them out of relegation trouble.

Posted in Paul Scharner, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Paul Scharner, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Wigan’s second half fight back delivers a point – Stoke City 2 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on January 30, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Wigan produced a brilliant second half fight back to hold Stoke City 2-2 at the Britannia Stadium and move themselves out of the relegation zone. The Potters had cruised to a 2-0 lead with goals by Ryan Shawcross and Peter Crouch but the Latics dominated the second period and drew level with goals by James McArthur and Franco Di Santo. The Argentinian striker could even have won it for Wigan in the dying minutes when he guided his effort just wide of the post.

Wigan gave full Premier League debuts to Roman Golobart in defence and Roger Espinoza in midfield and Stoke manager Tony Pulis named the same side that had been beaten by Swansea in their last Premier League game.

The first major action of the game resulted in a clash of heads between Robert Huth and Franco Di Santo and both players had to complete majority of the game with white bandages protecting their damaged heads.

Both teams found it difficult to settle and both sets of players were giving the ball away far too easily.

Stoke’s long ball tactics contrasts markedly with Wigan’s more considered short passing approach. However, the home team’s tactics paid dividends when they fortuitously took the lead in the 23rd minute. A high free kick into the box was inadvertently headed by Jean Beausejour into the back of James McCarthy’s head and the ball fell invitingly to Ryan Shawcross who guided the ball past Ali Al Habsi.

Stoke were lifted by the goal and continued to knock long balls to their big target men Crouch and Jon Walters. Referee Mike Jones produced some erratic decision making which didn’t help the flow of the game and this was a source of much frustration for both managers.

The Latics were also guilty of giving away free kicks in dangerous positions around their own penalty box and the Potters sensed they could profit from the resulting set pieces.

Wigan did create a few half chances as the game progressed, Beausejour evaded his marker and drove his cross towards James McArthur but the Scot flashed his shot wide of the post. Then the Chilean wing back put in another whipped cross and the Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic spilled the ball in the box but none of Wigan’s attackers could capitalise.

Roger Espinoza was harshly booked by referee Jones for a foul on Matthew Etherington and Wigan suffered another setback when Emmerson Boyce limped off with a hamstring strain right on half time and had to be replaced by Ronnie Stam.

Roberto Martinez would have to work his magic during the half time interval if his team were going to get something from the game. The first half showing had been way below what is expected and it was looking as though Stoke would have a comfortable victory.

But things were to get worse for Wigan at the beginning of the second half before they got better, Espinoza lost the ball inside the Potters penalty area and the loose ball was quickly cleared to Charlie Adam in the middle of the pitch, the Scot raced away from two defenders and fired a low shot towards the bottom corner. Al-Habsi could only parry the ball to Crouch who had the simple job of tapping the ball into the open goal.

Wigan responded immediately with a stunning goal on 50 minutes, Espinoza produced a great pass between two defenders and McArthur raced through before hitting the ball with the outside of his right foot to beat Begovic.

Shaun Maloney put the ball in the Stoke net on 56 minutes after good work by Maynor Figueroa but he was adjudged to be marginally offside.

Espinoza was starting to have a major impact on the game, often winning the ball back from his opponents and creating good opportunities for his team mates.

Wigan drew level on 61 minutes when Espinoza clipped the ball towards the back of the area for McCarthy, who headed across the face of goal for Di Santo to volley home from six yards.

Latics were now well on top with McArthur and Maloney causing problems for the home defence, Begovic had to dive at full stretch to keep out a testing effort from McArthur, while the Bosnian keeper also did well to keep out Maloney’s curled effort.

Wigan were dominating possession and camped in the Stoke half and the home team were finding it increasingly difficult to get the ball off their opponents.

Stoke were threatening on the breakaway and substitute Cameron Jerome should have done better when he broke into the Wigan box but he fired his shot wide of Al Habsi’s left hand post.

But Wigan had the final opportunity to grab all three points when Maloney curled a superb cross into the path of Di Santo but the Argentinian international couldn’t quite guide the ball into the Stoke goal.

It was a great second half performance by Wigan, if only they had played the same way in the first half they would surely have taken all three points.

Posted in Franco Di Santo, James McArthur, Peter Crouch, Ryan Shawcross, Stoke City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Franco Di Santo, James McArthur, Peter Crouch, Ryan Shawcross, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Wigan survive Macc attack – Macclesfield Town 0 Wigan Athletic 1 – FA Cup 4th Round

Posted on January 26, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Jordi Gomez prepares to take the winning penalty at Macclesfield

Wigan reached the last 16 of the FA Cup for only the second time in their history when they overcame a spirited Macclesfield town at Moss Rose. An early penalty converted by Jordi Gomez was enough to put the Latics into the fifth round draw and end the Silkmen’s longest ever run in the Cup.

This cup tie was a blast from the past with fans on both sides reminiscing about previous encounters. In the 1970’s this would have been a cup tie between two local rivals in the Northern Premier League but now Wigan are established in the England’s top league and Macclesfield still ply their trade outside the football league in the Blue Square Bet Premier League.

The opportunity for a major cup shock will have wetted the lips of the twenty-four hour media operations and various red top newspapers preparing suitably caustic headlines if Wigan had been defeated.

Despite the risk of such an embarrassing defeat Roberto Martinez stuck to his belief that the Premier League has to be the top priority and fielded a relatively inexperienced line-up with eight changes to the starting line up from last week’s Premier League fixture against Sunderland. Maynor Figueroa was the latest Latics player to captain the side and new loan signing Joel Robles made his debut on English soil in the Wigan goal.

Latics started the game brightly with Callum McManaman making some penetrative runs towards the Silkmen’s goal and it was only in the sixth minute when the Liverpool born striker cut into the Macclesfield penalty area and was brought down by Thierry Audel. Referee Roger East had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Jordi Gomez hit his penalty high to the right and although on loan keeper Joe Anyon got a hand to the ball he could not keep it out.

Wigan players celebrate Jordi Gomez’s penalty

Wigan proceeded to dominate proceedings with Callum McManaman continuing to terrorise the Silkmen’s back line. He should probably have scored when Anyon’s punch landed at his feet but he fired wide from eighteen yards.

Macclesfield were not being overawed however and they had a good shout for a penalty when Fairhurst was bundled over in the box but referee East waved away appeals. They should have levelled when Audel missed a golden opportunity. The French defender rose to meet a cross but only headed straight at Joel Robles from six yards out.

Wigan went into the break relieved that they had preserved their lead but early in the second half they should have put the game beyond the Silkmen’s reach when Nouha Dicko raced clear of the home team’s defence but fired his shot tamely at Anyon.

As the half progressed Latics dropped deeper and deeper into their own half and their cause was not helped when both Fraser Fyvie and Dicko both limped off injured.

Macclesfield were dominating possession with Wigan struggling to pose any attacking threat. However, although the home side had a few efforts from long-range, they did not force a save from the Wigan keeper.

The 2,500 Wigan following amused themselves by Ole-ing a series of goal kicks by new Spanish keeper Joel Robles.

Maynor Figueroa and Roman Golobart gave stand out performances in defence and the Latics did just enough to progress to the fifth round for the first time since 1987 when they played Leeds United at Springfield Park.

It was not an auspicious performance by Wigan’s squad players but huge credit should go to Macclesfield for their skill, effort and endeavour.

Posted in FA Cup, Jordi Gomez, Macclesfield Town, Wigan Athletic | Tagged FA Cup, Jordi Gomez, Macclesfield Town, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Another frustrating afternoon for the Latics – Wigan Athletic 2 Sunderland 3

Posted on January 20, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Shaun Maloney – outstanding performance

A spirited second half fight back was not enough to rescue the points as Wigan went down 2-3 at home to Sunderland. The Latics had taken an early lead through a David Vaughan own goal but two goals by Steven Fletcher and a harshly awarded penalty, converted by Craig Gardner, had given the Black Cats a 3-1 half time lead before Wigan rallied in the second half and pulled a goal back by Angelo Henriquez.

Wigan had started the game brightly and were moving the ball around to good effect, but the opening goal was a somewhat fortuitous affair when it came on 4 minutes. After good work by Jordi Gomez, Jean Beausejour played in Ronnie Stam and the Dutchman’s side footed shot took a deflection off David Vaughan and flew into the Sunderland net.

It was not long before Sunderland drew level on 17 minutes but it was in controversial circumstances. The Black Cats were awarded a free kick near the Wigan penalty area following a foul by Emmerson Boyce. Sebastian Larsson’s free kick hit James McCarthy on the arm as he protected his face in the defensive wall and referee Anthony Taylor harshly awarded a penalty. Craig Gardner converted the penalty, sending Al Habsi the wrong way.

But things got much worse for Wigan three minutes later when a fine cross by Alfred N’Diaye found Fletcher and although his first header was initially saved by Al Habsi, the Scotsman followed up to score.

Sunderland were now in the ascendancy and Wigan struggled to get back on terms. The visitors surged forward and they seemed to be the more competitive in the tackle with new signing Alfred N’Diaye having an impressive debut in midfield.

The away team’s dominance was rewarded on 42 minutes after some slack Wigan defending. From a long ball into the Wigan area Fletcher glanced the ball to Johnson, with the defenders standing off, he was able to return the ball to the prolific £12m striker who volleyed past Al Habsi.

The 3-1 half time deficit was a huge set back for the home team but it was not an insurmountable score if they could get their game back on track.

Roberto Martinez reinforced the midfield with Roger Espinoza replacing the disappointing Stam at half time and Wigan immediately started the second half as the more positive outfit.

Shaun Maloney produced an excellent shot on the turn and looked to have pulled a goal back but the excellent Simon Mignolet somehow managed to make a one handed save.

Maloney has just signed a new 2 1/2 year contract and was having an outstanding game, being central to Wigan’s best attacking moves. The diminutive Scot produced a superb left foot drive which looked destined for the top corner but swerved inches wide of the angle of post and cross-bar.

Wigan were dominating possession and creating good opportunities but Stephane Sessegnon had a great chance to finish off the game when a quick break gave a clear run in on goal but the Beninese international dallied too long and the opportunity was wasted.

Wigan’s onslaught continued and they twice hit the woodwork, the first when Fletcher diverted a goal bound free kick by Jordi Gomez onto his own cross-bar and then when Maloney curled a twenty-five yard free kick against Mignolet’s left hand post.

The home team finally breached the Sunderland goal on 79 minutes when Substitute Henriquez headed a goal back after more fine work by Maloney. Soon afterwards Maynor Figueroa crashed a pile driver inches wide of the post.

Wigan continued to lay siege to the Black Cats goal, Martinez throwing on attackers at the expense of defenders, with only Figueroa and Caldwell operating as defenders in the latter part of the second half. But it was all to no avail as Sunderland hung on for the three points.

The result was enough to push Sunderland up to 11th in the table but Wigan have now slumped to 19th and are in the middle of another relegation dog fight.

The doom and gloom merchants will no doubt be out in force on social media and other forums but Wigan showed plenty of skill, character and spirit in the second half to give the fans optimism that we can once again escape the drop.

Posted in Craig Gardner, Shaun Maloney, Steven Fletcher, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic | Tagged craig gardner, Shaun Maloney, Steven Fletcher, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic | 3 Comments

Wigan end Bournemouth’s unbeaten run and progress to the FA Cup 4th Round – Bournemouth 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 15, 2013 by ianhaspinall

A superb 17th minute strike by Mauro Boselli was the difference between the two sides as Wigan ended Bournemouth’s 18 game unbeaten run in all competitions. Wigan will now face non-league Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup fourth round on 26th January at Moss Rose.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez once again decided to utilise his squad players in this FA Cup third round replay at the Goldsands Stadium (Dean Court). The manager gave full debuts to new signings Angelo Henriquez and Roger Espinoza with only Emmerson Boyce and Maynor Figueroa remaining from the starting line up at Fulham.

In freezing cold conditions Bournemouth started the better of the two sides with Simon Francis firing over the Wigan bar. But it was Wigan who took the lead on 17 minutes after a Bournemouth mistake.

The £6.5m Argentinian striker Boselli has struggled since signing for Wigan but he fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner after racing on to a mistake by Harry Arter.

Roger Espinoza was making a distinguished debut and Wigan looked defensively solid with Boyce, Figueroa and Roman Golobart all putting in good performances but as the half drew to a close the Cherries pressed hard for an equaliser with Euan O’Kane rattling the angle of post and crossbar.

Ali Al Habsi replaced veteran keeper Mike Politt at half time and Bournemouth continued their pressure on the Latics goal.

Harry Arter had a good shot saved by Al Habsi and Golobart made an important block in the penalty area. However Wigan could have increased their lead but Shwan Jalal made a top-drawer save to keep out Boselli’s header.

In a frenetic last few minutes Marc Pugh went close to levelling when his deflected effort came back off the crossbar.

Substitute Nouha Dicko then had a glorious opportunity after good work by Espinoza but the French winger put his effort wide of the post.

Substitute Matt Tubbs then saw his strike through a crowd of players bounce wide of the post before the striker’s free-kick from 25 yards was acrobatically pushed away by Al Habsi.

There was just time for a Wigan breakaway, but with the visitors players outnumbering their opponents, Henriquez unfortunately strayed offside and the chance came to nothing.

Wigan had just edged out their Division One opponents in a hard fought encounter and Eddie Howe’s team deserve great credit for the way they pushed their Premier League opponents right up until the 94th minute.

Wigan fans will now be looking forward to a rare foray into the FA Cup fourth round and a trip to former 1970’s non-league rivals Macclesfield Town.

Posted in Bournemouth, FA Cup, Mauro Boselli, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Bournemouth, FA Cup, Mauro Boselli, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Brilliant last ditch defending secures a crucial point for Wigan – Fulham 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 12, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Maynor Figueroa – crucial last-ditch clearance

A brilliant 96th minute goal line clearance by Maynor Figueroa secured an important draw for the Latics at Craven Cottage. Fulham had taken the lead after a stunning 25-yard strike by Giorgios Karagounis and an equally impressive strike by Franco Di Santo had drawn the sides level, but it was Figueroa’s injury time heroics that ensured the sides shared the points.

Fulham had Mark Schwarzer, Damien Duff and Mladen Petric returning to their starting line up while Wigan were without striker Arouna Kone, who is now on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast.

After a tentative start to the game by both teams, Franco Di Santo had the first of several good chances to give the away team the lead. Good interplay by Emmerson Boyce and James McArthur gave Di Santo a golden opportunity but the Argentinian miskicked inside the six yard box and the linesman flagged for offside, although subsequent television replays showed the Wigan player to be onside.

Soon afterwards James McArthur fired over the cross-bar from 25 yards after dispossessing Bryan Ruiz in midfield. There were several moments of uncertainty in the Fulham defence but Wigan failed to capitalise.

At the other end Wigan were conceding too many corners and defender Ivan Ramis was lucky on a couple of occasions when he gave the ball away in dangerous positions.

Fulham took the lead on 22 minutes when Karagounis was allowed too much space on the edge of the Wigan box and the Greek midfielder’s powerful angled shot gave Ali Al Habsi no chance.

Despite having their share of possession Wigan were giving the ball away too easily with Di Santo, Jean Beausejour and Ramis being the prime culprits. But they should have equalised when Di Santo missed another great opportunity inside the six yard box following an incisive cross by Boyce. It was looking as though Wigan would rue the departure of striker Kone to the African Nations Cup.

As the half drew to a close there was a feeling that neither side had been at their best, although Fulham had a slender lead Wigan had had the better chances.

Neither team made any changes at half time and the second half started in scrappy fashion with both teams giving the ball away far too easily.

The match sprung into life when Shaun Maloney’s deflected 25-yard effort was superbly tipped onto the bar by Schwarzer as Latics tried to draw level.

Kieran Richardson produced a great piece of defending when he slid in to deny Di Santo in the penalty area after good work by James McCarthy, before Maloney’s shot stretched the Fulham goalkeeper.

Di Santo did produce a sublime piece of skill when he flicked the ball up and volleyed on the turn but his shot went inches wide of the post.

Wigan were now on top, but there was a feeling that they might have wasted too many chances to get a result. Petric was replaced by former Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega as the Fulham manager Martin Jol tried to redress the balance of play.

Despite having so much of the play it was still something of a surprise when Wigan equalised. Di Santo had tested the patience of the Wigan fans with some poor finishing and many managers would have withdrawn him for loan signing Angelo Henriquez but Roberto Martinez’s patience was rewarded when Di Santo scored.

He moved unchallenged towards the Fulham goal and inexplicably the Fulham defenders parted to allow the player a clear sight of the goal and the young striker unleashed an unerringly powerful shot past Schwarzer. It was an important goal and the first goal in fifteen games for the recently capped Argentinian international.

Wigan’s equaliser gave them a definite boost and they proceeded to pressurise the Fulham goal. They forced a series of corners but the final cross or shot was always missing.

In fact it was Fulham who nearly regained the lead when a dangerous cross evaded every player in the Wigan box until Boyce cleared at the far post.

Wigan unfortunately lost Ivan Ramis towards the end of the half when he jarred his knee when challenging Dimitar Berbatov and was stretchered off with ligament damage.

They could have snatched all three points when Di Santo ran at the Fulham defence, and fired his shot from 12 yards which Schwarzer did well to turn around the post.

As the game moved into injury time the final drama came when substitute Ronnie Stam allowed Bryan Ruiz far took much room to get in his shot and the goal bound effort was superbly headed off the line by Figueroa. It was a crucial moment and the point gained was sufficient to move Wigan out of the bottom three and above Aston Villa on goal difference. The point gained could ultimately prove critical in Wigan’s fight for Premier League survival.

Posted in Franco Di Santo, Fulham, Giorgios Karagounis, Maynor Figueroa, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Franco Di Santo, Fulham, Giorgios Karagounis, Maynor Figueroa, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Has the FA Cup lost its sheen for the Latics? Wigan Athletic 1 Bournemouth 1

Posted on January 5, 2013 by ianhaspinall

The FA Cup

A Jordi Gomez equaliser kept Wigan in the FA Cup as they struggled to overcome a well organised and hard-working League One outfit Bournemouth. The Spanish midfielder followed up his missed penalty to score from the rebound and secure a replay on the South Coast. Euan O’Kane’s superb strike had given the Cherries the lead and the hope of an upset on 41 minutes.

Roberto Martinez has decided that the FA Cup is an opportunity to rest his key players and give the fringe and young players the opportunity to show their worth. The manager made nine changes from the side beaten by Manchester United with new signing Roger Espinoza and loanee Angelo Henriquez on the bench.

Many of Wigan’s first choice players were looking jaded after a hectic Christmas period and in the cold light of day it is surely the right decision to rest them in the FA Cup.

Martinez is also keen to see which players are ready to make the step up to the Premier League, but unfortunately on this performance only Henriquez and central defender Roman Golobart caught the eye with accomplished displays.

Stalwarts Emmerson Boyce and Maynor Figueroa were once again good value but many of the fringe players did not excel.

Wigan’s below par performance however should not take anything away from the efforts of the Cherries who fully deserved their draw. The League One side had gone into the game in confident mood and unbeaten in 17 games following the return of talisman Eddie Howe as manager. They were both competitive and creative and on another day could have gone away with a famous victory.

In the first half both sides had cancelled each other out until O’Kanes’ strike on 41 minutes. The travelling army of 2,500 Bournemouth fans must have been hoping that this would be the decisive goal but Martinez introduced on-loan Manchester United striker Henriquez at half time and Wigan looked much sharper in the second half.

Both Henriquez and Figueroa hit the cross-bar as Wigan went in search of the equaliser.

It came on 70 minutes when Gomez followed up his missed penalty to score with the rebound. Wigan had been awarded the penalty when Simon Francis fouled Figueroa inside the six-yard box.

Wigan were now in the ascendancy and it looked as though they would go onto win the game but Bournemouth stood firm and were not to be denied a replay.

Bournemouth are now slight favourites to win the replay as they will have home advantage and Latics are likely to once again field a reserve team. For a club like Wigan Athletic the FA Cup is no longer a priority. For the footballing traditionalists this may be a sad state of affairs but the realists know that maintaining our Premier League status has to be our top priority.

Posted in Bournemouth, Euan O'Kane, Jordi Gomez, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Bournemouth, Euan O'Kane, Jordi Gomez, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment