Wigan welcomed Uwe Rosler’s former team Brentford F.C. to the DW Stadium hoping to halt a worrying run of six league games without a win, a run which saw them perched on the cusp of a relegation place, knowing that a win was essential if they were to kick start their promotion campaign in earnest.
Rosler made four changes from the two all draw at Wolves, with Kvist and Huws out of the starting eleven and more surprisingly joined by the goal scorers last time out, Fortune and stand in skipper Perch. The four were replaced by Forshaw, McManaman, Riera and Tavernier.
The tone of a midfield battle was very quickly set with Brentford’s Jota outstanding and winning his personal battle with Forshaw. For Wigan, the major attacking foil was McClean down the left whose direct running at pace caused all sorts of problems for the away defence.
The first chance fell to Wigan when a deflected Cowie shot spun narrowly past the post for a corner. Both sides continued to create chances with Maloney forcing a save out of the keeper for Wigan and for Brentford, Odubajo forcing fine saves from amn of the match Scott Carson but the best chance of the game saw Gray outpace the flagging Ramis and when one on ne with the keeper, the Brentford forward opted to chip the keeper and the net when going around the keeper was probably the better option.
Brentford had been marginally the better side in the first half but the first twenty minutes of the second half Wigan were in the ascendancy with McClean and Maloney poured forwards seeking to release Riera, Their best efforts though were thwarted in a goal mouth scramble which saw Barnett’s effort blocked and then cleared Brentford continued to show the form that has taken them into tenth place in the league nd once again Carson was forced into good saves from Pritchard and Jota. The away fans thought they had scored when Douglas got away from Tavernier on the left but his shot hit the side netting.
Both sides continued to push forwards in search of an elusive winner but neither managed to achieve it, the best chance falling to McClean who couldn’t control his header which went narrowly over the bar.
Full time brought to an end a match which neither side deserved to lose but neither side deserved to win but with Wigans lack of a win now running to seven games, the home side will very much view the result as to dropped points thereby increasing the pressure on Rosler and his team when Millwall visit the DW in three days time. Team Line up and Player Ratings
Carson……8, MOM, Worrying when your keeper is MOM at home.
Tavernier…..5, looked lost and off the pace
Ramis……….5, beaten for pace agan and again.
Barnett………6, worked hard.
Taylor……….5.5., faded badly after the break.
Forshaw……5, failed to shine against his former club.
Cowie……….6, industrious in defence (withdrawn)
Maloney…..7, constantly probing for a chance.
McManaman…..5, a quiet afternoon, (withdrawn)
McClean………7, showed an energy and a drive lacking is some of his team mates.
Riera………6, starved of quality ball but never gave u ( withdrawn)
Subs used
Delort for Riera…….5, little influence.
Fortune for McManaman…..6, showed a few nice touches.
Kvist for Cowie…..no impact
Att……..12, 061
Entertainment rating 5/10
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