Robs the job as Latics gain a deserved draw

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A debut goal from Rob Kiernan following on from a Ramis header saw Latics gain a credible point against high flying Leicester City in a game which provided fine entertainment form both sides with the league leaders doing just enough to hang on to their long unbeten run.

 

Wigan once again rang the changes with six changes to the starting line up from the average performance against Bolton and a different line up of three centre backs behind two wing backs and Powell playing just behind Maynard up front

Leicester as befits  the runawy leaders of the division started the game on the front foot with Wigan defending deep and struggling to get out of their own half and within the first five minutes Powell had to be sharp to clear a goal bound header off the line.

 

Wigan looked to use the wing backs to feed the front two with key midfielder Gomez displaying all his repertoire of silky skill trying to release the front two and Wigan gave a sign of things to come when Maynard wasted a good chance and then Ramis headed over from a well taken Gomez corner.

 

Leicester looked to catch Wigan on the break with Dyer particularly dangerous attacking Perch and Boyce down the left flank with the latter having to make a superb tackle on the wingman. The next chance fell to Nugent but the prolific striker was left frustrated as his shot was comfortably saved by Al Habsi.

 

Wigan grew in confidence as the half went on and a Powell header came back off the woodwork, Leicester hit back immediately when right back De Leat broke with purpose down the right but Wigan managed to clear the resulting pressure

 

The game continued to be played at a frenetic pace with no quarter given and Hammond made his presence felt with two crunching tackles on midfield dynamo McArthur both of which could have merited a yellow card. The Scot to his credit got up without complaint and ran the knocks off..

 

Wigan broke the deadlock and the goal was claimed by Ramis whose powerful header from a Gomez set piece after that man Hammond had ruthlessly scythed the Spaniard down earning him a yellow card in the process.

 

Wigan lead was short lived however as within five minutes Leicester were level. King found space in the area and his shot curled past the outstretched left hand of Al Habsi , landing in the net via the post

 

The second half started in much the same vein with both sides determined to gain the advantage with the first real chance being created by Crainey who anticipated a beautiful ball by Gomez and his crosses was agonizingly just too far away from the outstretched lunge of Maynard.

 

Back came Leicester with Al Habsi having to make a fine save from a long range shot by Konchesky.

 

Once again Wigan took the lead form a set piece as Kiernan out jumped a static defence and headed the ball past Schmeichel for his first goal for Wigan. This gave Wigan the impetus to push fprwards for a thrid goal with the leaders seemingly on the back foot as McClean and Gomez went close and then Boyce got his feet ina  tangle when well positioned to score.

 

Leicester showed their character and with substitutes Phillips and Mahrez causing the backline problems Wigan with dangermen Powell and Gomez withdrawn started to gain the ascendancy.

 

A soft free kick saw the third set piece goal of the game as Hammond headed a free kick past Al Habsi for an eqaulsier that Leicester jut about deserved but the game showed that Latics were more than a match for the leaders and this should give them impetus for the final run in of games.

 

Team line up and player ratings

Al Habsi…..7, some fine saves, couldn’t be faulted for the goals

Perch………6, given a torrid time by Dyer.

Boyce……..7, solid in defence.

Ramis………7.5, a fine performance.

Kiernan…….7, competant and assured, a fine performance.

Crainey……..6, pushed forward well but caught for pace when defending.

Gomez………8, MOM, Unlucky to be withdrawn.

McArthur……7.5, never stopped running

Collison……6, solid and unspectacular.

Powell………7, a constant threat, withdrawn

Maynard…..6, missed a few good chances.withdrawn

 

Subs Used

Fortune for….Powell.5, struggled to impose himself on the game.

McClean for ….. Maynard.6.5, some strong direct running let down by final ball.

McEachran for Gomez…….5, little influence

 

Att 15,025

 

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