Three goals in the first quarter of the game saw Wigan cruise to victory at the DW stadium yesterday with a wonderful team performance including the best forty five minutes by Wigan this season.
There were two changes to the side from the the team which secured a last gasp win at Walsall last week this fixture, with Wildschut and Wabara starting in place of last week’s scorer McAleny and the injured Daniels.
Wigan have struggled against Bury this season with two defeats and a draw but the Latics showed no signs of nerves as they tore into Bury from the off with the flying wingers Colclough and Wildschut pressurising the embattled Bury defence.
Grigg was on fire and within three minutes the striker produced an amazing turn and shot which was worthy of a goal, however the ball which went just wide of the far post. Grigg wasn’t to be denied for long and when Wildschut dispossessed a Bury defender in midfield he showed great anticipation to get into the box to header the flying Dutchman’s perfect cross into the net despite being under pressure from a defender and the keeper.
One nil soon became two nil inside the opening ten minutes and this time it was the other flying winger Colclough who cut in from the right and fired a wonderful curling shot past the despairing hand of Lawler in the Bury goal.
Wigan were totally dominant at this time, the midfield triumvirate of Perkins, Power and Morsy were driving the Latics forward with pace and precision and every time Bury tried to counter, these three broke up their forays with ease.
Two nil soon became three when a pin point pass from Power found the striker who outpaced the defence and with the keeper coming out, the striker showed enough nous to nudge the ball past the keeper whose challenge left the referee with no option but to award Wigan the penalty.
Grigg stepped up and made no mistake and Wigan were three nil up and cruising to victory.
Wigan almost made it four just before half time when a lovely shimmy by McCann saw the Irishman ghost past his defender , sadly for Wigan his powerful shot went just wide of the goal.
Bury’s first real chance came just before half time when a close range shot by Mayor was met by a wonderful save by Jaaskelainen who belying his forty years showed wonderful reflex to deny Pope with the rebound, earning himself a standing ovation from the Latics faithful as a reward.
There was still time for further chances for the Latics when a wonderful free kick from Power forced Lawlor into a fine save and from the corner a crazy goalmouth scramble saw Wildschut and Grigg denied by flailing legs.
Wigan dominated the second half although understandably the tempo was at a lower level with a key game coming up against Millwall on Tuesday. Some of their passing moves extended to forty as they showed their quality on the ball, a testimony to the hard work they are putting in on the training ground
Even so Wigan will be amazed that they dint extend their lead, Grigg hit the bar as did Power when it seemed easier to score. Grigg’s effort was as a result of fine work by the Northern Ireland international whilst Power’s effort was as a result of good work by Wabara
Wigan signaled that they were content with the result by withdrawing both Colclough and Grigg midway through the half but there was still time for Power to fire an unstoppable shot which was blocked by Lawlor’s leg
There was still time for a fracas in time added on, Power was the subject of a foul and showed his displeasure by pushing his assailant which was the catalyst for the Bury players to seek retribution for being totally outclassed in the football game. After five minutes of pushing and shoving and posturing, four players ( three from Bury) were added to the referee’s notebook.
The full time whistle was blown shortly afterwards and Wigan’s twelve game unbeaten run continues sees the Latics cement their place in the second promotion spot.
Team line up and player ratings
Jaaskelainen………. 8, three wonderful saves
Wabara………7, solid, looked to push forward.
Peace………..7, quietly effective
Morgan………7, cool, calm and collected
McCann……..8, the best attacking left back in the league
Power……….,8, the creative fulcrum of Wigan Athletic
Morsy………..8, a fine addition to the team
Perkins………9, back to his imperious best
Wildschut…..8, caused no end of trouble with his runs and made a tackle !!!! withdrawn
Colough…….8, attacked with gusto and took his goal well, withdrawn
Grigg………..8, a fine game, withdrawn
Subs Used
Davies for Grigg……..6, little impact
McAleny for Wildschut……6, worked hard
Vuckic for Colclough……..6, little chance to make a difference
Att ……………….. 9,490
Entertainment rating 7/10, eased off after half time
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