A valuable point away from home against high flying Ipswich yesterday, saw Wigan take the plaudits for a resilient defensive display that ensued a clean sheet was achieved in their battle against relegation
Manager Malky MacKay opted to change his keeper, recalling Al Habsi fresh from Asia cup duties in place of Scott Carson. Cowie also came in for the injured McCann with Fortune starting in place of the new Baggie McManaman.
The bench also had a new look with new signings; Mckay and Pearce being joined by youngster Flores alongside another youngster Cosgrove with Kiernan, Boyce and Carson filling the other seats on the bench. Latics had the first chance of the game when a cross from Perch was met by the head of Fortune but the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar. Wigan’s one and only shot on target of the game followed soon afterwards but Kvist’s long range shot was comfortably saved by Bialkowski. Tabb was the most dangerous home player and will be left ruing a missed opportunity when a perfect pass from Mings found him unmarked in the penalty area but he put his shot over the bar when he should have at least troubled Al Habsi. Whilst the effort was there from both side, any creativity was conspicuous by its absence, with both keeper more likely to catch hypothermia than having to make a save. Any attacking moves from the promotion chasing Town were dealt with by a very efficient back four for Wigan who were expertly marshaled by William Kvist playing in the sweeper role just in front of them Latics started the second half with a little more zip with both Waghorn and Perch narrowly failing to connect with good crosses. Ipswich as expected for a top six team started to assert their authority in terms of possession and chances as the half wore on, as Latics opted to defend more deeply, a sign of confidence in their defensive capabilities, looking to try and catch the home team on the break. For the home side, the best chances fell to McGoldrick and Sears but both chances were comfortably dealt with by Al Habsi Wigan opted to introduce debutant McKay for Waghorn and the new striker immediately showed his pace, getting past his defender and putting over a cross that Fortune just failed to make contact with.
Full time brought appreciation from the travelling fans for a determined performance, high on determination and commitment albeit lacking on creativity and chances on goal.
Team Line up
Al Habsi, Perch, Barnett, Ridgewell, Taylor; Kvist, Huws, Cowie, McClean, Waghorn ( McKay ), Fortune.
Man of the Match
Kvist……marshaled the defensive rearguard superbly.
Entertainment rating……4/10 , little to warm the fans on a cold winter’s day.
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