Match Report: Exeter City 1-1 Wigan Athletic – A point on the road.

Latics earn another hard-fought point on the road

Wigan Athletic picked up another valuable point away from home on Tuesday evening after a 1-1 draw with Exeter City at St James Park.

Dale Taylor’s coolly converted penalty gave the Latics a deserved lead early in the second half, but Reece Cole’s strike 20 minutes from time ensured the hosts came away with a share of the spoils.

Ryan Lowe’s side showed character and attacking intent throughout, with Maleace Asamoah Jr impressing on his return to the starting eleven and earning the penalty that gave Latics the lead.

First Half

The Latics started brightly in front of the 186 travelling fans, pressing high and creating the first real chances of the game. Asamoah Jr looked lively from the off, twice testing Exeter keeper Joe Whitworth with efforts on goal.

Harry McHugh was influential in midfield, linking up well with Asamoah Jr to carve open opportunities, while Sam Tickle was alert at the other end to deny a curling effort from Reece Cole.

Asamoah Jr nearly capitalised on a brilliant long ball from Tickle after racing beyond the Exeter backline, but Whitworth was just able to intervene.

Second Half

Wigan’s pressure paid off shortly after the break. Asamoah Jr showed superb footwork inside the box before being brought down by Angus MacDonald. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot (for the first time this season for the Latics), and Taylor stepped up to calmly send Whitworth the wrong way and notch his ninth league goal of the campaign.

Latics came close to doubling their lead when Asamoah Jr’s volley deflected off James Carragher, forcing Whitworth into a brilliant reflex save to keep it out.

Exeter responded with a spell of pressure and eventually found their equaliser in the 70th minute. A long throw caused chaos in the Wigan box, and Cole was quickest to react, firing a volley into the ground and into the top corner to level the scores.

Despite late chances for both sides, including a huge opportunity for Asamoah Jr who found himself clean through with seven minutes to play, neither team could find a winner.

Full-Time Thoughts

Another encouraging performance on the road saw Wigan take a second away point in as many games. With Asamoah Jr continuing to impress and Scott Smith marking his 100th career appearance, Lowe’s side will hopefullu take confidence into their next fixture.

Final Score: Exeter City 1-1 Wigan Athletic

Scorers:

• Exeter: Cole (70’)
• Wigan: Taylor (pen 51’)

Attendance: 5,382 (186 Latics fans)