MATCH REPORT: WIGAN ATHLETIC VS DONCASTER ROVERS
Match Overview / Performance Analysis
It was a an unexpected result in WN5 as Ryan Lowe’s Wigan got the better of Grant McCann’s high flying Doncaster Rovers, with a 3-0 thrashing in the sunshine. The results moves Wigan into 8th place of the EFL League One table, and Doncaster’s defeat moves them into 5th place.
Performance
From the first minute of the game the Latics looked lively, with fluid movement and quick transitions into the opposition box, and it didn’t take long for us to take the lead, with Dara Costelloe getting a foot on the end of a cross from Joe Hungbo that luckily fell into his path after poor defensive organisation from Doncaster, and then 3 minutes later a Fraser Murray cross was poorly cleared away, and it fell into the path of Matt Smith, who calmly netted the ball into the bottom left corner, as composed as you like. It was a real blink twice and you’ll miss it moment feel in that 15th minute. The rest of the first 45 saw Wigan continue their heavy attacking presence, and many chances kept Doncaster Goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala on his toes, and we went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. The second 45 yet again, got off to a mighty start with even more pressure and pressing thrown at Doncaster from the boys and then in the 50th minute Wigan extended the lead, via the Scottish sensation, Fraser Murray converting a cleanly strook finish from the right hand side, finding it’s way into the bottom left corner quite spectacularly. The tempo did not slow down and Wigan were able to keep pressure mounting on Doncaster to the away fans displeasure, and despite Doncaster’s best efforts our back 3 stood their ground and got us that mighty +3!
Wigan Athletic Player Ratings
Sam Tickle: 6/10 – Didn’t really have a great deal to do today If I’m honest, but when he was needed he did what he was paid to do.
Will Aimson: – 6.5/10 – Held his head high and effectively held off Doncaster’s attackers.
Steven Sessegnon: – 6.5/10 – It was an average performance from Sess, he played his part decently.
Morgan Fox: – 6.5/10 – Didn’t have masses to do today, but certainly played his part when it came to intercepting and driving the ball forward
Matt Smith: – 7.5/10 – Fantastic performance from Mr Smith, he has really impressed since his return from injury and I see him being a regular starter from now on.
Ryan Trevitt: – 6.5/10: Wasn’t massively involved today, but he did his job when it was needed.
Callum Wright: – 7/10 – Wright was creative today, and played a massive part in the build up, and kept on running right up until the very last second.
Joe Hungbo: – 7/10 – Held up play brilliantly on that left hand side today, he was really good.
Fraser Murray: – 8/10 – Another sublime performance from the Scotsman he is formidable
Dara Costelloe: – 7.5/10 – A solid performance that saw him bag a first goal and he could have easily bagged a brace.
Paul Mullin: – 6/10 – Didn’t really have much to do today, made some decent run ins on goal though.
(Substitutes)
Raphael Borges Rodrigues: – 6/10 – Came on with not long to go, tried his best to get a chance on goal.
Maleace Asamoah: – 5.5/10 – Didn’t spend that long on the pitch but didn’t really make that much of a difference.
Baba Adeeko: – N/A
Oliver Cooper: – N/A
Callum Mcmanaman: – N/A
Stats
Attendance & Atmosphere
Wigan Athletic – Today’s attendance stood at 9,288 which is nothing out of the ordinary, but the atmosphere on our part was impressive, and I think that was particularly down to the fact that Doncaster gave it large and we gave them as good as they gave.
Doncaster Rovers – The Rovers bought 1,218 travelling fans, and it’s fair to say fair play to the fans making the 86 Mile trip. The atmosphere was decent and the banter was plentiful.
Doncaster Matchday Vlog
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