Wigan Athletic beat Blackpool 3–2 at The Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday 22 September, with Connor Barrett, Scott Hogan and Fraser Murray scoring in the EFL Trophy.
Latics led at the break and twice established a two-goal cushion, but Tom Bloxham’s penalty and Jerry Yates’ late finish ensured the visitors remained a threat until the final whistle.
Barrett gives Latics the perfect start
Gary Caldwell made seven changes following the defeat to Wycombe. His reshuffled side needed only three minutes to go ahead: Dara Costelloe found Barrett, who moved infield and struck left-footed into the bottom corner.
Bradley Burrowes then hit the post, while Joe Walsh dealt with an effort from Leighton Clarkson. Wigan reached half-time with a 1–0 advantage.
Hogan and Murray keep Wigan in front
After the break, Hogan made it 2–0 in the 57th minute, heading home after Barrett combined with Max Power and delivered from the right.
However, Bloxham converted a penalty in the 72nd minute to bring Blackpool back into contention. Six minutes later, substitute Murray restored the two-goal margin with a header from another Barrett cross.
Barrett’s contribution was the standout feature of the evening: one goal and the deliveries for Wigan’s other two. Each time Latics needed an attacking spark, he supplied it.
Latics hold on through a tense finish
Nevertheless, Yates scored in the 90th minute to make it 3–2, leaving Wigan with another late test to negotiate. Five added minutes were signalled, but Blackpool could not find an equaliser.
For Latics supporters, the attacking contribution offers encouragement, even if conceding twice meant the closing stages were more uncomfortable than the earlier scoreline suggested. As a result, the win takes Caldwell’s side to six points from two Group B games.
Wigan Athletic 3–2 Blackpool: match details
Competition: EFL Trophy (Jersey Mike’s Trophy), Northern Group B
Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Venue: The Brick Community Stadium
Half-time: Wigan Athletic 1–0 Blackpool
Wigan scorers: Connor Barrett (3), Scott Hogan (57), Fraser Murray (78)
Blackpool scorers: Tom Bloxham (72 pen), Jerry Yates (90)
Read our Wigan Athletic vs Blackpool match preview for the build-up to the game.
Independent fan report, compiled using Wigan Athletic’s official match report and Sky Sports’ match timeline.
