Latics Held to a 1-1 Draw at Crawley Despite Taylor’s Near Misses & Offsides

Wigan Athletic were forced to settle for a point at the Broadfield Stadium after a 1-1 draw with Crawley Town in a game full of drama, near misses, and controversial decisions.

Dale Taylor gave Latics a deserved lead in the 39th minute, heading home Ronan Darcy’s pinpoint cross. However, Crawley responded swiftly, with Charlie Barker unleashing a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner just three minutes later.

The second half saw Latics pile on the pressure, but luck was not on their side. Taylor struck the post with a looping header shortly after the break and later had two goals disallowed for offside – the first a tap-in at the far post and the second a last-gasp effort in injury time after diverting Callum McManaman’s shot.

Manager Shaun Maloney made five changes from the side that faced Stockport County, with Will Aimson, Ollie Norburn, Joe Hungbo, Owen Dale, and Ronan Darcy all coming into the starting XI. James Carragher missed out due to illness, while Will Goodwin’s training injury will sideline him until April.

Latics started brightly, with Dale and Hungbo causing problems down the flanks. Hungbo tested Crawley keeper Joe Wollacott with a low drive, while Taylor glanced a header wide in a first half full of chances.

Crawley had their moments too, with Rushian Hepburn-Murphy forcing a save from Sam Tickle, who also denied Kamari Doyle’s curling free-kick just before half-time.

In the second half, Taylor’s luck deserted him. After hitting the post, his efforts were repeatedly ruled out, while Crawley’s Harry Forster and substitute Jonny Smith came close at the other end.

Despite relentless pressure from Wigan, Crawley held firm, leaving Latics frustrated and heading home with a single point.

Final Score: Crawley Town 1-1 Wigan Athletic
Scorers: Taylor (39′), Barker (42′)