MATCH REPORT: MANSFIELD TOWN VS WIGAN ATHLETIC
Match Overview / Performance Analysis
It was a dull affair for the Latics as they made the trip to Mansfield, a match in which we were lucky to come away with only a point. A draw that keeps Mansfield in 9th place, and only just moves Wigan up to 13th in the table.
Performance
The game kicked off and it’s fair to say that it was very flat for the first 15 minutes, and both teams struggled for creativity, but as the first half progressed Mansfield grew confident as a result of Wigan’s sloppiness, and after little effort, they found triumph in the 32nd’ minute of the game, after a bundled cross from Nathan Moriah-Welsh found the path of winger Will Evans, and he neatly struck the ball into the bottom right corner giving Sam Tickle no chance. The remainder of the first half marked little improvement, with Latics playing hesitant football, despite moving the ball into some decent areas and as a result found themselves 1-0 down at the break. To most fans surprise there were no changes made at the break, and even the formation didn’t change, BUT Wigan did improve, their was more spark and tenacity in our movement on & off the ball and within 6-7 minutes of the resume we found ourselves in the box more than we had been in the ENTIRE second half. Wigan hit the jackpot in the 59th’ minute when a neat piece of play, from Morgan Fox saw Ollie Cooper burst into space, and delicately place the ball into the back of the net, out of reach of the hands of Liam Roberts. The following 10 or so minutes of play saw that flair continue and Wigan getting closer and closer, but then a double sub for Mansfield, sparked more intent from the “Stags” and they pushed all the right buttons, and forced Aimson, Kerr & Fox performing moves they did not want to perform. It took until the 77th’ minute for a Wigan sub to be made, and it saw Maleace Asamoah replace goalscorer Ollie Cooper. From then onwards Mansfield absolutely dominated and we we just couldn’t regain possession, and it’s fair to say our defence were pushed to the limit. The match ended 1-1 and it has to be said, that questions will still be asked of Ryan Lowe’s capabilities/decisions.
Wigan Athletic Player Ratings
Sam Tickle: 6.5/10 – Played his part, but you have to say he should of got a glove on that goal from Will Evans.
Will Aimson: – 6/10 – Nearly had a first Latics goal today, however his defensive antics & positioning really baffle me at times.
Jason Kerr (C): – 7/10 – Stood strong and was a brick wall defensively, keeping us in it until the end, a proper captain’s performance.
Morgan Fox: – 8/10 – My MOTM for today, fantastic positioning, defensive behaviour & even bagged an assist.
Matt Smith: – 6.5/10 – Defensively decent, but lacked that spark going forward, and was also a bit rash with a few of those challenges he made.
Jensen Weir: – 6.5/10 – Two fairly decent halves of football from Jensen, he was a superb man marker.
Fraser Murray: – 6/10 – Didn’t really get that many chances today, he did try but was very ineffective
Joseph Hungbo: – 6/10 – Heavily marked in the first half, couldn’t really get into the second half, with a successive streak of sloppy crossing.
Ollie Cooper: – 7.5/10 – Bagged his first goal for Latics! And it was his first eye catching performance in a Wigan shirt, Hopefully Ollie can keep it up.
Callum Wright: – 6.5/10 – Wasn’t great in the first 45, but came out fighting in the second and was able to play a part in Cooper’s goal
Christian Saydee: – 6/10 – Spent a large chunk of the game on the floor and was well marked by Mansfield, he can’t do it all by himself.
(Substitutes)
Maleace Asamoah: – N/A
Paul Mullin: – N/A
James Carragher: – N/A
Stats
