Wigan Athletic suffered a 2–1 defeat at Oxford United on Tuesday evening, with Fraser Murray’s dismissal coming between Christian Saydee’s equaliser and Kai Andrews’ winning goal.
After Saturday’s much-needed victory over Reading, this was a frustrating setback for Gary Caldwell’s side at the Kassam Stadium.
Helik strikes before the break
Joe Whitworth denied Mark Harris early on, while Bradley Burrowes and Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen missed opportunities shortly before Oxford took the lead.
The breakthrough arrived in the 44th minute. Whitworth saved Michal Helik’s initial effort following a corner, but the defender converted moments later to send Oxford into half-time ahead.
Saydee responds before Murray sees red
Caldwell introduced Saydee and Reggie Walsh in the 52nd minute. Jon Mellish then replaced the injured Scott Hogan and supplied Saydee, who found the bottom corner from outside the penalty area in the 69th minute.
However, Latics were level for only seven minutes. Murray received a red card following a foul on Jack Currie in the 72nd minute, before Andrews restored Oxford’s lead from Siriki Dembélé’s pass.
Burrowes and Walsh had efforts blocked as Wigan sought another equaliser, but Oxford held on.
Another setback after Reading relief
Saturday’s win had offered some relief during a difficult start to the campaign. Successive victories would have given supporters greater reason to believe a recovery was taking shape; instead, Latics must begin again after another disappointing away result.
The frustration is in how quickly the opportunity disappeared. Saydee’s goal brought Wigan back into contention, but the dismissal and Oxford’s response left them chasing the match again.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield Town, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm. For Caldwell and his players, the challenge is to turn isolated results into a sustained improvement.
League OneFull time
Oxford United
Wigan Athletic