Weekly De-Brief: FA Cup success and League One struggles.
Shaun Maloney took his side back down to Cambridge for our FA Cup Second Round tie, before facing a high-flying Huddersfield Town side in League One.
Wigan Athletic have had a challenging last seven days, with a trip back down to Cambridge on Saturday for our FA Cup Second Round tie, before travelling to Huddersfield on Tuesday night for our 17th League One game of the season.
A place in the third round of the FA Cup was on the line, as were three points that could have taken us up to 12th in the league table should we have beaten the Terriers.
While our senior team struggled in front of goal this week, our Under 21s and Women’s team rediscovered their clinical form and picked up two dominant victories.
Let’s dive into it all and try to make some sense of it 👇🏼
Part One: FA Cup victory at the Abbey!
Part Two: A tough night in Huddersfield.
Part Three: The weekly de-brief.
Part Four: Academy and Women’s round-up.
Part Five: Our next week.
FA Cup victory at the Abbey! 🏆
For the second time this season, Wigan Athletic travelled down to the Cledara Abbey Stadium to face Cambridge United. This time, it was to compete for a place in the third round of the FA Cup.
Shaun Maloney made five changes to our starting lineup that lost 2-0 there in mid-October. Toby Sibbick and Steven Sessegnon started over James Carragher and Calvin Ramsay in the fullback positions, Baba Adeeko and Thelo Aasgaard came into the midfield ahead of Matt Smith and Jensen Weir, and Dion Rankine started ahead of Michael Olakigbe on the wing.
👕 Starting XI: Sam Tickle, Toby Sibbick, Jason Kerr ©️, Will Aimson, Steven Sessegnon, Baba Adeeko, Scott Smith, Dion Rankine, Thelo Aasgaard, Silko Thomas, Dale Taylor
🔄 Subs: Tom Watson, James Carragher, Luke Robinson, Matt Smith, Jensen Weir, Jonny Smith, Maleace Asamoah, Callum McManaman, Chris Sze
The first half was a dull encounter overall with neither side finding the opening goal. Ryan Loft and Thelo Aasgaard had the most notable chances, but nothing significant to worry the goalkeepers too much. Unfortunately, our hosts were forced into an early change with Sullay Kaikai being replaced by Korey Smith due to injury 🔄
Early into the second half, Baba Adeeko set Dale Taylor through on goal with a lovely flick over the top, but after Danny Andrew tracked back well Taylor was forced to hold up the ball and take a shot with his weaker foot. Goalkeeper, Vicente Reyes, caught the ball well 🧤
The travelling Latics fans almost witnessed another Jonny Smith wondergoal after Maleace Asamoah switched the ball over to the right wing. Smith cut inside to evade Andrew and James Brophy, but his powerful strike sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
Unfortunately, Cambridge opened the scoring in the 77th minute after Reyes’ goal kick was flicked forward by Shayne Lavery to set Brandon Njoku through on goal. Njoku’s clever run to go behind Luke Robinson and toward Will Aimson caused some confusion on who should be defending him, and the forward slotted the ball past Sam Tickle well to draw first blood 💢
Garry Monk’s side were only ahead for eight minutes, as Thelo Aasgaard netted an equaliser with 5 minutes to go. Toby Sibbick played the ball down the right wing to Jonny Smith, who drilled the ball into the box in search of Aasgaard. He took one touch to set the ball before firing through two defenders to send the ball past Reyes.
As you can see in the graphic above, Aasgaard had some space to work in but often from our wingers, we see the ball played back to the fullback to loop a cross into the box. I was glad to see Smith take the risk of playing the ball directly to the feet of Aasgaard, who was able to unleash his inner Will Keane and draw us level. Risks like this often bring rewards 🎲
Due to the FA Cup scrapping replays, this game went to extra time and Cambridge looked the most likely to score the winning goal with the chances they had.
Danny Andrew’s searching free-kick into the box found Njoku, but his header was narrowly fired wide of the near post. Emmanuel Longelo’s cross into the box was then turned wide by Shayne Lavery before Korey Smith stung the palms of Sam Tickle with an excellent effort.
With one minute to go until a penalty shoot-out, Toby Sibbick played the ball wide to Jonny Smith who took on Longelo before whipping a ball into the box. Dale Taylor’s decoy run into the six-yard box put Reyes off, and the ball sailed inside the far post without any intervention. For the second time this season, Smith has scored in the final minute of extra time in the FA Cup ⚽️
This victory away at the Cledara Abbey Stadium was our first since April 28th 2001, in the old Division Two, where goals from Lee McCulloch and Carl Bradshaw also secured a 2-1 victory.
Cambridge United 1 - 2 Wigan Athletic
🥅 Shots: 13 - 10
🎯 Shots on Target: 4 - 6
👟 Possession: 48% - 52%
💢 Fouls: 21 - 20
🟨 Yellow Cards: 3 - 1
⛳️ Corners: 7 - 4
A tough night in Huddersfield 🏟️
Wigan Athletic returned to League One action with a difficult fixture away at Huddersfield Town, who started the night in 5th place.
Shaun Maloney made two changes from our last league lineup. Luke Robinson replaced Steven Sessegnon at left back and Maleace Asamoah replaced Silko Thomas on the left wing. Paul Dummett and Chris Sze returned to the bench, while Sessegnon, Thomas, and Baba Adeeko all missed out.
👕 Starting XI: Sam Tickle, Toby Sibbick, Jason Kerr ©️, Will Aimson, Luke Robinson, Jensen Weir, Matt Smith, Jonny Smith, Thelo Aasgaard, Maleace Asamoah, Dale Taylor
🔄 Subs: Tom Watson, James Carragher, Paul Dummett, Scott Smith, Dion Rankine, Callum McManaman, Chris Sze
From the first minute, it was clear that Huddersfield were going to try and move the ball forward quickly at any opportunity they got. A superb long ball from David Kasumu set Josh Koroma through on Sam Tickle’s goal in the second minute, forcing an excellent save from our number one.
This early pressure forced Latics to gain control of the football and patiently work it around our back line to try and stop Huddersfield from inflicting early damage.
Wigan’s first big attempt came in the 15th minute after an excellent long ball over the top from Jason Kerr found Jonny Smith on the right side. He found some space to play around Nigel Lonwijk and took a shot on Jacob Chapman’s goal.
The keeper could only parry it to his right, where Maleace Asamoah was unmarked. The winger, starting his first League One game for the Latics, seemed to get the ball stuck under his feet and his eventual effort sailed over the bar. Despite not featuring much this season and being unable to click into strong form, Asamoah has to do better here.
Huddersfield fired another warning shot shortly after this missed chance, with Ben Wiles hitting the post from a close-range free kick. The set piece came from Luke Robinson mistiming a challenge as Latics scrambled to clear the danger after Jensen Weir’s initial misplaced pass allowed the hosts to pressure us. Wiles’ excellent strike was inches from nestling into the back of the net.
The hosts looked the more confident side in the first half and Wigan struggled to find any proper rhythm. That said, I was impressed by some of the defending on display, especially with Luke Robinson’s excellent recovery tackle to deny Josh Koroma a 1v1 with Sam Tickle at the half-hour mark.
My stand-out moment of the first half was Thelo Aasgaard’s shot on the stroke of halftime which was created by Matt Smith. In the build-up, Jason Kerr had run the ball forward to drag two Huddersfield town players away from Smith, allowing him time and space on the ball when Kerr played it back to him.
Asamoah was free on the left wing, Robinson was a short option to the left, and Taylor could have been played in through the centre. Instead, Smith noticed Aasgaard’s run and had the confidence to play it to him knowing he could receive the ball and hold it up against Ollie Turton.
After receiving the ball with his back to the goal, Aasgaard was able to turn and shoot to force Chapman into a save at his near post. Despite not scoring from this chance, I liked the build-up and if we do that more often, we will get our rewards from it.
At the break, Shaun Maloney made one substitution with Maleace Asamoah coming off for Dion Rankine. Once Asamoah gets up to full-match fitness and has more minutes in the team, I think he looks like he will be a good player for us. Huddersfield Town are a difficult team to go up against in your first league start. But, it's a good marker for the standard needed.
Unfortunately, with 53 minutes on the clock, Huddersfield opened the scoring with a goal from right-back, Ollie Turton. The chance came from a corner on the left side, which was conceded after Jonny Smith was unable to clear the ball. Ben Wiles took a short corner to Lonwijk, who passed it infield to Herbie Kane before he played it to David Kasumu across the midfield.
Dion Rankine ran out to meet Kasumu and prevent the shot, which was great to see. However, Rankine needed to make a strong attempt to tackle to prevent Kasumu from carrying the ball forward. The midfielder was able to run it to the byline before driving a low cross into the box, which was met by Oliver Turton who had escaped the marking from Matt Smith and Will Aimson.
Maloney made two more changes around the hour mark with Callum McManaman and Chris Sze coming on for Jonny Smith and Dale Taylor. Scott Smith and Paul Dummett then replaced Toby Sibbick and Luke Robinson in the 74th minute.
Huddersfield had the ball in the net again a minute later after Ben Wiles’ corner ball into the box was diverted goalbound by Tom Lees. However, the referee ruled out the goal due to Sam Tickle and Matt Smith being fouled by Freddie Ladapo and Nigel Lonwijk.
For the final stages of the game, Huddersfield looked very strong defensively due to their positioning, and Wigan could not find a way through. This has been a major trait of Michael Duff’s side this season, as despite not playing thrilling football they are capable of scoring and defending well to put points on the board.
While I do not see Chris Sze as a centre forward - I much prefer him in the ‘Number 10’ role - I was impressed with the desire he showed to keep chasing the ball and put the Huddersfield defence under pressure late on. When Sze was on the ball, his passing to spread the ball wide or link up play in the middle of the park showed glimpses of what he can do and it resulted in two late chances.
The first chance came in the 88th minute after Scott Smith drove forward with the ball and set it to Chris Sze who had space just outside the box. Sze opted to shoot from range, but his effort sailed over the bar. In this situation, I would have preferred to see him play the ball to Aasgaard who would have been clean through on goal and onside. A situation to learn from for Sze 💡
The final chance came in the dying seconds after Sze received the ball in the middle of the park and set it wide to Dion Rankine on the right. Sze followed him out there to preempt the return ball, and when this was played back to Sze he hit a first-time cross towards the back post.
Aasgaard came close to connecting with it first, but the ball fell to McManaman on the back post who was unmarked. McManaman couldn’t get the ball under control and the chance eventually fell away for Huddersfield to clear, but the intention was all right here.
Overall, I do not feel there is any shame in losing to Huddersfield Town. I feel they will be competing for the top two places at the end of the season. They are a well-drilled, solid, side and tough to break down. While Wigan are struggling in front of goal, this was always going to be a tough game.
Huddersfield have faced the second-lowest amount of shots in the division so far this season (143) and faced the lowest amount of shots on target (40). I think we saw why. Onto the next.
The weekly de-brief 🤔
On Monday night, the FA Cup Third Round draw was held at Old Trafford, and Wigan Athletic were drawn against Mansfield Town. The tie will be played over the weekend of January 11th and is away in Mansfield.
While I would have liked to see us go up against a Premier League side at home, we could bag £115,000 if we win and I feel this draw gives us a big chance to do so. Latics have already secured £120,000 in prize money after victories against Carlisle United and Cambridge United in the first two rounds, and a fourth-round tie gives us a shot at another £120,000.
Wigan’s current financial position means that any money we can get from cup competitions is going to be hugely beneficial in rebuilding our infrastructure and also being able to offer higher wages to players we are trying to attract to the club. I would love to see us go on a strong cup run this season, whether that be in the FA Cup, Vertu Trophy, or both.
Oldham Athletic faced Leyton Orient in their FA Cup Second Round tie and were hoping that on-loan striker, Josh Stones, would be allowed to play. Oldham asked Wigan for permission, however, Latics denied their request. This gives a strong hint that Stones could indeed be returning to us in January and that Maloney has big plans for him in our first team setup.
Oldham fell to a 2-1 defeat against Orient, with that game being won in the 120th minute after their goalkeeper, Josh Keeley, levelled the game in the 99th minute to take the game to extra time. Heartbreaking.
Wigan announced that Jonny Smith won our November Player of the Month award, after three goals and one assist in five games. Smith’s contract is set to expire this summer and his form is certainly showing signs that he is pushing for a contract offer to remain at the Latics. In this form, I would be happy to see him extend his contract with us.
Academy and Women’s round-up 🔵
Wigan Athletic Under 18s took on Crewe Alexandra U18s in the Professional Development League on Saturday afternoon.
👕 Starting XI: Trialist (GK), Alex Hughes, Harrison Bettoni, Sam Bolland ©️, Alastair Clifford, Charley McKee, Christy Edwards, Liam Flight, Charlie Hughes, Cole Simms, John-Paul Cavanagh
🔄 Subs: Jake Spaven, Liam Edwards, Callum Jones, Dan Gelhardt, Henry Miller
With 19 minutes on the clock, Crewe opened the scoring. However, a quick response from Wigan saw Christy Edwards burst forward down the wing to pick out Cole Simms with a pinpoint cross. That goal is Simms' 12th of the U18 season.
Crewe netted a second goal on the stroke of halftime through Josh Ashe, giving the Latics work to do in the second 45’.
On the hour mark, Alastair Clifford was replaced by Captain, Callum Jones, but we could not find another equaliser and fell to a 2-1 defeat.
🏟️ Wigan Athletic U18s 1 - 2 Crewe Alexandra U18s
⚽️ Goals: Cole Simms (24’)
Wigan Athletic Under 21s played their final Central League Cup group stage game on Tuesday afternoon, hosting Stockport County U21s. Latics had drawn 2-2 with Stoke City and lost 8-4 to Preston North End, so a big victory was needed to give us a chance of progressing to the next stage.
Chris Brown selected many of Shaun Maloney’s first-team players in a bid to give them more game time, with Calvin Ramsay, Kai Payne, Joe Hugill, Harry McHugh, and Michael Olakigbe all given starts.
👕 Starting XI: Trialist (GK), Llyton Chapman, K’Marni Miller, Jack Rogers ©️, Calvin Ramsay, Finn O’Boyle, Jack Reilly, Kai Payne, Joe Hugill, Harry McHugh, Michael Olakigbe
🔄 Subs: Matty Corran, Trialist, Sam Bolland, Leo Graham, Tom Costello
Joe Hugill opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after a brilliant through ball from Harry McHugh set him away on goal. Hugill then added another three minutes later after winning the ball back from the Stockport defence. Wigan added a third on the half-hour mark with Jack Reilly diverting Michael Olakigbe’s cross goalbound. With moments to go until halftime, Finn O’Boyle won the ball back from their goalkeeper to slot in our fourth.
Wigan picked up where they left off in the second half and Michael Olakigbe was played through on goal by Harry McHugh to net his first of the game. Llyton Chapman then delivered a corner into the box which Jack Reilly tapped in to net his second of the game.
Stockport pulled a goal back in the 70th minute through Ashton Mee, which forced Chris Brown into making a double substitution. Goalscorers, Finn O’Boyle and Jack Reilly, were replaced by Leo Graham and a trialist.
In the 77th minute, Hugill secured his third of the game after Olakigbe set him through on goal. It’s great to see these two linking up, and I hope we can see them bring this connection to the senior team.
With just minutes to go until the final whistle, our trialist picked up the ball in the midfield and made a run into the box before neatly finishing off the chance and securing his goal.
Wigan now move up to four points in the group and await the result of Stockport County vs Preston North End on Tuesday 10th December to decide their fate. PNE have three points while County have one, meaning we will need County to win in order to progress on goal difference.
🏟️ Wigan Athletic U21s 8 - 1 Stockport County U21s
⚽️ Goals: Joe Hugill (23’, 26’, 77’), Jack Reilly (29’ 67’), Finn O’Boyle (45’), Michael Olakigbe (58’), Trialist (87’)
Wigan Athletic Women travelled to Blackburn Eagles for their 11th league game of the season. The Latics and the Eagles first met in September at the Brick Community Stadium with Emmerson Boyce’s side taking the full three points in a strong 4-1 victory.
👕 Starting XI: Faye Moseley, Libby McCoy, Sara Merican, Alyson Hastie, Niniola Dada, Izzy Worwsick, Molly Hassall, Grace Carr, Laura Heslip, Ellie Cleary, Tegen Baker
🔄 Subs: Amelia Knowles, Holly Scott, Poppy Twist, Avagrace Hodson
In regular fashion, Wigan opened the scoring and in this game, it was Molly Hassall who scored first after a through-ball from Ellie Cleary. They linked up again in the 28th minute to double our lead.
The Eagles pulled a goal back on the half-hour mark, but Latics restored our two-goal lead after Tegen Baker netted her first goal for the club. The assist was provided by Ellie Cleary, meaning she got three assists in the first forty minutes. Impressive 🎯
New signing, Alyson Hastie, scored her first goal for the club in the 70th minute after rising highest in the box to divert Grace Carr’s corner into the goal. Eight minutes later, Hassall secured her hattrick from the penalty spot 👏
Latics were not done yet, as Grace Carr registered her second assist of the game after playing Izzy Worswick through on goal to extend our lead to 6-1. Finally, Carr got her goal after a dazzling run into the box. Excellent work from our captain who contributed well to a resounding 7-1 victory.
🏟️ Blackburn Eagles 1 - 7 Wigan Athletic Women
⚽️ Goals: Molly Hassall (13’, 24, 78’), Tegen Baker (39’), Alyson Hastie (69’), Izzy Worswick (83’), Grace Carr (89’)
Our next week 🗓️
Saturday 7th December | Wigan Athletic vs Leyton Orient | League One
Sunday 8th December | Wigan Athletic Women vs Euxton Girls Women | FA Womens County Championship League (Tier 7)
Monday 9th December | Birmingham City U21 vs Wigan Athletic U21 | U21 Professional Development League
Tuesday 10th December | Chesterfield FC vs Wigan Athletic | Vertu Trophy Round of 32
On Friday (7th December), I will have a full match preview uploaded for our League One fixture against Leyton Orient, and on Monday (9th December) I will have a preview uploaded for our Vertu Trophy trip to Chesterfield FC. So, be sure to subscribe and check back for this 🫡
Up the Tics 🔵⚪️
🙌 Thank you for reading!
✍🏼 Charlie Keegan / Central Wigan
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