This meeting was a perfect representation of just how competitive the Championship is at this early stage of the campaign, with only two points separating the hosts in 11th and the visitors in fourth. Naturally this transpired on the pitch with plenty of attacking intent, though neither side was able to produce much to shout about with zero shots on target between them, and defences came out on top in the first half.

Wigan did come close to breaking on a number of occasions though, as they sought their third consecutive victory. Josh Magennis’ 27th-minute header trickled wide of the right post from Tendayi Darikwa’s cross, whilst Thelo Aasgaard had two in the closing minutes before the break. He lashed the first wide of the left post after excellently spinning Andy Yiadom, before his second, which was the last kick of the half, on the half-volley from outside of the box was blocked behind.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Reading.

Having conceded before the break in seven of their last 10 matches, the Royals’ uncharacteristically steady start to the match provided them a strong base to build on. They managed to stay in the game as Wigan bossed possession, until the opportunity to take the lead presented itself in the form of a direct free kick. The Latics were incensed that referee David Webb awarded a foul against Max Power on Tom Ince on the right side of the box as the midfielder seemingly won the ball, and INCE put his side ahead with an expertly-taken left-footed curler into the top right corner.

The visitors had to remain vigilant if they wished to escape Lancashire with another three points as the home side had made a habit of scoring after the 80th minute, doing so in three of their previous five matches. It seemed they would do so again when Callum Lang was fed through on goal by Will Keane, but could only blaze his first-time strike over the bar. As a result the gap widens between the two clubs and Reading climb closer to the top in third.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Reading