Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC   vs   EVERTON

22^nd July 2023

NEW LOOK WIGAN SIDE LEAVES FANS SMILING.

Everton fielded a strong line up but were forced to battle hard by a new look Wigan side that showed a pleasing willingness to play slick progressive passing football. Everton had the first effort at goal but Guaye saw his snap shot pass harmlessly wide of Sam Tickle’s post. Neil Maupay then had an effort but the Wigan keeper showed good reflexes and strong hands to make the save. After six minutes Humphrys made a strong run which was only ended when he was fouled, McHugh took the resulting free kick but failed to beat the defensive wall. Pickford was brought into meaningful action shortly after when Aasgaard fed McManaman and the wingman warmed the fingers of the England number one with a well struck shot.

On 18 minutes the same two Wigan players linked up and this time the cross shot beat the keepers dive but also just evaded the in-coming Wyke at the far post.

Hughes had to be alert in the Wigan defence to see off Maupay with a well-timed block tackle, then Sam Tickle produced a good save to palm a shot by McNeill over the bar.

Matt Smith was impressing with his range of passing and one incisive ball found Aasgaard who laid the ball back to Humphrys but the ex-Rochdale man dragged his shot wide of the target. Ashley Young produced a clever curling shot that had Tickle scrambling but the shot was too high. McNeill had a snap shot that flew wide and Maupay perhaps should of done better when he volleyed over the bar from close range.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Everton.

The second half was only a couple of minutes old when Lang appeared to be felled in the Everton box, but despite strong protests the referee waved play-on. Moments later saw the best chance of the game but Maupay fired straight at Tickle who made a good save. Wigan then made a chance of their own when Aasgaard fed in Humphrys who rifled a low shot goalwards, only to be denied by the diving Pickford. The resulting corner fell nicely for McManaman but his shot was too high.

Everton went close when a low cross from Patterson picked out Doucoure and his rising drive cannoned off the crossbar with Tickle well beaten.

On 64 minutes Everton finally got the break through when a McNeil cross found YOUNG and when Hughes blocked his first shot the ball fell kindly back to the ex-Manchester United man and he slammed the ball home.

Wigan made a number of changes and they nearly produced the desired result when good inter play set Lang free and he again appeared to have a case for a penalty when only physical defending denied him a goal.

Latics continued to press for the leveller but Sze fired over when a well-judged cross from Brennan found him in space and then McClean saw his headed effort from a Hughes cross pass wide of the mark.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Everton.

Scorer; Young (63);

Attendance; 9,897

WIGAN (4-2-3-1) -- Tickle; McHugh, Morrison, Hughes, McClean; M. Smith, Aasgaard; Humphrys, Lang, McManaman; Wyke; Subs; Pearce, Whatmough, Balagizi, Brennan, Adeeko, Sze;

EVERTON (4-4-2) – Pickford; Patterson, Godfrey, Tarkowski, Keane; Young, Gueye, Doucoure, Iwobe; McNeill, Maupe; Subs not used; Lonergan, Dixon, Metcalfe, Bates, Beaumont-Clark

Referee; Mr Lewis Smith (Lancashire).