Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs READING

20^th January 2024

CRISIS CLUB READING MAKE LATICS WORK HARD FOR THE WIN.

Reading arrived at the DW stadium on a decent run of form that had seen them unbeaten in their last six league games. Maloney handed a home debut to new signing Lee Chambers and recalled Matt Smith to the starting XI following his recent injury. Wigan began well and created the first chance when Jones sprinted past two defenders before picking out Godo with a searching cross. Godo swivelled and fired in a low shot that Button saved well.  Jordan Jones was causing lots of problems on the left wing and another cross was met by the head of Aasgaard but his effort from 15 yards was straight at the Reading keeper. At the other end Clare had to be alert to block a low effort from Knibbs inside the box.

Hust after the half hour Wigan produced a flowing move that began with a flick from Jones that found Chambers who in turn back-heeled the ball to AASGAARD and the Wigan number ten curled a lovely shot beyond Button and into the net. Latics continued to look lively in attack and Godo fired just over from inside the penalty area. Reading had plenty possession but they were being held at arms-length by the well marshalled Wigan back-line. On the stroke of half-time Knibbs scuffed a great chance for the visitors from close-range following a right-wing cross that made its way right across the face of goal.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Reading.

Knibbs proved a real handful in the opening exchanges of the second half as he whipped crosses in on two occasions, but Tickle was alert to both efforts and averted any danger. Sam Smith then got a header on target but Tickle made the save. At the other end Morrison had a header saved low down by Button following a corner kick. In the 68^th minute Matt Smith tried an audacious chip from fully 50 Yards but Button scrambled back to make the save. As the game entered the final quarter Reading pushed hard for a leveller and Latics were at full stretch to hold off their forays. Lewis Wing fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Knibbs then missed a great chance when he was denied by the legs of Tickle from ten yards. In the final moments of the game the Reading substitute Ehibhatiomhan used his strength and pace to create space for a shot but it was Sam Tickle who was again well placed to pull off yet another vital save.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Reading.

Scorers; Aasgaard (32);

Attendance; 9,103

WIGAN (3-4-2-1) --- Tickle; Clare, Hughes, Chambers; M. Smith, Adeeko; Jones, Sessegnon; Aasgaard, Godo; Magennis; Subs; Humphrys, Morrison, McManaman, Shaw;

READING (4-1-4-1) --- Button; Yiadom, Bindon, Holmes, Dorsett; Craig; Azeez, Wing, Knibbs, Mukairu; S. Smith; Subs; Mola, Savage, Ehibhatiomhan;

Referee; T. Reeves;