Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs   HEARTS (Scotland)

16^th July 2023

EARLY PROMISE?

Latics continued their pre-season programme with a 3-0 victory behind closed doors against Hearts of the Scottish Premier League. The game comprised two 60-minute periods and was held at the Lancashire F.A. headquarters at Leyland.

Latics had the better of the opening hour in what was a feisty and competitive affair. Wigans pressure told in the 20^th minute when Matty Smith was fouled near the edge of the penalty area. Pearce produced a good delivery and HUGHES was able to bundle the ball home. Wigan should have made it two a few minutes later when a deep cross from Humphrys found the head of McManaman but he directed his effort over the crossbar. The second goal came on 30 minutes when Scott Smith won the ball in midfield and played a through ball that Wyke neatly dummied allowing HUMPHRYS to collect and drive home.

McManaman was looking lively and a run and cross picked out Humphrys but his effort was rushed and flew over from inside the six-yard box. The third goal arrived soon enough when McManaman produced more tricks before picking out the unmarked Scott SMITH who headed home. Wyke nearly made it four when he headed narrowly wide following another well delivered Pearce free kick.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 3-0 Hearts.

Maloney changed the whole team at the break as he sought to get valuable minutes for all his squad members. The second half side was made up mainly of the younger squad members but it was the experienced Ben Amos who caught the eye when he made an excellent save to deny Liam Boyce. Abdi Sharif then went close for Latics after good play from Joe Adams. Shankland and Kirk both had chances for the Scottish side but each failed to find the target and then Chris Sze headed narrowly wide for Wigan from an in-swinging corner.

All-in-all a good run-out with everyone gaining more match fitness, the only concern was James McClean who had to be subbed after thirty minutes of the second period, but hopefully it was nothing too serious.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 3-0 Hearts.

Scorers; Hughes (20), Humphrys (30), S. Smith (42);

Team (first half); WIGAN (4-2-3-1) -- Tickle; McHugh, Morrison, Hughes, Pearce; M. Smith, S. Smith; Humphrys, Lang, McManaman; Wyke;

Team (second half); WIGAN (4-2-3-1) – Amos; Chentouf, Whatmough, Mitchell, McClean; Adams, Adeeko; Sharif, Brennan Aasgaard; Sze; Sub; Robinson;

The one notable absentee was leading scorer Will Keane who had signed for Preston North End after appearing to take advantage of the contractual uncertainty that followed the recent financial issues.