Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

ACCRINGTON STANLEY vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

13^th July 2024 

YOUNG GUNS GET PRE-SEASON OFF TO A FLYER

Latics made the short trip to the Wham stadium to take on League Two side Accrington Stanley.

Jason Kerr was not considered for selection as he had been allowed time off due to the birth of his second child. The starting XI was a mix of senior and young players and they began the game well as they passed the ball well on the perfect playing surface.

Wigan went close after 16 minutes when Hughes volleyed a deep corner at goal but the keeper saved well with his legs. However, the reprieve was short-lived as a minute later Carragher found space in the middle of the park and fed a perfect through ball for ADAMS who drew the keeper and slotted home inside the near post.

Five minutes later and Jonny Smith went close when he checked inside and curled a shot but a defender’s leg deflected the ball behind for a corner. Accrington finally managed to get a little momentum into their attack and Tickle had to dive to his left to push a long-range effort by Woods to safety. However, with Matt Smith and McHugh looking good on the ball Wigan looked to be well in control and went in at the break with the advantage.

Half time; Accrington Stanley 0-1 Wigan Athletic.

Both sides made wholesale changes at the break and Wigan struggled to regain their rhythm in the opening exchanges. On the hour mark a speculative high ball was flicked on and KNOWLES was able to hold off a weak challenge from Sessegnon and fire a low shot that beat Lonergan in the Wigan goal. Latics responded well and cheered on by a sizeable following they regained the lead when young winger Igiehon beat his man before crossing from the by-line to find AASGAARD who headed at goal, the keeper reacted well and blocked the initial effort but he had no chance when the ball rebounded back to the Wigan man who rolled the ball home.  Two minutes later and Igiehon latched onto a through ball from Sze before outpacing his marker and firing across the face of goal. The keeper, at full stretch was able to block the initial effort only for RANKINE to bundle the ball home at the far post.

Latics continued to control proceedings and on 86 minutes a defensive blunder gifted the ball to AASGAARD and he took his time before lifting his shot over the keeper. The Accrington defence tried desperately to clear the ball before it could cross the line but to no avail.

Full time; Accrington Stanley 1-4 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Adams (17), Aasgaard (70), (86), Rankine (73); Knowles (60);

Attendance; 963

Team; WIGAN (first half)— Tickle; Reilly, Hughes, Carragher; McHugh, M.Smith, S.Smith, McManaman, J.Smith;  Adams, Stones;

Team; WIGAN (second half)— Lonergan; Clare, Sessegnon, Carragher; Ramsay, Adeeko, Payne, Igiehon; Rankine, Aasgaard, Sze; Sub; Rogers for Carragher;

Referee; Mr. Martin Coy (Durham).