Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

CHORLEY F.C. vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

19^th July 2024 

A RUN-OUT IN THE SUN ENDS GOAL-LESS

The warmest day of the year had given way to a hot and humid evening that probably contributed to the proceedings as a somewhat patchwork Latics side made up of youth and experience played out a goal-less draw against local rivals Chorley at Victory Park.

Latics controlled the possession for most of the evening but their youthful strike force struggled to create any meaningful chances. Chorley were largely starved of possession but their more direct approach in the final third did create some moments of danger for the Wigan defence but Will Aimson, on debut after his move from Exeter City, and captain Jason Kerr gave good protection to the veteran player-coach Lonergan in the Latics goal.

The first real attempt on goal came after 15 minutes when Tom Carr fired in a shot from distance but it was easily collected by Lonergan. Latics sprang into life and a lovely flowing move ended when Ramsay sent a curling shot in from 25 yards that flew narrowly wide. Good defensive work by Kerr saw him holding off Carlton Ubaczucanu and denying the Chorley man any real scoring opportunity.  At the other end the pace of Edwards, McManaman and Igiehon was causing problems and a number of crosses flashed across goal without anyone on hand to apply a final touch.  The best chance of the half saw Chorley centre half Wilson head wide of the target from 10 yards when unchallenged following a deep corner.

Half time; Chorley 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

17-year-old Harrison Bettoni replaced the experienced McManaman at the break but the game continued in the same pattern. Jack Reilly, who again impressed, fired wide from 30 yards after a surging run, then Chorley went close when two of their substitutes combined as Warren Clarke crossed for Jack Sampson but his header was off target. Lonergan was called upon to make a double save, first he turned a curling shot from an Adam Blakeman free-kick around his near post, then from the resulting corner he touched a goal-bound header from Clarke over the bar.

Another young substitute, Leo Graham, replaced a tiring Edwards and the new man added some zip to the Latics attacks in the final stages.  First he pulled a cross back for McHugh to fire at goal from the edge of the box but the rising shot was just too high, then Unwin was forced to dive low to save again when McHugh tried his luck from distance.

Full time; Chorley 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Attendance; 1,559

Team; WIGAN — Lonergan; Ramsay, Aimson, Kerr, Reilly; Payne, S.Smith, McHugh; McManaman, Igiehon, Edwards; SUBS; Bettoni for McManaman, Graham for Edwards;

Team; CHORLEY— Unwin; Henley, Wilson, Smith, Blakeman; Ubaczuonu, Nolan, Horburry; Calverley, Carr, Hall; SUBS; Clarke, Sampson.

Referee; Mr. John Mulligan (Carlisle).