Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

AFC BARROW vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

3^rd August 2024 

YOUNG SIDE WELL BEATEN AT HOLKER STREET.

 Less than 24 hours later and a young Latics XI took the field against a barrow side that are hoping to improve on their eighth-place finish in Division Two last season.

The early stages were played out in midfield as Latics tried to impose their passing game on their more physical and direct opponents. Then on 15 minutes Barrow crafted the first real opportunity when a cross by Newby found the head of Acquah whose glancing effort went just over the bar.

Latics youngsters Jack Reilly and Leo Graham were offering plenty of width to the Wigan attacks but it was Barrow who went close again on the half-hour mark when Acquah planted a firm header on goal that Lonergan did well to scramble behind for a corner after blocking the initial effort.

As half time approached Latics nearly took the lead when Chris Sze, who was quiet for most of the game, looped a cross that deceived the home keeper and floated over his head before striking the crossbar.

Ben Jackson curled an effort from distance just over the Latics bar, but the defence was well marshalled by Hughes and Carragher and saw things through to the break without any real alarms.

Half time; AFC Barrow 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Wigan started the second half as they ended the first as they tried to pass their way through the home sides high press to create opportunities, but it was the home sides more direct play that was proving the more effective and Newby curled an effort just wide after surging into the Wigan box.  Josh Stones stung the Barrow keeper’s hands with a snap shot after good pressing had seen Latics gain possession deep in the Barrow half.  As the game opened up and legs tired, Ged Garner struck a thunderous shot that cannoned off the Latics post with Lonergan beaten, then in the 68^th minute Newby forced the Wigan player-coach into another diving save but the rebound ran loose and ACQUAH reacted quickly to bundle the ball home.                                               

The good following from Wigan roared their team on and Maloney brought on Bettoni, Chapman and Edwards as he tried to instill more energy into the attack as they chased an equaliser, but the warm afternoon and a well drilled Barrow rearguard were to prove too much for Wigans young guns.

Full time; AFC Barrow 1-0 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Acquah (68);

Attendance; 1,538

Teams; WIGAN— (4-2-3-1) Lonergan; Carragher, Hughes, Sibbick, Sessegnon; S.Smith, Payne; Reilly, Graham, Sze; Stones; Subs; Edwards (for Sessegnon), Chapman (for Reilly), Bettoni (for Graham);

AFC BARROW— (4-4-2) Farman; Campbell, Spence, Garner, Newby, Acquah, Mahoney, Feely, Jackson, Vassell, Trialist.  Subs; Eccleston (for Scott), Kayoute (for Garner), Telford (for Newby), Worrall (for Campbell), Foley (for Mahoney), Dallas (for Acquah).

Referee; Mr Edward Duckworth (Preston)