Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs EXETER CITY

28^th September 2024 

IN CONTROL …..BUT NO CUTTING EDGE

Exeter keeper, Joe Whitworth, produced a series of good stops including a last minute save to deny Latics all three points and increase the frustration amongst the Wigan fans.

Shaun Maloney's men are now undefeated in four games but the lack of goals is now becoming a real issue.

Maloney opted to make five changes from their draw against Stevenage in midweek, with James Carragher, Matt Smith, Dion Rankine, Thelo Aasgaard and Joe Hugill returning to the starting line-up. It was the same starting XI who were impressive in the victory over Bristol Rovers. 

The game was billed as a celebration of the club’s heritage and many former players were in attendance to the delight of the crowd. Former Latics captain Josh Magennis started up front for the Grecians who were managed by another former player and manager, Gary Caldwell.

Latics looked sharp from the off and inside five minutes Thelo Aasgaard linked up with Luke Chambers with a lovely flick, but his cross failed to find a blue shirt and was cleared.

Johnly Yfeko fired over from 25 yards when unchallenged just before the half hour mark as Exeter finally began to settle into the game.

Wigans best chance of the game so far fell to Silko Thomas. Jensen Weir won the ball high and he slipped in Thomas, but somehow a sprawling Joe Whitworth denied him with his feet.

Weir then went down in the box on the stroke of half time, but referee Scott Simpson waved play on before he tried his luck from distance, only to be denied again by the Exeter stopper.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Exeter City.

Latics had a big shout for a penalty early in the second half as a corner came in and seemed to strike the arm of an Exeter defender, but again the referee waved away the protests.

James Carragher fired over from 30 yards before Kamari Doyle dragged his 20-yard effort just wide of Sam Tickle’s far post.

Ed Francis’ deep cross then saw Tickle dig the ball out from under his crossbar before Maloney went to his substitutes bench to try and find the piece of magic that might open up the Grecian defence.

Callum McManaman and straight away he got the crowd on their feet, he twisted and turned before putting a delicious cross towards the back post which Baba Adeeko should have headed home but he mis-timed his effort and the golden chance went begging.

Another lively substitute, Michael Olakigbe, slid a great pass to fellow substitute Dale Taylor but his first touch allowed the defender to get in a challenge and the hurried shot was straight at Whitworth.

Latics continued to push forward, Thelo Aasgaard had an effort that was deflected into the goalkeeper’s hands before Taylor had another chance, but this time his shot was blocked.

Deep in added time Whitworth denied Will Aimson as following a set play he looped a header which looked destined for the far corner, only for the keeper to dive full length and palm the ball to safety.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Exeter City.

Attendance: 8,837

Teams; WIGAN— (4-2-3-1) Tickle; Carragher, Aimson, Kerr, Chambers; M. Smith, Weir, Aasgaard, Rankine, Thomas; Hugill; Subs; --- McManaman (for Thomas), S. Smith (for Weir), Adeeko (for M. Smith), Olakigbe (for Rankine) Taylor (for Hugill);

EXETER CITY— (4-2-3-1) Whitworth; Sweeney, Crama, Yfeko, McMillan; Doyle, Woods; Aitchison, Niskanen, Richards; Magennis; Subs; --- Francis (for Aitchison)

Referee; Mr Scott Simpson (Stoke-on-Trent)