Report by SJG

HARD FOUGHT LOCAL DERBY SEES LATICS GRAB A POINT

Wigan Athletic extended their unbeaten run to six Sky Bet League One matches with a goalless draw at Edgeley Park.

In a tight encounter played in a lively atmosphere, Thelo Aasgaard came the closest to a match-winner for Latics, having his goal ruled out in half-time stoppage time, while Sam Tickle had to be at his best to deny Louie Barry in the second period.

Latics made their first trip to Edgeley Park since 2003, determined to extend their recent impressive run.

Backed by a sold-out away following, the impetus was on Shaun Maloney's men to not rest on their laurels and follow up their emphatic win over Peterborough United.

Jensen Weir and Dion Rankine were rested in midweek but came back into the starting line-up

Stockport County, who made their return to the Third Tier in the summer following a 14-year absence and have enjoyed a dream start to life back in League One.

Dave Challinor's side deservedly find themselves in the Play-Offs, having won four and drawn three of their opening eight league matches. The only blemish was a recent shock home result against Leyton Orient.

With a bumper home crowd behind them, County made a strong start to the game and looked to put the Latics backline under pressure.

Barry tried to mark his return to the team with an early goal, but Carragher did brilliantly to block his close-range effort.

Searching for their first win on Stockport soil since February 1982, Latics had to weather the storm and wait for the right moment to pounce.

That opportunity finally came in the 18th minute after a mistake at the back allowed Dale Taylor to hit a fierce strike on the bounce from the edge of the area, but County goalkeeper Corey Addai made a strong double-handed save.

The Latics defence were standing firm under every Stockport attack, giving the forward-thinking players a license to roam and search for an opening.

Luke Chambers was a constant threat down the left-hand side, and he raced clear inside the final five minutes of the first half, but a superb last-ditch challenge from Mingi prevented the Liverpool loan star from firing on goal.

Latics thought they would be heading into the interval in front, a Chambers corner delivery caused all sorts of problems and eventually fell into Aasgaard's path, and his deflected strike found its way into the back of the net.

The celebrations were unfortunately cut short, as referee Carl Brook gave a free-kick against Latics for an alleged handball in the build-up. 

Half Time: Stockport County 0-0 Wigan Athletic

Having finished the first half so strongly, Latics were determined to pick up where they left off and force a breakthrough.

However, it was the hosts who started the brightest, being lifted by the half-time introductions of ex-Latics men Callum Connolly and Nick Powell.

It was the latter who crafted the first significant opportunity of the second half, releasing the ever-dangerous Louie Barry.

The on-loan Aston Villa forward tried to squeeze the ball home at the near post, but England U21 international Tickle just about did enough to keep out the effort. 

Powell had a real influence on the game, and Latics had to stand up to the challenge to keep him and Stockport quiet.

Odin Bailey had another opportunity for the hosts after being fed through by Callum Camps, but Tickle was again more than equal to it.

At the other end, substitute Jonny Smith saw his curling effort trickle wide of the post following some patient build-up.

The Tics continued to battle at Edgeley Park, and with no significant opportunities falling their way, their focus was ensuring that their clean sheet remained intact.

Latics again had their impressive goalkeeper Tickle to thank, who got down low to push Barry's goal-bound effort wide and away from danger.

Both sides committed numbers forward to search for the all-important winner, but both defences stayed on top.

Full Time: Stockport County 0-0 Wigan Athletic