Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

WREXHAM vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

29^th December 2024

BOGEY MAN FLETCHER STRIKES LATE TO BEAT IMPRESSIVE TICS.

Despite an impressive team performance, Wigan Athletic came away from SToK Cae Ras (the Racecourse ground), empty handed after a 2-1 defeat to high-flying Wrexham.

Shaun Maloney opted to make two changes from the last outing, with Scott Smith and Michael Olakigbe replacing the injured Matt Smith, who he confirmed is out until March, and Silko Thomas in the starting line-up.

Former Latics star James McClean captained the hosts.

Latics started brightly as Olakigbe fed Baba Adeeko and he did well to cross low towards Dale Taylor, who was denied a goal by a late Eoghan O’Connell interception.

It was all Latics inside the first 15 minutes but despite controlling proceedings and looking sharp they failed to test Mark Howard in the home goal.

Jonny Smith skipped inside onto his left foot, but fired wide before Adeeko’s eyes lit up for a second game in succession as the ball found him again inside the box but he took an extra touch and his effort was blocked.

Paul Mullin and Wrexham finally tested Sam Tickle on 34 minutes thanks to a wide free kick which our number one easily collected. Moments before that there had been another injury blow for Latics as Adeeko was replaced by Jensen Weir after what looked like a hamstring strain. The change in personnel seemed to affect the visitor’s rhythm and Wrexham finally grew into the match, with a number of soft free kicks aiding their cause.

Olakigbe produced an inswinging cross from the left that so nearly found the far post as Latics ended the half as they started it – in the ascendancy.

Half Time; Wrexham 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

The best chance of the game thus far came seconds after the restart as Thelo Aasgaard did brilliantly to turn his man and fire the ball across. Wrexham’s Matty James got on the end of it and fortunately for the hosts the ball clattered off the crossbar and substitute Weir could not react quickly enough to steer the rebound home.

Aasgaard then fired over from the edge of the box before a scare for Mark Howard, who completely missed his kick. From the resulting corner, Toby Sibbick so nearly nodded the ball home at the far post but a late challenge (and probably a foul) by McClean came to the home sides rescue.

Against the balance of play the hosts then took a fortunate lead via a deflection as Barnett’s low driven effort hit Will Aimson and found the bottom corner. Suddenly Wigans task looked huge as Wrexham who were on an unbeaten run at home of 19 games continued to defend well.

Wigan refused to let their heads drop and they earned a deserved leveller 11 minutes from time as the two substitutes combined with Thomas crossing perfectly for Hugill to head home five yards out. Latics continued to push for a winner and McManaman had a penalty appeal turned down after a lunging challenge but Latics’ hearts were broken on the 90- minute mark as Wrexham substitute Stephen Fletcher, who has been a bogey man for Wigan over the years, poked home the winner after a McClean cross had been well controlled on his chest.

Full Time; Wrexham 2-1 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Hugill (79); Barnett (60), Fletcher (90+1)

Attendance; 13,332

Teams; WIGAN— (4-2-3-1) Tickle; Sibbick, Kerr, Aimson, Sessegnon; Adeeko, S. Smith; J. Smith, Aasgaard, Olakigbe; Taylor; Subs: --- Watson, Weir (for Adeeko), Hugill (for Sessegnon), Thomas (for J. Smith), McManaman (for Olakigbe), Robinson, Carragher.

WREXHAM--- (3-5-2) Howard; Brunt, O’Connell, Cleworth; McClean, Rathbone, James, Dobson, Barnett; Mullen, Palmer; Subs: ---Okonkwo, Scarr, Cannon, Faal (for Rathbone), Fletcher (for Mullen), Lee (for Palmer), Revan (for Barnett);

Referee; Mr. Tom Nield (Wakefield)