Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

STEVENAGE vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

18^th January 2025

WEIR SEES RED BUT AASGAARD HAS THE FINAL WORD.

Wigans Norwegian magician, Thelo Aasgaard grabbed the headlines again as he curled in a wonderful added time free kick to secure a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Stevenage in a game which saw both sides finish with 10 men.

Shaun Maloney opted to make four changes after the midweek F. A. Cup tie at the One Call Stadium. James Carragher, Silko Thomas, Joe Hungbo and new signing Will Goodwin all came into the starting line-up in place of Jason Kerr, Michael Olakigbe, Jonny Smith and Dale Taylor.

Hungbo and Goodwin made their full debuts following their January arrivals from FC Nürnberg and Oxford United respectively.

Will Aimson captained the side in Jason Kerr's absence, with the Scot missed out due to an undisclosed family issue. Toby Sibbick made his 200th career appearance. 

Latics started brightly winning two corners, the first from Jensen Weir was close to finding its way into the far corner.

Kane Smith headed over a Stevenage corner at the other end before Thelo Aasgaard linked up with Goodwin who was in behind, but he curled his effort high and wide of the far post.

Jamie Reid fired over on 12 minutes in a lively opening quarter before Nathan Thompson had an effort drift just wide of Sam Tickle’s far post following a corner.

Tickle came to Latics rescue on 26 minutes after a short back pass made him scamper, but he was quick to dive at Reid’s feet before he could poke the ball home.

There were a number of yellow cards in the first half with Latics struggling to find a rhythm. Smith fired a 25-yard free kick straight at Tickle and that was the last meaningful action of the first half.

Half Time; Stevenage 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Taylor replaced Goodwin who was on a booking at the break, but it was Sibbick with the first effort at goal as he tested Murphy Cooper from the edge of the box.

The on-loan Forrest man didn’t have to wait long for his first attempt and it came on 54 minutes after Weir’s dangerous free-kick was swung in low and TAYLOR got across his man to cleverly flick the ball through his legs and into the back of the net.

Stevenage tried to muster a response but Latics defended well to restrict any chances until in the 73^rd minute the referee took a hand as Weir was shown a straight red for tripping Thompson to the surprise of most around the ground.

The hosts took full advantage and equalised nine minutes later as KEMP fired past Tickle from just inside the box after a deep cross had evaded Sibbick and was laid back neatly into the danger zone to allow the shooting chance.

The home side threw everything into attack and Latics sat deep and relied on breakaways. Aasgaard tested Cooper from range with a free-kick but his low effort was pushed to safety.

The referee, to the further consternation of the Wigan fans, announced eight minutes of added time but Stevenage were then reduced to ten themselves as Thompson was shown a second yellow for a trip on Taylor as he broke forward dangerously.

The resulting free kick left AASGAARD with the chance to step up and curl home the winner right in front of the travelling Tics.

What a goal. What a win!

Full Time; Stevenage 1-2 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Taylor (55), Aasgaard (90+5); Kemp (82);

Attendance; 3,580

Teams; WIGAN— (4-2-3-1) Tickle; Sibbick, Carragher, Aimson, L. Robertson; Weir, S. Smith; Hungbo, Aasgaard, Thomas; Goodwin; Subs: --- Watson, Olakigbe, J. Smith (for Hungbo), Taylor (for Goodwin), McHugh (for J. Smith), Norburn (for S. Smith), Mellish (for Thomas).

STEVENAGE--- (4-2-3-1) Cooper; James-Wildin, N. Thompson, Piergianni, Smith; L. Thompson, Philips; List, Kemp, Roberts, Reid; Subs: ---Ashby-Hammond, Freestone, White, Sweeney (for N. Thompson), Appere (for List), Freeman (for Philips), Young (for Smith);

Referee; Mr. Jacob Miles (Brighton).