Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs LINCOLN CITY

1^st February 2025

CONTROVERSIAL LATE DECISIONS DENY LATICS THE WIN.

Latics produced a positive display that showed that the future remains bright despite the loss of Aasgaard to Championship club Luton Town.

Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City played out a 1-1 draw at the Brick Community Stadium as Jonny Smith's first half strike was cancelled out by a James Collins’ controversial tap-in after Sam Tickle had saved his original penalty. 

Shaun Maloney made four changes from their last league outing at Peterborough United, with Jon Mellish, Harry McHugh and Jonny Smith coming into the starting line-up. Jensen Weir also returned after his three-match suspension.

New signing Ronan Darcy was named in the matchday squad for the first time following his move from Crawley Town. Former Latics 2021/22 Sky Bet League One title-winners Tendayi Darikwa and Tom Bayliss started for the away side.

Latics had the first attempt at goal as Dale Taylor broke down the right and fired a low effort at goal which was well blocked by Adam Jackson.
Paudie O’Connor headed straight at Tickle at the other end before ex-Latics loanee Tom Bayliss crashed a fine effort against the crossbar with a free kick from distance.

On 25 minutes Latics suffered a major blow when Silko Thomas left the field on a stretcher with a nasty looking injury following a poor challenge from behind, Joseph Hungbo came on in his place.

Latics took the lead on the counter attack when Jenson Weir fed Taylor who slipped in SMITH and he curled the ball into the corner first time from inside the box.

Weir, who was looking effective in the advanced midfield position, then fired over from the edge of the box as Latics ended the half on the attack.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Lincoln City.

Latics had a huge chance on 58 minutes to double our lead. James Carragher won the ball high up the field, fed Smith who slipped in Taylor, but he dragged his effort inches wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Latics continued to press and captain Jason Kerr headed over a corner from the left before Scott Smith’s volleyed effort was nodded towards goal by Taylor and palmed away by Zach Jeacock.

Weir went close again when he checked in from the left and shaved the side netting with a driven effort before he then crossed for substitute Will Goodwin who headed just over.

With time running out Lincoln were gifted an equaliser that their general play did not deserve. The referee, to the astonishment of most of the crowd and the players, pointed to the spot as Carragher was adjudged to have pulled down a Lincoln player in the box at a corner kick.

As with most set plays in the current game there was plenty of pushing and pulling but to single out this one offence seemed extremely harsh.

James Collins’ spot kick was well saved by Tickle, but the Lincoln mans followed up to bundle the ball home and despite vociferous appeals for offside the goal was allowed to stand.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Lincoln City.

Scorers; J. Smith (37); Collins (88);

Attendance; 8,606

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

LINCOLN CITY-- (3-4-1-2) Jeacock; Jackson, O’Connor, Roughan; Erhahon, Darikwa, Hamilton, Bayliss; Jefferies; Makama, Collins; Subs: --- Wickens, Montsma, Hackett, Ring (for Darikwa), McGrandles (for Erhahon), House (for Makama), Draper (for Hamilton);

Referee; Mr. John Mulligan (Carlisle).