Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs CAMBRIDGE UNITED

8^th March 2025

COOL HAND LUKE GRADUATES WITH HONOURS.

Luke Robinson's first ever professional goal in minute of a hard-fought and scrappy affair proved the difference as Latics secured a vital 1-0 home win over struggling Cambridge United. Latics now sit ten points clear of the relegation zone after four points in the last two games under Interim boss Glenn Whelan.

Latics made three changes from the midweek draw at Mansfield Town, including the surprise return of Luke Chambers who made his first appearance since October after recovering from a long-term injury. Adeeko returned in midfield, while Jonny Smith came in for Owen Dale for his 300th career appearance.

Kell Watts and Jordan Cousins, who were both part of Latics' 2021/22 League One title-winning side, started for the visitors. 

Latics had the first big chance of the game as Chambers crossed for Adeeko who nodded the ball down for Taylor to volley at goal, but his effort into the ground was saved by Nathan Bishop.

At the other end Dom Ballard was beaten to the ball by Tickle when played in before Josh Stokes’ follow up flew wide.

Tickle came to Latics rescue on the half hour mark as Ballard raced down the left, cut inside and fired a goal-bound shot which Wigans number one somehow touched around the far post.

James Carragher was then in behind the Cambridge defence and fired across a dangerous cross to the back post, but Dale Taylor was inches away from sliding home the ball at the far post.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Cambridge United.

The visitors were on top early in the second half and James Brophy fired inches over the crossbar following a corner when a weak clearance fell to him on the edge of the box.

Jonny Smith, on the counter attack found space on the edge of the Cambridge box and cut inside, but his effort curled inches wide.

Smith again caught Neil Harris’ men on the counter attack and approached the box, but this time he fired straight at Bishop who saved with ease.

Latics got the breakthrough through an unlikely source as Adeeko’s shot from distance was parried by Bishop and Luke ROBINSON did well to follow it in and poke home his first professional goal.

Cambridge had a succession of late corners as Jubril Okedina looked to salvage a late point, but Tickle was again equal to it and a vital three points for Latics were secured under Interim boss Glenn Whelan.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Cambridge United.

Scorers; Robinson (77);

Attendance; 10,052

Teams; WIGAN— (4-2-3-1) Tickle; Carragher, Aimson, Kerr, Chambers; Norburn, Adeeko; Mellish, Darcy, J. Smith; Taylor; Subs: --- Watson, Weir, Dale (for Darcy), Sze (for Taylor), L. Robinson (for Chambers), McManaman (for J. Smith), S. Smith (for Norburn);

CAMBRIDGE UNITED-- (4-2-3-1) Bishop; Bennett, Watts, Morrison, Brophy; Digby, Cousins; Kachunga, Stokes, Malone; Ballard; Subs: --- Stevens, Nlundulu (for Ballard), Okedina (for Malone), Stevenson, Njoku (for Digby), Barton (for Kachunga), Longelo (for Bennett);

Referee; Mr. Jamie O’Connor (Chesterfield).