Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

SHREWSBURY TOWN vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

18^th April 2025

DALE IS JUST ‘TAYLOR-MADE’ FOR WIGAN.

Ryan Lowe picked up his first win as Latics boss after a 1-0 away victory over relegated Shrewsbury Town.

It was a 'Good Friday' for Wigan Athletic who picked up a vital three points on the road after Dale Taylor's 10th goal of the season secured a 1-0 away victory at Crowd Meadow.

Ryan Lowe, who was serving the first of a three-match touchline ban following his red card against Bolton Wanderers, stuck with the same starting side that earned a point against promotion-chasing Wrexham AFC. The only change in the matchday 18 saw the return of Jonny Smith, who replaced the unlucky Harry McHugh on the bench.

Shrewsbury were relegated before they kicked a ball after Burton picked up a point away at Exeter City and Latics looked to take advantage of that disappointment in the early stages with plenty of possession and territory.

Jon Mellish came closest inside the first 25 minutes as he found space down the left and fizzed a cross which rebounded off the outside of Jamal Blackman’s near post and went behind.

Jensen Weir then headed inches wide after a speculative James Carragher cross into the box had only been partially cleared.

Asamoah was then played in by Weir, but his snap shot flew over as Latics pushed for what would have been a deserved opener.

Owen Dale then cut in from the right, but his mishit shot went straight at Blackman who saved with ease. At the other end Sam Tickle had to be alert to punch a dangerous Shrewsbury free-kick.

On the stroke of half time Taylor was denied by the offside flag. Asamoah Jr fed Dale down the right and he squared the ball for Taylor who tapped home, but he had strayed into an offside position.

Half Time; Shrewsbury Town 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Lowe made a change at the break, introducing Jonny Smith for Will Aimson. Callum McManaman then came on for Weir early in the second half and Latics were well on top again as Taylor and then McManaman fired over.

Latics finally took the lead on 71 minutes as Asamoah Jr did brilliantly to chase down a long ball, drove into the area and squared to find TAYLOR, who tapped home at the far post and celebrated right in front of the Tics fans.

Jason Kerr had to be quick to slide in and stop Callum Stewart from tapping in at the far post as the hosts pushed for an undeserved late leveller before Josh Feeney poked the ball straight at Tickle following a corner.

At the other end another substitute in Chris Sze broke clear and curled an effort just wide, but it didn't matter in the end as Latics held firm and picked up a vital three points.

Full Time; Shrewsbury Town 0-1 Wigan Athletic.

Scorer; Taylor (71);

Attendance; 6,338

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

SHREWSBURY--- (3-5-2) Blackman; Feeney, Pierre, Nurse; Hoole, Gape, Gillead, Perry, Shipley; Lloyd, Marquis; Subs: --- Benning (for Nurse), M. Feeney, Wheeler, Biggins (for Shipley), Young, Nsiala, Stewart (for Gape);

Referee; Mr. Thomas Parsons (Manchester)

Dale Taylor has enjoyed a successful loan spell at Latics and has gained representative honours for Northern Ireland.

His form has impressed the Latics fans and despite his lack of height he has worked hard to try and make things happen in the final third, often ploughing a lone furrow