Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

25^th February 2025

HARD WORKING LATICS SEAL IMPORTANT WIN.

Wigan Athletic backed up a good point on the road on Saturday by picking up a vital three points at home after a 2-1 victory over promotion chasing Huddersfield Town.

The Latics Gaffer made two changes from Saturday's hard-fought draw at Wycombe Wanderers, with Baba Adeeko and Johnny Smith coming into the starting line-up in place of Jensen Weir and Joe Hungbo who had sustained a muscle injury against Wycombe.

In a welcome boost, Dion Rankine returned to the matchday squad for the first time since the start of December.

Captain Jason Kerr made his 100th appearance for Latics and produced a typically solid, dominant display for the hosts.

Latics had the first attempt at goal as on 10 minutes Dale cut inside from the left wing and fired a risping effort which Nicholls tipped over the crossbar.

Dale Taylor then put Wigan ahead with their next meaningful attack as Sibbick threaded a pass past Nigel Lonwijk who failed to cut out the well weighted ball and TAYLOR calmly rounded the goalkeeper and tapped the ball into the empty net.

Smith was inches away from making it two as Dale this time fed his opposite winger who checked inside and bent a delightful effort which looked destined for the far corner, only for Nicholls to dive to his right and push the ball round the post.

Latics had a shout for a penalty as Jon Mellish went to ground in a collision with a Town defender, but referee Ross Joyce waved play on.

Maloney’s men were much the better side with both wingers causing problems, this time it was Smith again who got behind his full back, but Nicholls was there to smother his shot-come-cross.

Town finally threatened Tickle after the half hour mark as Ben Wiles found space in behind the Latics defence, but his dinked effort over Tickle lacked the strength to cross the goal-line and the shot was cleared by Will Aimson.

Latics topped off an impressive first half with the second, two minutes before the break. Smith on the right, again beat his man and crossed for DALE who chested the ball down before firing into the corner, via the hand of Nicholls for his first Latics goal.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 2-0 Huddersfield Town.

The large following from over the Pennines had vented their frustration with their team at the break and the visitors started the second half in much more combative style. The change in approach earned instant rewards and Town were back in it five minutes into the second half.

A fast counter-attack saw Dion Charles spin Kerr and he crossed perfectly for MARSHALL to beat Will Aimson and Sam Tickle to the ball and divert it into the Latics net.

The visitors now had the momentum and it was much more of an even contest in the second period.

Josh Koroma got in down the left and fired narrowly wide as the Yorkshire side pushed hard for a leveller. Latics were still dangerous on the counter attack but it was the visitors who looked the more likely scorers with Tawanda Chirewa curling an effort that flew inches wide of the top corner with Tickle well beaten.

As the game headed into added time a cross from the left was met by the head of Wiles, but he could not direct his effort on target.

Latics had four minutes to see the game out and they did just that to secure a big three points.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-1 Huddersfield Town.

Scorers; Taylor (15), Dale (42); Marshall (50);

Attendance; 10,049

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

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN-- (4-2-3-1) Nicholls; Sorenson, Lonwijk, Ruffels, Spencer; Evans, Kasumu; Marshall, Wiles, Koroma; Charles; Subs: --- Chapman, Ladapo (for Charles), Turton (for Lonwijk), Roosken (for Koroma), Chirewa (for Evans), Ayina, Hodge (for Kasumu);

Referee; Mr Ross Joyce (Cleveland).