Latics and Lincoln cancel each other out – Lincoln City 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Yesterday at 12:25 PM

• Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City fought out a dour 0-0 draw at the LNER Stadium.
• Latics had marginally the better of the first half with Joe Hugill and Dion Rankine having half chances. 
• The Imps played more direct in the second half and created their own half chances. Goalkeeper Sam Tickle made a good diving save from Adam Jackson’s header and late on Will Aimson make an important block to deny substitute Jack Moylan’s strike.
• Thelo Aasgaard had Latics’ best chance when his header from James Carragher’s cross crashed against the base of the post. 
• Both teams lacked any real cutting edge and a point for each side was a fair result.
• Latics are now in 14th place and the Imps are in sixth place in League One. 

Shaun Maloney named an unchanged team from the victory at Bristol City. Lincoln had former Latics players Tendayi Darikwa and Tom Bayliss in their starting line up.

It was a tentative opening by both teams but Latics had an early opportunity when Aasgaard’s through ball found Joe Hugill in the box but the Manchester United loanee fired wide of the target from a good position.

Chambers’ dangerous cross nearly found Hugill and Rankine’s follow up strike was deflected away from goal on 19 minutes.

Aasgaard then tried his luck from a free-kick a minute later but his effort in the centre of the goal was comfortably saved by Zach Jeacock.

Rankine then made a good jinking run into the Lincoln box but his final shot was half blocked by Paudie O’Connor and Jeacock saved.

Just before half time Hugill looked to break clear from the Imps defence but he was unceremoniously brought down by Jackson, who was booked for the offence.

Latics play and build up had been pedestrian in the first half. It was clear that they would need to play more on the front foot in the second half if they wanted the three points but it was Lincoln who started the stronger with Tickle making a good diving save down to his right. 

Substitutes Dale Taylor and Callum McManaman replaced Hugill and Rankine on 59 minutes as Maloney looked to freshen things up.

The hosts were increasingly going more direct and they were causing Latics’ defence a few problems.

But it was Latics who went closest to opening the scoring on 74 minutes when Aasgaard’s header at the back post from Carragher’s  cross crashed against the base of the post.

Substitute Scott Smith replaced Aasgaard on 76 minutes, and substitutes Calvin Ramsay and Baba Adeeko replaced Carragher and Weir on 80 minutes.

Lincoln had a good opportunity in added time when Moylan’s shot was goal bound until Aimson made a great block to deny him.

The points had to be shared at the LNER Stadium in what was a pretty dour spectacle for the fans of both teams.

Overview

This was a strangely subdued performance by Latics after the impressive display at Bristol Rovers last weekend.

Despite keeping the same line up as last week Maloney’s men seemed more concerned about not losing the game than going all out for the victory. Admittedly, Lincoln appear to be a better team than Bristol Rovers, but Latics seemed reluctant to push players forward in support of the lone striker Hugill. 

Latics build up was too pedestrian and the failure to move the ball quickly meant that Lincoln could easily frustrate any attacks. One of last Saturday’s best performers Jensen Weir was very subdued and he failed to get forward to support the attack from midfield.

Matt Smith is very good at keeping possession but sometimes he needs to build more urgency into his game and occasionally try a creative forward pass.

Silko Thomas and Dion Rankine are still very young and learning their trade but they failed to deliver any telling crosses when in good positions. 

The defence was once again very solid with Will Aimson and Jason Kerr in outstanding form. Lincoln were limited to half chances and all the defenders and Tickle made good defensive blocks when required.

Lincoln will no doubt finish in the top half of the League One table, but this felt like an opportunity lost for Latics to take the three points.

Latics will need to show more energy and forward drive in the three upcoming home games if they want to rise up the table.

Post match comments

Speaking post-game to the media, Maloney praised his side for their performance during large spells, though he wanted more intensity and speed in the final third.

"We kept trying to create chances and win the game," he told the media. 

"In the last 10 minutes, we had to deal with a lot of long balls and set plays. It was tough – defensively, they (Lincoln City) are really good, and we found it hard to break through them.

"They've got a brilliant record since the Manager (Michael Skubala) came in, as he's made them hard to beat. 

"They are one of – if not the best – teams in the league at set plays, and very good at high pressing, and hurting you when they win it.

"The performance in large parts was good – but I'd like it a little bit quicker at times, but we also have to credit the opponent for making it very hard."

We had to rely on crosses, and we had a big chance with Thelo (Aasgaard), and Dion (Rankine) in the first half.

"The full-backs and wingers deserve big credit today, and Will Aimson produced a moment which gives us a point.

"We needed more speed and intensity. In the end, we kept trying to win, but we couldn't manage today."

Prior to the game, Maloney bolstered his backroom staff with the arrival of new First Team Coach Glenn Whelan. 

The Latics Gaffer believes the former Republic of Ireland international will be a brilliant addition, and provide a real intensity with his coaching methods. 

"He's got a lot of experience from his playing days. I loved him as a player – his mentality was really difficult as an opponent to match.

"Now he's on his coaching journey, and he's been with the Republic of Ireland for a period of time and Bristol Rovers.

"I spoke in the media about taking time but I went to meet Glenn and for the group, we need stability and the right person, and I believe that's him. 

"He's got an intensity about him, and I'm really glad that he's here."

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