Latics hang on for important victory – Barnsley 0 Wigan Athletic 1

11/23/2024 01:34 PM

• Wigan Athletic produced their first away victory since September with 1-0 victory at high-flying Barnsley.
• Latics dominated possession in the first half and deservedly went ahead when Thelo Aasgaard headed home Silko Thomas' cross on 42 minutes.
• They started the second half strongly with Aasgaard volleying over but Barnsley gradually started to dominate and Latics slipped into defensive mode.
• The Tykes forced a succession of corners and despite nine minutes of added time Latics held on for an impressive three points.
• Latics move up to 17th place and Barnsley remain in sixth place

Maloney made four changes from the 1-0 defeat to Wycombe, with Steven Sessegnon, Baba Adeeko, Dion Rankine and Dale Taylor coming into the starting line-up at Oakwell replacing Luke Robinson, Matt Smith, Scott Smith and Jonny Smith.

Latics started confidently and came close to opening the scoring on eight minutes when Thomas cut inside and curled an effort narrowly wide of the far post.

At the other end a sloppy back pass by Sessegnon nearly gave the Tykes an opportunity but Sam Tickle was able to avert the danger.

Latics enjoyed the lion's share of possession and they deservedly went ahead on 42 minutes.

Thomas beat his marker down the left and crossed perfectly for Aasgaard who headed home from 10 yards out.

Tyrese Francois had to be withdrawn due to injury just before half-time and was replaced by Scott Smith.

Latics started the second half on the front foot with Aasgaard volleying over from the edge of the box.

The hosts Davis Keillor-Dunn had an effort saved by Tickle, before Aasgaard fired over again .

Former Latics Stephen Humphrys was relatively subdued and apart from a deflected effort rarely threatened Tickle.

The Tykes Marc Roberts however was denied by a brilliant Aimson block. Aimson then somehow blocked Donovan Pines effort on the line which looked destined to find the net.

The hosts pressure continued as they forced a succession of corners in the last 15 minutes. Substitute and former Latic Sam Cosgrove had a header comfortably saved by Tickle.

Latics had to endure nine added minutes and Roberts headed wide a Barnsley corner, before Fabio Jalo curled an effort straight at Tickle. 

Aimson once again blocked a goal-bound Barnsley effort as Latics held out for an important three points on the road.

Overview

Latics deservedly secured their first away victory since the 4-0 at Bristol Rovers on 14 September. 

The visitors were well organised and Silko Thomas posed a threat down the flank. The defence was once again solid with Tickle, Kerr and Aimson all excellent.

Barnsley did not look like a top six team who were unbeaten in five games but the conditions weren't conducive to great football.

Latics had been the better team for most of the game but they retreated into defence for the last 25 minutes which could've proved costly if they had not defended resolutely.

Also Maloney's decision to use all his substitutes with nearly 20 minutes remaining was a risky strategy with Baba Adeeko struggling with an injury but fortunately they weren't to be punished.

Latics are still struggling for goals but they must now try to capitalise on the result with another three points against Northampton Town at the Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday night.

Post match comments 

Speaking post-game to the media, Shaun Maloney couldn’t hide his delight after his team navigated the torrential conditions and ended Barnsley’s five-game unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One.

"It was very pleasing," he said. 

"We had to show both sides today – and I think anyone who was at the game knew how difficult of a day it was to play football in.

"I'm really pleased, and the goal we scored was amazing. It was everything we want to be as a Club and everything we have been as a Club. That's what we're trying to do.

"We were good in the first half. We were aggressive and definitely played forward. Thelo (Aasgaard) gets into these positions, and in today's game, he was clinical. 

"We looked really dangerous. The biggest and most important part was putting the ball in the back of the net.

"Today's performance had everything. It had intent and bravery, and the talent they showed for the goal was amazing.

"The last 20 minutes – we had to deal with long balls and set plays – and we had to bring on more people. A special mention to Baba Adeeko who was outstanding today.

"The conditions dictated the team selection late on, and I knew we would have to play under pressure. 

"When we do certain things right, we can compete against anyone. I need the same mentality on Tuesday – we'll have to be at our very best to give ourselves a chance."

Latics were backed from the first whistle to the last at Oakwell, and the Gaffer couldn't thank the travelling supporters enough for their efforts. 

"They were amazing. I know where we are in the table, and I know the previous games have been difficult.

"Even before the game, they sang my name. It's amazing – they can see what we are trying to do.

"They've seen everything in the last three or four years, but I think they know they've got a group of players giving absolutely everything for them."

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