Latics lack a cutting edge against the Terriers – Huddersfield Town 1 Wigan Athletic 0

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• Wigan Athletic slipped to a 1-0 defeat by Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium.
• Huddersfield had an early chance when Josh Koroma fired straight at Sam Tickle.
• Latics first opportunity came when Jonny Smith cut inside and forced a good save from Jacob Chapman before Asamoah Junior blazed over.
• Ben Wiles crashed a free kick against the post for the hosts before Thelo Aasgaard had a 20-yard strike tipped around the post by Chapman.
• Huddersfield broke the deadlock on 53 minutes when David Kasumu got to the byline and cut the ball back to Oliver Turton who finished past Tickle.
• Latics tried to get back into the game with substitute Dion Rankine firing tamely at Chapman and substitute Chris Sze blazing high and wide, and overall they lacked a cutting edge.
• Latics drop to 16th place and Huddersfield move up to fourth in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made five changes from the extra time victory at Cambridge with Luke Robinson, Matt Smith, Jensen Weir, Asamoah Jr and Jonny Smith all starting.

The Terriers Koroma had an early strike at goal, as Toby Sibbick backed off, but his effort was easily saved by Tickle.

Latics responded on 15 minutes when Jonny Smith cut in from the right and forced a save from Chapman. Asamoah Jr blazed the rebound high and wide.

Wiles then crashed a 20-yard in-swinging free-kick against the post before Koroma curled an effort over.

At the other end Aasgaard hit a half volley which was touched around the post by Chapman just before half-time.

The hosts took the lead on 53 minutes as David Kasumu got to the byline and cut the ball back to Turton who finished past Tickle inside his near post.

Josh Ruffels tested Tickle from distance with a 25-yard effort.

Maloney made a number of second half changes with substitute Callum McManaman looking particularly lively, but Latics players failed to provide him with the service he deserved.

Latics enjoyed plenty of late possession but they failed to create any clear cut opportunities with substitute Rankine shooting tamely at Chapman and substitute Sze blazing high and wide from the edge of the box.

A frustrating night for Latics at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Overview

Latics failed to maintain their winning run in a closely-fought game at promotion-chasing Huddersfield.

Captain Jason Kerr had an outstanding game and tried to push his team forward but many of the other players looked tired and jaded.

The limitations of Latics' squad were evident at the John Smith's Stadium.

Injuries and extra time demands at Cambridge meant the squad was stretched and many of the players did not perform at their best.

The wingers failed to create many chances and after Jonny Smith was withdrawn, chances were limited.

Aasgaard was anonymous for long periods of the game and midfielders Matt Smith and Jensen Weir failed to get any shots on target.

Dale Taylor worked tirelessly but he struggled to threaten the Terriers goal.

When substitutes Rankine and Sze got in good positions they fluffed their lines.

It has been obvious for some time that Latics need a striker who can lead the line and hold the ball up to bring others into the game.

A striker continues to be a top priority for the January transfer window.

Post match comments 

Afterwards Maloney was disappointed that his team couldn't showcase their talent in the final third. 

"We played some good stuff – they got in a lot of dangerous areas but we didn't make enough of that," he told the media.

"We created a lot of one-versus-one chances and opportunities to cross, but our levels were lower (than in previous games) in the final third.

"In previous games, our wingers have had a big impact and I can't be too critical. It's disappointing because I thought it was there for us tonight.

"We got in certain areas and didn't take advantage. In fairness to the lads, they kept pushing. 

"Huddersfield are a good side. I really wanted us to take something from that game.

"The lads kept trying. It's a brilliant place to play and Huddersfield are a good club. 

"One thing I would say is I'd like to see more belief that we can come to places like this – really play – and show the talent we have.

"I don't think some of the lads did themselves justice tonight. They've got a lot of talent."

Speaking post-game, Maloney also provided an update on Tyrese Francois, who underwent successful surgery yesterday. 

"He had his surgery, and the rough estimate is 16 weeks, which takes us to the start of April.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he's back quicker. He's got an amazing mentality. We'll miss him because he was really turning into a key player.

"We'll take our time with him and not see him for a few months."

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