Latics nearly home and dry after Lowe's first win in charge – Shrewsbury Town 0 Wigan Athletic 1

19/04/2025 03:00

• Wigan Athletic won their first game under Head Coach Ryan Lowe, against relegated Shrewsbury Town, which should effectively secure their League One status.
• Latics dominated the first half and went close when Asamoah Junior drove into the box and fired just over the angle of post and crossbar.
• Owen Dale had a great chance to open the scoring but instead of shooting, the winger crossed for Dale Taylor to score – only for the flag to go up for offside.
• Taylor’s winner came 19 minutes from time when he tapped home from Asamoah Junior's pass after he drove into the box.
• The hosts had late chances to draw level but Latics keeper Sam Tickle produced a good save to deny Callum Stewart before Mal Benning headed over and then could only fire straight at Tickle in the 90th minute.
• Latics who are now almost safe from relegation, are seven points clear of fourth bottom Bristol Rovers with four games remaining.
• Latics move up to 16th place and Shrewsbury are in 24th place in League One.

Ryan Lowe named the same starting lineup that earned a point against Wrexham in the last league game.

Shrewsbury were relegated before kick off as Burton picked up a point away at Exeter City and Latics dominated early possession.

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 an initial James Carragher cross into the box had been cleared.

Asamoah Junior was then played in by Weir, but he fired just over the angle of post and crossbar Latics dominated.

Dale then cut in from the right, but shot tamely straight at Blackman

Then just before 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 was in an offside position.

Lowe made an attacking change at half time introducing Jonny Smith for defender Will Aimson. Callum McManaman then came on for Weir early in the second half and Latics continued to press forward with Taylor and then McManaman shooting over.

Latics deservedly took the lead on 71 minutes as Asamoah Junior chased down a long ball, drove into the area and set up Taylor, who tapped home at the far post.

Late on Tickle saved from Stewart as the hosts pushed for an equaliser before Benning poked the ball straight at Tickle following a corner.

At the other end another substitute Chris Sze broke clear and curled an effort just wide.

Despite nine minutes of added time Latics held on for an important victory which will almost certainly guarantee their place in League One for another season.

Overview

This was a timely victory for Latics as they looked to guarantee League One safety. It was also important for Head Coach Lowe as he secured his first victory in charge.

Recently relegated Shrewsbury didn't pose too many problems and it was hardly a vintage performance by the Tics, but it was a crucial three points for the club after what has been a very difficult season.

Defensively Latics have been strong throughout the season but they have been the lowest scorers in the division and this will have to be addressed in the summer as a matter of priority.

Lowe will still want his team to finish the season strongly as he prepares for a big rebuilding job in the close season.

Latics now have two home games against Rotherham and Blackpool before finishing the season with away games at Burton and Northampton.

Post match comments

Head Coach Lowe was pleased with his first win in charge and happy that Latics had moved closer to securing League One safety.

"I'm pleased and proud," he told the media.

"I thought the fans were amazing. They got right behind the players from minute one, which was what we needed.

"It's tough at this time of the year with Shrewsbury being relegated before even kicking a ball. They had nothing to play for, but they can hurt you.

"We had to be mindful of that, and our mentality had to be right, and it certainly was. 

"I'm really pleased with the outcome – it's a massive three points for us. It was the first win, which you're always proud of.

"The lads have been fantastic since I came through the door, and I've just asked them to get a couple more now, especially at home.

"We know it's going to be difficult but it's our next challenge and we're looking forward to it. 

"It's all about us, and what we do. We'll get the lads into recovery tomorrow, see how they are, and go again on Monday."

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