Latics spirited second half isn't enough against the league leaders – Wigan Athletic 0 Wycombe Wanderers 1

11/10/2024 03:00 AM

• Wigan Athletic were narrowly defeated 1-0 by League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers at the Brick Community Stadium.
• The Chairboys got off to a great start when Daniel Harvie's right-wing corner was headed home by Joe Low at the near post on 11 minutes.
• Latics nearly got back on level terms just before half-time time when Jonny Smith curled a superb strike against the crossbar.
• The hosts went on to dominate the second half and when Silko Thomas' cross was put on a plate for substitute Dale Taylor it looked as though they would equalise but his effort somehow cleared the crossbar.
• Thomas then forced a good save from Franco Ravizzoli, before Thelo Aasgaard's header forced an another save from the Wycombe goalkeeper.
• It was all Latics and they were denied again by a superb full stretch save from Ravizzoli from Aasgaard's downward header.
• Wycombe had a rare chance in added time but Tickle did superbly to deny Brandon Hanlan.
• Latics remain in 19th place and Wycombe moved two points clear of Birmingham at the top of the table.

Shaun Maloney made four changes following last Saturday’s FA Cup victory at Carlisle with Will Aimson, Scott Smith, Jonny Smith and Thomas all coming into the starting line-up.

Latics were behind after only 11 minutes from a set piece. Harvie's corner from the right was met by Low who headed powerfully past Tickle at the near post.

Latics tried to respond from a corner and Jason Kerr scuffed an effort wide at the back post.

Aasgaard's 30-yard free kick was straight at Ravizzoli on 28 minutes.

Tickle then did well to keep out Dan Udoh's fierce drive which looked destined to find the near corner, but the England Under 21 international pushed the ball wide.

Maloney introduced striker Dale Taylor for midfielder Matt Smith at half-time as Latics looked to provide more of a goal threat.

A great chance fell to the substitute Taylor after 59 minutes. Thomas' cross found Taylor free in the six-yard box but he could only divert the ball high over the crossbar.

Thomas then had a chance as the ball found him at the back post, he cut back inside, but was denied by Ravizzoli who dived to his left to save.

Aasgaard's header was then denied by the Chairboys keeper from close-range after a Sibbick cross from the right.

The goalkeeper then produced an even better save to deny Aasgaard again moments later diving low to his left at full stretch following another header 

It was all Latics but they just couldn't find the clinical finish.

Aasgaard had a deflected effort fly over before Tickle superbly denied Hanlan as Wycombe looked to add a second goal on the counter attack.

Latics had deserved to come away with at least a point, if not to have won the game, but they just didn't take their numerous chances against the current league leaders.

Overview

The league leaders started on the front foot and a midweek 5-0 victory at Stockport will no doubt have boosted their confidence.

Maloney will have been concerned not to have been over run by the in-form Chairboys and that may have affected his team selection.

Latics were tentative in the first half and the lack of a recognised striker will have annoyed some people.

As at Carlisle last week Latics were much improved in the second half and created numerous goal scoring chances.

If they had taken only some of their chances they would have won the game.

Latics currently don't have a proven finisher to convert all the chances created.

If they had managed to sign a finisher they would now be sitting comfortably in mid-table.

Dale Taylor and Joe Hugill are still learning their trade and the responsibility to lead the line is proving difficult for them.

Latics are not far off becoming a good team but they must start to finish teams off if they are to move up the table.

An experienced striker is clearly a priority in the January transfer window.

Post match comments 

Speaking afterwards, Maloney admitted he was frustrated his side did not take at least a point from the game.

“Yes, I was disappointed with the amount of chances we created in the second half, we should've won that game, he told the media.

“But, that's the difference at any level and it's also probably not the first time I've stood here and said that.

“Look I definitely wanted more from the team, after the first half. I really wanted more from our centre backs and they've been brilliant for me, but I needed a little bit more. 

“The full team was very good second half up until the most important part. I have to work extremely hard to try and change that.”

Commenting on the goal Latics conceded, Maloney added:

“We had a chance in the first half with a set play, we didn't take it and they did. I think you're always disappointed with a set play. That was the difference today, they took the chance they had, he continued.

“We had numerous chances today and we didn't take them, that's the difference that's why they won the game and we didn't.”

Maloney also shed some light on the signing of Paul Dummett who joined Latics late on Friday evening.

“I thought Luke Robinson was excellent during the game today. But, I think he needs cover with Luke Chambers out for months, that's why the Paul deal happened. 

“I appreciate him coming, he got offered more money elsewhere and he decided to come here so I'm really glad he's here.”

Player ratings