Resolute defending secures Latics a point against the O's – Leyton Orient 0 Wigan Athletic 0 

06/04/2025 05:45

• Wigan Athletic and Leyton Orient fought out a dour goalless stalemate at Brisbane Road.
• In a dull and toothless first 45 minutes neither goalkeeper had a single shot to save.
• Orient created chances in the second half with Sam Tickle tipping a Jack Currie strike over the bar, then a shot from Randell Williams before he pushed over a drive from Dan Agyei.
• The O’s dominated possession with the best opportunity falling to substitute Diallang Jaiyesimi but he failed to capitalise getting the ball stuck under his foot.
• Latics defended resolutely throughout but they failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 95 minutes.
• Latics drop to 19th place and Orient are in 9th place in the League One table.

Ryan Lowe made two changes from the defeat against Bolton with Luke Robinson and Jensen Weir replacing Ollie Norburn and Asamoah Jr in the starting line-up at Brisbane Road.

The O's started on the front foot and forced a couple of early corners but fortunately for Latics they came to nothing.

Latics briefly threatened on 13 minutes as Jonny Smith switched the play to Robinson but his first time cross couldn't find a Latics player in the box.

Will Aimson then came to Latics' rescue as he put in a brilliant last ditch challenge to deny Agyei who broke into the box and was nearly through on goal.

The best chance of the game so far fell to Ethan Galbraith who got in front of Owen Dale on the edge of the box and volleyed the ball wide of Tickle's right hand post.

The hosts were dominating possession, but Latics had a rare opportunity when Harry McHugh dragged a shot wide on 41 minutes.

Lowe replaced Jonny Smith with Asamoah Jr at half-time but it was Orient who had the first chance of the second half as Agyei crossed, but the ball struck Williams when free in the box and rebounded away.

Tickle then denied Williams strike from distance before he then had to push Agyei's shot from distance over the crossbar.

Orient had a great chance on 66 minutes to take the lead as a cross-hit shot found its way to Azeem Abdulai in the box, but he could only divert the effort wide.

Pressure was growing on the Latics’ defence and Scott Smith had to divert another Orient effort behind for a corner before Tickle this time denied Jaiyesimi at the back post following a cross from Dilan Markanday.

Latics were defending well but were desperately hanging on for a point and Gailbraith fired wide inside the final 10 minutes before another massive chance was wasted by Orient as Dan Happe's effort at the back post was deflected narrowly wide.

This was an uninspiring performance by Latics but at least they had secured another point in their attempt to ensure League One safety.

Overview 

Latics once again struggled for any cohesion and completely lacked any attacking threat. Orient are still striving for the playoffs but fortunately for Latics they lacked a cutting edge.

Some resolute defending is currently keeping Latics afloat in League One but recent performances have been pretty dire.

Latics will renew acquaintances with Gary Caldwell and David Perkins at Exeter on Tuesday night and they really could do with a victory at St James Park.

The sacking of Shaun Maloney, the introduction of Ryan Lowe and the change in style has not yet brought any improvement in performances.

Lowe's team have seven games remaining, are six points above the relegation zone and they still have to visit Burton Albion who are in 21st place. It’s looking like a nervy end to the season for Latics’ fans.

League One Table

League One Table 6 April 2025

Post match comments 

Speaking to the media post-game, Lowe was pleased to leave Leyton Orient with a point in the bag. 

"It's an important point," he said. 

We went about our business differently today and went more solid defensively because we knew it was going to be a tough place to come.

"We rode our luck but that's what you have to do. There are some massive positives – it wasn't pretty and we wanted to create a little bit more – but they're (Leyton Orient) a good team.

"Trying to create more is a daily thing for us but we got a fantastic point and clean sheet which helps us on the road to where we want to get to.

"We were solid and fair play to all of our lads from the front to the back. The back three were fantastic and put their bodies on the line. 

"We have to pay Leyton Orient massive respect for what they've done. It wasn't pretty from us but I'd have taken a point all day long."

Over 500 Tics made the long trip down south, and Lowe praised the dedication shown by the away supporters before reiterating the need to put as many points on the board. 

"It was amazing support – they'll have had a bit of sunburn because they've been in the sun all day. 

"We know it's not pretty at the moment, but we want to get as many points as we possibly can, and take it from there."

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