Tics own goal heartache – Blackpool 2 Wigan Athletic 2

10/29/2024 02:00 AM

• Wigan Athletic conceded two own goals as they were pegged back from 2-0 up to draw 2-2 at Blackpool.
• Latics went ahead on 19 minutes when Thelo Aasgaard crossed for Dion Rankine to drill his first goal of the season.
• The visitors doubled their lead in the 41st minute when Matt Smith dispossessed Lee Evans then drove forward and finished into the bottom right corner of the net.
• In first half stoppage time Blackpool pulled a goal back when Evans’ whipped cross was deflected into his own net by Jason Kerr.
• Both sides had good chances in the second half but it looked as though Latics would hold on for three points until in stoppage time the Seasiders rescued a point when Rob Apter's cross was diverted into his own net by Will Aimson.
• Latics remain in 19th place and Blackpool move up to 16th place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney made four changes to the starting lineup from the defeat to Mansfield Town. Calvin Ramsay, Matt Smith, Michael Olakigbe and Dale Taylor replaced James Carragher, Baba Adeeko, Silko Thomas and Joe Hugill.

Latics enjoyed plenty of early possession at Bloomfield Road.

Their first attempt at goal came on 15 minutes when Olakigbe fired low at former Latics goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell.

The visitors were ahead on 19 minutes when Aasgaard did well to get away from his marker and cross into the box, Taylor got a touch and the ball came to Rankine who drilled his shot low past O’Donnell

Latics might’ve added to their lead on 33 minutes when Rankine’s dangerous near post cross found Taylor but the Nottingham Forest loanee could only poke the ball wide of the target.

A mistake by Aimson then nearly early let in former Latic Kyle Joseph but Sam Tickle did well to save on 38 minutes.

Latics doubled their lead on 41  minutes when Matt Smith dispossessed Evans in midfield before driving forward and then finishing low into the bottom right corner of the net.

Just when it looked like Maloney’s men would go into the break two up the Seasiders pulled a goal back when Evans’ whipped cross was deflected into his own net by Kerr. 

Latics had a great opportunity at the start of the second half when Aasgaard played Olakigbe through on goal, but his low strike was saved by the foot of O’Donnell.

Soon afterwards, Aasgaard’s goal-bound effort was diverted over the crossbar by Matthew Pennington.

Maloney replaced Olakigbe and Francois with Silko Thomas and Scott Smith on 57 minutes.

Then on 65 minutes Ramsay and Sessegnon were replaced by Luke Robinson and Toby Sibbick.

The substitutes Sibbick and Robinson combined on 67 minutes with Robinson firing wide of the target.

The Seasiders substitute Jordan Rhodes headed wide on 70 minutes.  

Jonny Smith replaced Rankine on 75 minutes and the winger put in a great cross for Taylor but the striker headed just over on 77 minutes.

Rhodes then had a diving header deflected just wide on 85 minutes as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

In four minutes of stoppage time the Seasiders grabbed an unfortunate equaliser as the impressive Apter’s cross was diverted into his own net by Aimson and Latics had to frustratingly settle for a point.

Overview

This was an improved performance by Latics after the recent defeats to Cambridge and Mansfield. However, it was also a frustrating night as they should’ve come away with all three points after taking a two goal lead at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool have been on a bad run of results recently and had lost 5-1 at Peterborough in their last game, they were also without manager Steve Bruce who is on compassionate leave. The Seasiders were low on confidence and Maloney’s men should’ve seized the opportunity to take the three points.

If only Michael Olakigbe had taken his golden opportunity to score at the start of the second half Latics might now be celebrating a Lancashire derby day victory rather than feeling frustrated at conceding so late in the game.

Latics defence has been excellent this season and it was so unfortunate to concede two own goals from the normally very reliable Kerr and Aimson.

Maloney’s young team does have potential but until they learn to be more ruthless and have better game management they will continue to struggle to rise up the table.

Post match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards, Maloney said his team didn’t make the most of a number of significant opportunities in the second half, and he said that was the biggest frustration. 

"To concede in the 92nd minute is tough," he told the media. 

"I didn't like the second half because we didn't have much control, and it turned into a 50-50 game. 

"The biggest frustration was earlier on in the half, we had enough chances to kill that game. 

"That's the biggest frustration. I loved how we played in the first half, but the game became 50-50 in the last half hour. 

"The longer the half went, it turned into a game that suited them. In the second half, we had no control.

"In terms of the effort, I couldn't have asked for any more. On the back of two difficult results, to come and play the way that they did in the first half was good.

"We need to be more decisive and ruthless with our chances. I wish we were more ruthless but in terms of effort and bravery, I can't ask anymore."

Over 1,500 Tics made the Monday night trip, and Maloney wished he could've sent them home from Bloomfield Road with a victory. 

"We've come off a run of two defeats, and I still felt the support from them, even in the tougher moments.

"I've given them something to go home with, but I wish it was a couple more points.”

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