One change for Wigan going into the game saw Sam Morsey replaced by Reece Wabarra meaning Wigan went back to their normal back three formation. On paper this looked like a good move, yet whether or not it was why Wigan found it hard to break down a stubborn Oldham Athletic side we will never know.
You had to feel sorry for the willing runner up front of Will Grigg who missed out on the chance to continue his goal scoring run against the relegation threatened side, yet he wasn’t really given many gilt edged opportunities to get a shot off on goal. The one chance he did, late on in the second half, Oldham’s goalkeeper got down quickly to deny our striker.
It was a pattern all over the pitch of a Wigan side which looked devoid of energy and ideas at times. To me it looked much more like an Oldham team filled with a drive to get points and a game plan. Which you have to say worked extremely well. They crowded out our midfield and doubled up on our talented wingers, it meant that it was a frustrating game for Yanic Wildschut who only really created two chances. One a shot from a small angle well saved, the second a pulled back cross from the by-line which just missed on the oncoming Conor McAlney.
At the other end it wasn’t all plain sailing though and Jussi Jaaskelainen, especially in the first half saved Wigan blushes with some good saves. The keeper was awarded the match day sponsors man of the match and really you can see why. From a team that didn’t really do much all game our keeper and captain (Craig Morgan) were the stand our performers.
This weekend was the first time we hadn’t scored since the 1-0 loss at home to Blackpool way back in December. Showing you just the kind of run of form we have been on as a team recently. Likewise though it was our third clean sheet on the bounce.
The important thing is that it was a point collected over the course of the season. The top of the table, minus Burton Albion, is getting rather tight now and there will be plenty of movement up and down before this season is done. The question is can we keep on the rise and not fall away? This weekend’s game is going to the test of that.