Pie Eaters Footie - All PostsHome of the Pie Munching Football Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/34067/pie_eaters-fave.jpg2016-03-06T11:27:17+00:00http://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/rss/current/2016-03-06T11:27:17+00:002016-03-06T11:27:17+00:00Wigan Athletic 1-1 Peterborough United
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<p>Teams are going to see us as a scalp to be had and we need to be able to step up our game and perform. Unfortunately for a combination of reasons we weren’t quite able to do that against Peterborough yesterday and in the end the points went both ways.</p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">With Sam Morsy missing out through suspension it was no surprise to see Donervon Daniels make his return. What was surprising though, was to see <span>Chris McCann</span> fall to the bench in place of Yanic Wildschut giving us a very lopsided team in terms of our defensive shape. Although our attacking intent was clear with four players on the field who would look to get forward.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">That attacking intent from Wigan would be clear later on in the game, but it was actually Peterborough United who had the ball in the back of the net first. Former Wigan loanee Shaquille Coulthirst tapping in from close range, the flag was up though after an offside earlier in the build up.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Wigan were limited to longer shots for most of first half with Max Power having the pick of them. Peterborough’s keeper at full stretch to stop the goal bound effort. The rebound fell to Will Grigg who smashed it over. It would be a frustrating game in all in all for our main striker. Who would see the acrobatics of Peterborough keeper Stuart Moore deny him time and time again late on.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Before that though we had a first half to play and it would be one with Wigan losing three players to injury. Jussi Jaasekelinan the first after a collision in the box with a Peterborough player, the Finnish goalkeeper was flat out and following treatment was replaced by <span>Lee Nicholls</span> in goal. Next up would come Connor McAlney who would limp off to be replaced by Chris McCann. Whilst Jason Pearce would make it to half time before <span>Leon Barnett</span> would come on in his place. Let’s hope none of those injuries are serious.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">The ability to change the game in the second half could have made all the difference. Yet Wigan eventually found a way through the Peterborough defence. That was after both wide men in Yanic Wildschut and Ryan Colclough had missed chances to score after being put through one on one. In the end Will Grigg stepped up and showed them how it was done as he slid the ball under the on rushing goalkeeper Moore with twenty minutes to go.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">You felt that might kill Peterborough off, and it probably would have done had it not been for a Marcus Maddison freekick which serve and confused goalkeeper Lee Nicholls. The strike bending away from the keeper to hit the bottom of the post and into the net, just agonizingly out of reach. </font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">The score then was 1-1 with ten minutes to go, and rally the troops they did with a storm of pressure.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">This time though, unlike so many times this season, we couldn’t find that winning goal. Twice our striker Grigg dared to believe he had found that half a yard to get a shot off on goal, both times though a big hand from Stuart Moor in goal denied him.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">The referee’s whilst blew and Wigan had only managed a point against an out of form Peterborough. The other fixtures though had gone our way with Burton drawing and Walsall losing. Opportunity missed? Possibly but <span>Gary Caldwell</span> and his men continue their recent unbeaten run.</font></p>
<p><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/2016/3/6/11168388/match-report-wigan-athletic-1-1-peterborough-unitedHeapyLatic2016-03-05T10:00:02+00:002016-03-05T10:00:02+00:00Match Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Peterborough
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<p>The Posh look to be in freefall at the moment having lost five games in a row. That makes them a dangerous team to play right now, will their poor form continue or will they spring into life. It is hard to tell just what they will do.</p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri"><span>Gary Caldwell</span> will only have one player not available from the midweek game against Millwall with Sam Morsy suspended for one game after picking up two yellow cards in the space of ten minutes. In the game. We could see the return Donervon Daniels this weekend which would probably see us return to a back three I would imagine.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Will be interesting to see who makes the cut up front. With the way Peterborough having being playing of late having a good start to the game could and will be vital and might see Yanic Wildschut played from the start alongside Ryan Colclough for pace and attacking intent up front alongside Will Grigg.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">It is Peterborough’s form, or lack of it, that could be a bit of a hidden enemy though. Our players need to be up for it and ready to go out hot from the start. If they do so and can keep the Posh nervous that could win the battle of wills and swing the game in our favour.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">If we give them too much time and space on the ball they have enough skill going forward to cause us problems. It was a close fought match the last time the two sides met and I for one expected Peterborough to be pushing up higher the table with us. Yet they haven’t been able to sort it out at the back.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">So as much as they are scoring goals, they are also conceding a lot of them as well. That combination unfortunately doesn’t work well enough all the time.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Both teams will be out hunting the win and that will make for an interesting game, for the neutral fan. If we can get our noses in front early enough it may kill off Peterborough’s confidence and allow us to control the game and get the win. We have to show them the respect they deserve and get at them early and quickly straight from the off.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">No one said this league would be easy and with 12 games to go everything is still to play for.</font></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/2016/3/5/11161962/match-preview-wigan-athletic-vs-peterborough-unitedHeapyLatic2016-03-04T18:34:34+00:002016-03-04T18:34:34+00:00Monthly Preview: March 2016
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<p>March ear marks the anniversary of one David Sharpe taking the reigns at the club and what a 12 months it has been so far. Now comes the final push towards promotion with a serious of tricky games to come.</p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">The month of March kicked off on Tuesday with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/">Wigan Athletic</a> facing the toughest test of the month, in my opinion, with an away day at Millwall. The team stood firm against a very attacking potent Lions who couldn’t break through our line of defence, allowing Wigan to come away with a 0-0 draw.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">That result sets us up nicely for a month of games that will come thick and fast, with five more to play. Three of which are home ties against Peterborough United, Bradford City and Rochdale; whilst away from home we face Colchester United and Swindon Town. </font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Midtable Peterborough will be anxiously watching over their shoulders as they come into the game off the back of five defeats and will be looking at the closing gap with the relegation zone. This is an attacking team who love to get forward and score goals freely. They also conceded a hell of a lot. Are we about to play them at the right time? Looks that way.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Foot of the table Colchester United are in dire sorts. We beat them 4-0 when they came to the DW Stadium and it could have been more. They managed a win in their first game of March against Bradford City but have conceded a staggering 79 goals so far. They will be a team we will definitely look to get at.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Bradford City are up next in mid-march. One of League One’s sleeping giants and they just sit one point of the play-offs, they will come to the DW Stadium looking for a scalp. Let’s just hope they don’t get one. It was a hard fought 1-1 draw when the two sides met at Valley Parade and I could see it going a similar way this time.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Likewise we face a Swindon team over Easter weekend looking to close the gap on the play-offs. If there form in March has been good to that point them maybe they could be looking to sneak in when we face them away from home. This could be a tough game.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Our final game of the month sees us have a home time with Greater Manchester rivals Rochdale. They are somewhat less than comfortable in mid-table, yet picking up the points here and there should see them stay in League One for another season. They are also only seven points off the play-offs. If they string some results together they could be looking up rather than down. </font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">March is very much a mixed bag and it will show our credentials as promotion candidates, even possible title candidates if we can keep picking up the points this month. Play the way we have been and I see no reason why we can’t. If the results go the way of the previous encounters we should pick up 13 points from the remaining five games of March. Now that would be a very good points tally.</font></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/editors-blog/2016/3/4/11161828/monthly-preview-march-2016HeapyLatic2016-03-03T18:46:12+00:002016-03-03T18:46:12+00:00Millwall 0-0 Wigan Athletic
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<p>This for me was going to be the toughest test of our credentials that we would have for a while. The team stood up to them and came away with a very hard fought point, a point which could prove the difference come the end of the season.</p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri"><span>Gary Caldwell</span> and the coaching staff clearly went with a game plan in this one. Millwall have been a problem team for us on the last two occasions we faced them as they were successful in stopping us playing football and let the game get rough. Just like last season their tactics at the Den meant we saw a player walk and us go down to ten men. Yet this season they couldn’t break through our defensive walls, nor beat the impress Jussi Jasskelainen.</font></p>
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<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sam Morsy could have gone onto play a key and vital role in the second half, had it not been for a ten minute period where it all came crashing down and he saw two yellow cards. Both of which could have gone either way and in terms of fouls he could have not made.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">It eventually allowed Millwall to have more of the ball in the second half than I imagine was intended. With Yanic Wildschut left on the bench, it was clear Caldwell wanted to ground Millwall down and attack them in the second half. Yet the red card to Morsy meant a change of tactics.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">It still meant that Wildschut came on, but it was a less effective switch with top goal scorer Will Grigg coming off in his wake.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">In the end it will be a game remembered for Millwall not making a most of playing for nearly 50 minutes against a team with ten men. Which for me highlights the great togetherness within this squad to work so tirelessly and selfishly to keep out the attacking lions.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">We have come a long way from the slow and lacklustre team of Malcky Mackay 12 months ago. We may have lost some of the top quality players we had in our side. Yet in their stead now stands a team full of youth and hunger with the potential to really progress.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">One player for me though who yet again deserves a mention, and in some ways highlights the change in this team is Chris McCann. The midfielder was slowly being edged out in the last regime but after not making the move over the summer has really knuckled down and performed exceptionally well and did again last night in the defensive line. The partnership at the back of Craig Morgan and Jason Pearce showed the endeavour a drive to keep out what has been a potent Millwall line up especially at the Den.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">All things considered, and other results, the 0-0 draw on Tuesday night wasn’t a bad result. Away from home at an in form team, going down to ten men inside the first half. The players who played that second half should be proud of themselves and take the confidence of yet another clean sheet into this weekend’s tricky fixture against Peterborough.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">In the football league there is no such thing as an easy game, and the schedule is gruelling especially when you want to remain at the top.</font></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/2016/3/3/11155632/match-report-millwall-0-0-wigan-athleticHeapyLatic2016-03-03T16:10:43+00:002016-03-03T16:10:43+00:00Monthly Review: February 2016
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<p>February will go down as the month that this Wigan Athletic team laid down the gauntlet of looking to catch the top of the table. With the other teams beginning to falter we turned up the heat.</p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Four games, 13 points, seven goals scored one conceded. That is not a bad month at all for anyone. When you look at the fact that we faced a Sheffield United side at home who rarely didn’t score on their own soil; we played against an improving Oldham Athletic; second in the table Walsall FC; and this season’s bogey team Bury. You could have forgiven the side for struggling.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Yet with the new additions of Sam Morsy, Ryan Cloclough and Conor McAleny showing their class and just why we dipped into the war chest for them; our hunt for promotion has gone from strength to strength. </font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">The team we have now is looking more and more like the finished article and one that has the legs to see out the end of the season. The run in form of February was no fluke and showed just how hard the team had worked at the training ground as well as on the field of play to grind out results and collect some hard fought three points. </font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">The Walsall game was the big one, and had it not been for a string of missed chances from Will Grigg the club would have won the game by 6 or 7. That was how impressive the team was away from home that day. Long may that continue for the remainder of this season.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">From the 12 remaining games, at this point of writing we have already drawn 0-0 away at Millwall, we historically would pick up a further 25 points. That hits over the average 2 points a game mark you look for when challenging at the top. That said there are games to put right, with defeats against Burton Albion, Coventry City and most of all Blackpool to gain revenge for from earlier on in the season.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">I don’t want to run away with it but if we can keep out form up at both the front and back, it is possible that we could collect a great number of points and climb to the summit of League One come May the 8</font><sup><font size="2" face="Calibri">th</font></sup></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Now what a turn around that would be by the staff to have built in a 12 month period a league winning team. That said there is a lot of football to be played between then and now, let’s just play it one game at a time.</font></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/editors-blog/2016/3/3/11153456/monthly-review-february-2016HeapyLatic2016-02-17T14:02:30+00:002016-02-17T14:02:30+00:00Wigan Athletic 0-0 Oldham Athletic
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<p>A stalemate at the DW Stadium as the realization of how tough this league can be came crashing down on the Wigan faithful. Yet a hard and well earnt point for the men of Oldham.</p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/">Athletic</a> side we will never know.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">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.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">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.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">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.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">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. </font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><font size="3" face="Calibri">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.</font></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/2016/2/17/11031810/match-report-wigan-athletic-0-0-oldham-athleticHeapyLatic2016-02-01T12:20:44+00:002016-02-01T12:20:44+00:00Richard O'Donnell Departs for Bristol City
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<p>It looks like Gary Caldwell and Mr Sharpe are on a clear out mission at the moment as another player leaves the club.
</p> <p><font size="3">I don't think many of us would have been expecting deals to happen today after our dealings at the end of last week. Yet <span>Gary Caldwell</span> did warn us to watch out for movement and movement has happened.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><font size="3">Richard O'Donnell has departed the club after only six months with us. The goalkeeper made 14 appearances for us during his time here, none of which inspired. The incoming experienced Jussi Jaasekelinane was valued more with the young <span>Lee Nicholls</span> as his understudy.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><font size="3">It meant O'Donnell was surplus to requirements and joined Bristol City of loan in early January. After four appearances, where he has clearly made an impression, they have made the move to sign him permanently from us.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><font size="3">The fee is undisclosed and the player has signed up for them for two and a half years.</font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><font size="3">All the best O'Donnell shame it never worked out for you over here at Wigan.</font></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/2016/2/1/10884322/confirmed-transfer-richard-odonnel-departs-for-bristol-cityHeapyLatic2016-01-12T16:26:31+00:002016-01-12T16:26:31+00:00Wigan Athletic vs Sheffield United
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<p>It has felt a life time since the last ball was kicked by a Wigan player, yet it was only five days ago. Since out 3-2 win over Gillingham we have strengthened our squad and can now look ahead to tonight’s home clash with Sheffield United.</p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">The arrival of Yanic Wildschut was gaining moment well before the Gillingham game, yet a deal couldn’t be pushed over in time for the player to make an appearance. But with his now permeant arrival at the DW Stadium confirmed I am sure he will be wanting to make an impression against the visiting Blades; who will come into the game full of confidence.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Had it not been for a last minute slip of concentration, Sheffield United would be looking forward to a third round FA Cup replay with Manchester United. Instead a last gap Wayne Rooney penalty broke hearts and meant that a valiant 90 minute performance was not rewarded like it should have been.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Yet following such a display they are likely to be a team in the ascension. Going to be out job to bring them crashing back down to the reality of League One.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">After our own display of fight against Gillingham the team will be on something of a high. It was the first time we had beat a team that is in a position higher than us this season, and with this our catch up game we could close the gaps even more so to the teams above us. Question is can we keep our good start to 2016 going?</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">For that I think it will all come down to the team that <span>Gary Caldwell</span> decides to run with. The team of late has been creating man chances and yet has struggled at times to put them away, will he then go with two strikers up top? Or will he continue to accommodate Andy Kellet in an attacking position?</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">These are the questions that our manager needs to be asking himself going into the game.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">One thing that is worth noting is how much Will Grigg comes alive when he is playing alongside a strike partner, who can help him out with some of the grafting going forward. Which makes the very willing and energetic Jordy Hiwula a perfect partner. Interesting to see how that one turns out.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">The other selection headache comes at left back. Reece James looks to have gone off the boil of late, whilst makeshift left back <span>Chris McCann</span> has looked more than competent in the position. Of course let’s not forget Andy Kellet whose pace and skill on the ball going forward has been noticeable yet could be make the right type of left wingback? He reminds me very much of a cross between Ronnie Stamm and <span>Jean Beausejour</span>, which would stand to reason that an out and out wingback position would be best suited to him.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Whatever the team or formation that plays tonight one thing we can take heart in is the team ethic currently at the club. Following the game on Thursday you can see just what a great job the entire staff at the club have done to build such a family ethos back into the squad. Which I believe I helped by the fact everyone has <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/">Wigan Athletic</a> at their heart. Moving forward in the future it makes for exciting times.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Hopefully the first stepping stones of the recovery are appearing and Gary and his squad can mount the charge back up the league ladder. Tonight’s game is going to be a massive step towards doing that.</font></p>
https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/2016/1/12/10755184/match-preview-wigan-athletic-vs-sheffield-unitedHeapyLatic