Plymouth Argyle 0 Wigan Athletic 2

After a depressing February with the relegation fight an uphill struggle the month of March brings so much promise. With back-to-back wins and ownership issues nearing resolution there has been an uplift for both players and fans at Wigan Athletic.

This was a fine performance by a Latics side that was as well-balanced and cohesive as any seen this season. Wigan looked dangerous throughout the first half with their pace and willingness to run at the home side’s defence. They scored two fine goals and came close to adding more. Despite Plymouth coming close on several occasions Latics went into the interval with a two goal lead.

But Latics have had first half leads in the past and have blown them. When the second half began one wondered if the defence could stand firm and avoid making errors that could let the Pilgrims back into the game. In the end it was a resolute defensive performance, together with a touch of good fortune, that kept Plymouth out.

Players from last season’s squad made a significant impact. Lee Evans was excellent in midfield despite not having played for months. Gavin Massey looked like his old self on the right wing, after the struggles he has suffered this season. His link-up play with Tendayi Darikwa was reminiscent of that he would have with Nathan Byrne in earlier times. Jamie Jones has had a topsy- turvy season and has been fortunate to keep his place in recent weeks. But he has started to repay Leam Richardson’s faith in him and had a good game last night.

It was the most experienced line-up Richardson had chosen this season, with the exception of a 19-year-old left back. Luke Robinson was drafted in because of a long-term injury to Tom Pearce. The latter had been one of Wigan’s better performers, his bold attacking runs, and dangerous crosses having become a major attacking arm for the team.  Robinson is a solid and tenacious defender who looks comfortable at this level despite his lack of experience. Although he is being employed in a more defensive role than his predecessor, he has shown his abilities in attack.

After the game Richardson commented:

“We know how much change there has been over the last few months since February and then passing the responsibility to – and challenging – this new group. It’s not an easy task but the performances and relationships have grown over the last few weeks.

It’s all about the new group coming together, individually as units and then into the team and being able to see through games when you’re ahead. The game management was fantastic.”

Let’s take a look at how fans reacted to the match through the message boards and social media. Our thanks go to the Vital Wigan – Latics Speyk Forum and Twitter for providing the media for the posts below to happen. Thanks go to all whose contributions are identified below:

FrancosLoveChild stated:

Mental how much difference off the field matters affect on the pitch, the whole atmosphere has gone right back up to the time last of season before July. Very refreshing!

You are my sunshine concluded:

Another brilliant win to move us out of the bottom 4! Really enjoyable 1st half! We could’ve scored 5 and looked a real threat, but on the other hand could’ve conceded a couple in that 10 minute spell that we were under severe pressure.

2nd 45 we were much less of an attacking threat, but took the sting out of the game well and managed the game successfully. We defended well for the most part and when it was breached Jones made some solid saves and didn’t put a foot wrong all night. I thought he could’ve been replaced after the Wimbledon and Hull defeats, but since he has been solid, so fair play to him.

Impossible to pick a mom as everyone was excellent again in another superb team performance and big 3 points! Good to see Evans back out there and Massey getting stronger.

Hopefully by the end of the week we get further positive news on the takeover front!
What a difference a week makes, UTFT!

Moonay wrote:

Took chances, missed chances, and rode our luck, but overall, definitely deserved to win.

Superb. Now for the play-offs!

Ooohaaahdonniespage added:

Evans class first game in ages. Massey best player on pitch for me. If he can keep on the up like he is we have a real chance. And LMB wouldn’t you agree that Jones is much improved?

Victor Moses summarised:

Did well to see the game out, ball hit the woodwork 6 times over the past two games with them all deflecting away from goal. Not had that luck all season, been punished for everything but when we needed it the most it came on the back of two good performances.

Jones did well in goal tonight, a lot of their shots were at him but he was solid and dealt with everything required of him.

Johnston must of made 15 tackles, being first to the ball ahead of their attacker almost every time.

Tilt made some good blocks and scored an important goal.

Ojo has played well recently.

Lang’s ability to run the channels and give us control in their half cannot be underestimated he’s brilliant at it.

Massey and Otabor excellent 1st half, both tired in the 2nd but put shifts in.

Well done to all the staff and Leam over the past 2 games to turn it around, still a long way to go but back in the pack with a shot at staying in L1.

Evans class first game in ages. Massey best player on pitch for me. If he can keep on the up like he is we have a real chance. And LMB wouldn’t you agree that Jones is much improved?

Degsy1 added:

We played well but Lady Luck was on our side tonight as Plymouth hit the woodwork 3 times but it’s about time we got the roll of the dice !

Well done you tics !