Lots more than the original ticket allocation today it seemed? Very good support before and especially during 1st half. Started off delayed as we waited for 3 parachutists land on a big red X on the pitch. After the handshake all players went and did their thing on the pitch then were oiked off for the guests from the sky. All missed the X much to the delight of our singing fraternity with songs of 'you F**** S**.
Started off like house on fire. Haven't seen anything back but seems we absolutely should have scored after 30 seconds and a few minutes after their keeper pulled off a blinder and should have scored from the follow up. Wigan were awful, lots of sideways passing at the back then a launch diagonally to absolutely nobody up top, where Grigg particular wasn't. We just eat it all up in particularly Icky must have won more than 30 contested headers today losing none, aside from that he marshalled the back line getting them in line and moving up the pitch. I was just waiting for a different game second half as no way could Wigan continue to be that bad in and out of possession. They did improve 2nd half trying to play through us, we mostly dealt with it well, with the intricate little 1,2's etc but they did get in a couple of times and really for a team top of the league should have put those chances away. This was a game they need to win, for us anything we come home with a bonus and a loss just a meh. I've seen us go away to top of the league teams many times over the years and see us be on the end of being seriously outclassed. It was very odd today, we were the better side and looked comfortable, if Wigan get pipped by Blackburn they'll look back at this one with regret. One of their fans said it was the worst he's seen them play all season long.
A note to the referee. While I have to be careful, I'm in pretty much disbelief at twice niether him nor his assistant had a clue which way a throw in should go. Smith got persistently fouled and he failed to even address it, and his interpretation of what is actually a foul and what isn't was quite appalling, often giving a wrong call or missing something entirely. In the first half it threatened to boil over, even their manager Cook getting a talking to by the ref. You may not know this but ref's are taught to move up and down the pitch (within reason) from right back to right back, often he was yards away from play and I can actually see why so many people get so bemused.
Lastly it took 75mins for Wigan to get a trickle shot on target (their only one), kudos to Warney. Out of possession they couldn't break our shape however in it the players need to realise we can't just launch it to Smith and a little more thought required in constructing attacks (as we did in first half hour). But that's nit picking - a good day
Thanks for the report Ex. Wigan fans might have thought it was the worst they'd played all season, but you only play as well as the opposition allows you. One of the best away results of the season and at just the right time. Hopefully we can now put together a few positive results and ensure that we enter the playoffs in form. The sides below us are all lacking consistency, except Portsmouth, and I really don't fear any of them over two matches.
Don't go to away games but will be there at next home game like I am at every home game. Already said was happy with that team selection. 3 in midfield everytime for me. In away games I'm not his biggest fan but I'd start with Forde on the right for his workrate. Newell back in as soon as fit to give us that balance on the left. Towell went off, any news? Can't see him going off for nothing. Same tomorrow 3 in midfield, same defence unless Towell is out.
