Match Report | Latics 2-0 Bristol Rovers

Wigan Athletic returned to winning ways at the Brick Community Stadium with a convincing 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers in Sky Bet League One. Goals from James Carragher and Jonny Smith sealed the three points in front of 10,112 fans, including 492 traveling supporters.

A respectable turnout from Bristol Rovers today at Wigan! #wafc #brfc #efl pic.twitter.com/1gnltXPYMl

— C&C Football Vlogs (@CCFootballVlogs) January 25, 2025

Carragher’s Moment of Glory

The home side got off to the perfect start when James Carragher scored his first-ever professional goal just six minutes into the match. Rising highest from Joe Hungbo’s well-delivered free kick, the young defender headed past the Bristol Rovers goalkeeper to give Latics an early advantage.

Latics almost doubled their lead moments later as Dale Taylor’s effort from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target. Bristol Rovers responded with Gatlin O’Donkor forcing a save from Sam Tickle, who showed composure throughout the match.

Hungbo was lively on the right flank and caused problems for the visitors, although he was controversially booked for diving in the first half. Thelo Aasgaard also came close with a deflected shot that looped just wide, ensuring Latics remained in control at the interval.

Halftime Entertainment

Fans were treated to a lively halftime show featuring zorb football and penalty shootouts with Crusty the Pie, much to the delight of the crowd. The entertaining activities kept spirits high and created a fun-filled atmosphere for supporters of all ages.

Has Sam Tickle got competition now?

Super Crusty the Pie in Goal! #wafc pic.twitter.com/fVfQ75MQDp

— C&C Football Vlogs (@CCFootballVlogs) January 25, 2025

Smith Secures the Win

Bristol Rovers came out fighting in the second half, with Sam Tickle making a crucial double save to deny O’Donkor from close range. However, it was Latics who struck next. A misplaced goal kick from Rovers allowed Taylor to slide in substitute Jonny Smith, who made no mistake with a clinical finish into the far corner in the 70th minute.

Aasgaard nearly added a third just a minute later, only to see his volley crash against the crossbar from five yards out. Despite late pressure from the visitors, Wigan remained in control, with Smith and Jon Mellish both missing opportunities to extend the lead in stoppage time.

Team News and Tactical Changes

Shaun Maloney made four changes to the starting XI, bringing in Carragher, Luke Robinson, Silko Thomas, and Joe Hungbo. Will Aimson, Jon Mellish, Michael Olakigbe, and Smith dropped to the bench, with Callum McManaman making a return to the matchday squad.

The tactical adjustments paid off, as Latics delivered a disciplined performance, balancing solid defense with attacking flair.

Next Up: Peterborough United

With this victory, Wigan Athletic climb further from the relegation zone and head into Tuesday night’s clash against Peterborough United with renewed confidence. The Latics faithful will hope this result marks the start of a positive run of form as the season progresses.

Match Details

• Attendance: 10,112 (492 away)
• Goals:
  • ⚽ Carragher 6’
  • ⚽ Smith 70’

Matchday Vlog

Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and analysis on our website!

Wigan Athletic clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Stevenage in a closely fought League One encounter at the Lamex Stadium. A late goal proved decisive as the visitors showcased resilience and determination to secure all three points. In a game filled with twists and turns, both sides battled hard, but Wigan’s persistence ultimately paid off, leaving Stevenage to rue missed opportunities. This crucial win boosts Wigan’s league campaign and highlights their ability to deliver under pressure.

Despite the many positives, Wigan’s Jensen Weir was sadly given a red card for violent conduct, a decision which has circulated lots of controversy on social media. The now suspended Jensen Weir adds to Wigan’s midfield crisis, with both Baba Adeeko and Matt Smith side lined with long term injuries. It’s now down to the board to see sense and invest in some more midfielders.

The excitement of EFL League One continues this weekend with Matchday 27, featuring a packed schedule of thrilling fixtures. From promotion battles to crucial clashes at the bottom of the table, every game holds significance. In this article, we’ll delve into each match, offering insights and predictions for what promises to be an action-packed round of football.

Shrewsbury Town vs Wrexham

• Kick-off: Thursday, January 16th, 20:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 1-2
• I’m going with a 2-1 win for Wrexham against Shrewsbury. It’ll be a tight game, but I think Wrexham’s attack will get the job done. Shrewsbury might put up a fight, especially at home, but Wrexham will take their chances and probably nick it with a late goal.

Blackpool vs Huddersfield Town

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 12:30
• Preview:
• Prediction: 0-1
• I’m backing a 1-0 win for Huddersfield against Blackpool. It’ll probably be a scrappy game, but I think Huddersfield’s defense will hold strong, and they’ll nick a goal to take all three points.

Peterborough United vs Leyton Orient

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 12:30
• Preview:
• Prediction: 1-1
• I’m going with a 1-1 draw for Peterborough vs. Leyton Orient. Both teams have the quality to score, but I can see them cancelling each other out in what should be a pretty even game.

Northampton Town vs Lincoln City

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 14:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 1-2
• I’m predicting a 2-1 win for Lincoln against Northampton. It’ll be a close match, but I think Lincoln will have the edge and find a winner to take all three points on the road.

Birmingham City vs Exeter City

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 3-1
• I’m going for a 3-1 win for Birmingham against Exeter. Birmingham’s quality up front should shine through, and while Exeter might grab a goal, I think Birmingham will be too strong overall.

Bristol Rovers vs Barnsley

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 0-2
• I’m predicting a 2-0 win for Barnsley against Bristol Rovers. Barnsley’s attack should have enough to break through, and I can see their defense keeping things solid at the back for a clean sheet.

Rotherham United vs Charlton Athletic

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 1-1
• I’m going with a 1-1 draw for Rotherham vs. Charlton. Both teams have the ability to find the net, but I think they’ll end up sharing the points in what should be a fairly balanced game.

Reading vs Stockport County

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 2-1
• I’m predicting a 2-1 win for Reading against Stockport. It’ll likely be a hard-fought game, but I think Reading will just edge it with a bit more quality in the final third.

Stevenage vs Wigan Athletic

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 0-1
• I’m going for a 1-0 win for Wigan against Stevenage. It’ll probably be a tight game, but I think Wigan will grab the decisive goal and hold on for the win.

Mansfield Town vs Wycombe Wanderers

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 2-2
• I’m predicting a 2-2 draw for Mansfield vs. Wycombe. Both teams are capable of scoring and I can see them both pushing for goals, so I think it’ll end up being a high-scoring draw.

Bolton Wanderers vs Cambridge United

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 2-1
• I’m backing a 2-1 win for Bolton against Cambridge. Bolton’s attack should be too much for Cambridge to handle, but I think Cambridge will grab a goal to make it a close one.

Crawley Town vs Burton Albion

• Kick-off: Saturday, January 18th, 15:00
• Preview:
• Prediction: 0-0
• I’m going for a 0-0 draw between Crawley and Burton. It’s shaping up to be a tight, defensive game with both teams struggling to break each other down, so I can see it finishing goalless.

Wigan Athletic secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a commanding 2-0 victory over League One side Mansfield Town at Field Mill. A dominant second-half performance ensured the Latics progressed, setting up an exciting home tie against Premier League side Fulham at the Brick Community Stadium on the weekend of 8th February.

Match Recap

The first half was a closely contested affair, with Mansfield putting up a spirited display against their fellow League One opponents. Both teams had opportunities, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match remained goalless at the interval.

After the restart, Wigan took control. Their first goal came just three minutes into the second half, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the hosts. The Latics quickly doubled their lead six minutes later with a superb strike from the edge of the area, giving the Mansfield goalkeeper no chance.

From that point, Wigan managed the game effectively, showing their defensive strength to nullify any threats from the League One side. Mansfield pushed to get back into the game but found Wigan’s backline impenetrable, and the visitors comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.

Focus Shifts to Fulham

The fourth-round draw has handed Wigan a home tie against Fulham, a club currently competing in the Premier League. The match will take place at the Brick Community Stadium on the weekend of 8th February and promises to be a significant challenge for the Latics.

Aiming for Another Cup Upset

Wigan fans will be eager to see their team take on top-tier opposition, with memories of their famous 2013 FA Cup triumph still fresh. Hosting Fulham provides an opportunity for the Latics to make a statement and potentially book a place in the fifth round.

With the squad displaying resilience and quality against Mansfield, the Latics will hope to carry that momentum into their clash with Fulham. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the Brick Community Stadium, as Wigan aim to keep their FA Cup dreams alive.

Following a dramatic penalty shootout at the Emirates which saw Manchester United progress 3-5 on penalties, knocking out Arsenal who some would would say were favourites after winning the tournament in 2020. Following this, the round 4 draw was carried out by ex-footballers Martin Keown and Mark Schwarzer.

Many intense draws have followed but the one we will be focusing on is Wigan’s.

The Latic’s, who’s round 3 draw at Mansfield was postponed this Saturday, were drawn against Premier League underdogs Fulham. The match is set to be played on Saturday 8th February and if the Latic’s can triumph at Field Mill it’s gonna be one to certainly watch out for. If we do pick up the win, the positives it will bring to the club will be plentiful.

For example since our relegation from the top tier, it’s fair to say that during our time in the Championship & league One we have always attracted almost a sold out DW when drawn against Premier league sides.

• Wigan Athletic vs Manchester City, 19th February 2018, FA Cup 5th Round: Attendance – 19,242
• Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United, 8th January 2024, FA Cup 3rd Round: Attendance – 22,870

• A Premier League stadium attracts larger crowds, meaning higher gate receipts and potential exposure to a wider fanbase.
• A match against a Premier League side usually draws larger home crowds, maximising ticket sales for the League One club.
• Matches against Premier League opponents, especially in the FA Cup, are more likely to be selected for live TV broadcast. Clubs receive a broadcasting fee, which can be significant for League One teams.
• Progressing to later rounds of competitions like the FA Cup provides substantial prize money.
• A League One player performing well against Premier League opposition increases their visibility and potential market value. This could lead to lucrative transfer opportunities.
• A notable result against a Premier League team often prompts fans to purchase memorabilia like scarves, shirts, and limited-edition items commemorating the event.

Will the Latic’s rise to Tuesday’s challenge and grab themselves a ticket to an even bigger challenge?

We certainly hope so (and it would make for a great matchday vlog!) However, based on Mansfield’s recent form this is no “walk in the park” and will require optimum focus. Here’s to a win on Tuesday!

Let us known your thoughts on this huge opportunity on either Twitter/X, Instagram or TikTok – @ccfootballvlogs