Roberto Martinez made the perfect start at the DW (Doctor Who) Stadium as Latics managed to get the better of Scottish side, St. Mirren, to win 3-1. Only a fiver entry for Bob’s return and the chance to see how the squad was taking shape was too tempting for me. What else would I have done otherwise?
Latics started well but for me they passed the ball around a little too much, I’m more of a ‘pass it to the wingers and let them take on the fullbacks’ type of person. But Bob’s style of play is certainly an improvement from Steve Bruce – at least we’re capable of keeping hold of the ball!
Jason Koumas scored a great free-kick to get Latics going, hopefully this will see a revival in his Latics career - he’s been cracking in pre-son by all accounts. However the lead didn’t last long, Emmerson Boyce slipped over and Craig Dargo nipped in to put the ball past Kirkland, via a deflection off Titus Bramble.
Our normally solid defence was looking a little shaky, even though we kept the ball for long periods, the players kept making mistakes and you’ve got to wonder what Premiership teams would do to us if we constantly make mistakes and misplace key passes.
The second half was a lot better, as Latics dominated the play. I had some fun with the bloke in front of, a 60-something replica top-wearing mush who kept getting a little bit too excited. Fair play to him though, at least he got behind the team and cheered with all us when the rugby score (they lost) was flashed on the scoreboard!
Latics managed to sew the game up as Rodegella scored from another free-kick and Melchiot scored a blinding overhead kick from a corner. Latics scoring from set pieces? Yes – you’ve read it right! Although one thing I was disappointed with was that players seemed reluctant to shoot from distance when they had a couple of great opportunities. I just hope we don’t go ‘all Arsenal’ and try to pass the ball in the back of net – because we’re not good enough to do that!It was a decent game and the team looks in decent shape. It should be interesting to see what line-up Bob goes with against Villa, especially with rumours flying around that we’re about to sign two more players. I think this is the biggest squad we’ve ever had and with such a tight get like Whelan as chairman, I’m really surprised we haven’t sold more players.
So expect 10 to leave during the coming week!
Rewind to Tuesday night and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Wigan Robin Park vs. Skemersdale United match was free entry at the Stadio Robin Park Arena. Great stuff but the match was even better! The Robins came out with an excellent 2-1 win against a side two divisions above them. To be fair, the Unibond North side did show some quality at times but some dogged defending and a Chris McNally brace, ensured a great win for the Robins.
It was end-to-end at times, as both sides had spells where they dominated the play. Wigan went ahead after about 75 minutes, as McNally reacted quickest to a free-kick that came off the post. Skem came back strong, as another free-kick led to a Skem player nodding his side level. The Robins fans were gutted, after all there was only a few minutes left. However, the Wigan contingent went home happy as McNally found himself clear of the Skem defence and slotted the ball in. Get in there!
Quite ironically, if former Latics Chairman, Bill Kenyon, had his way – then Robin Park would have been playing what was the former Wigan Athletic. Thankfully Kenyon’s plan to move Latics to Skem didn’t happen and the rest they say is history.
So two good wins for both Wigan sides as the season gets started. The Robins opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw at Leek CSOB, whilst Latics get underway against Aston Villa next week.
And I would take another 0-0 draw, I doubt it will finish like that though!
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