Wigan Athletic 1 Oldham Athletic 0

The Latics lost 1-0 in the derby at Wigan and dropped out of the play off spots in an exciting game played under difficult conditions. Wigan had the better of the first half, although chances were few and far between, and were denied a penalty when McCulloch was knocked over in the box.


Matt Appleby was lucky not to get sent off when he struck out at Paul Mitchell as Wigan hit their top form of the season. Allan Smart was also lucky to escape punishment when he appeared to elbow Arjan De Zeeuw. In second half Kelly (pictured) made a great save from McCulloch and then John Filan, the Wigan keeper, had to be alert to block a shot from Smart. Darren Sheridan followed up but his effort was cleared off the line.


On the hour Andy Liddell broke the deadlock when he struck a fine goal into the bottom corner to settle the game. Athletic piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes looking for the equaliser but the Wigan defence held strong. Wigan have now lost just three games in their last 23 and with performances like this they can be hopeul for next season.