Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

TRANMERE ROVERS vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

 26^th July 2025

CARRA. MAKES SURE ‘TICS REMAIN UNBEATEN IN PRE-SEASON.

Latics concluded their pre-season campaign with another successful run out at Tranmere Rovers' Prenton Park

It was a productive afternoon with Ryan Lowe's side gaining more vital minutes under their belt ahead of next week's Sky Bet League One opening fixture.

Latics were able to ensure that they headed into the new campaign on the back of an unbeaten pre-season campaign, prevailing in Merseyside following a first-half header from James Carragher.

20 players all took to the field for Latics, including seven Academy graduates, who all gave a positive account of themselves. 

It was a return to familiar territory for the Latics Gaffer, who enjoyed a successful one-year stay with the Super White Army in the 2013/14 season. Lowe wasn't the only one back in his old stomping ground, with Jonny Smith, Paul Mullin, and Callum McManaman all having spent time with the League Two outfit. 

It was Latics who started the game on top and in control, with the visitors looking to turn their early possession into clear-cut opportunities. A well-executed high press presented them with their first opening, and Fraser Murray's right-sided cross caused panic in the Tranmere box, but ultimately was not steered home by any of the incoming Latics forwards.

The pressure inside the opening quarter was rewarded in the 17th minute when CARRAGHER broke the deadlock. A free-kick from a central right position was floated in by Fraser Murray, and Carragher rose above his marker and planted a wonderful header into the bottom corner of Joe Murphy's goal. 

It set the tone for the rest of the first half, with Latics growing in confidence and looking to build on their advantage. Tyrese Francois dragged a strike just wide moments after Carragher's opener, before on the stroke of half-time, Asamoah Jr came inches away from converting Mullin's low cross. 

Half Time; Tranmere Rovers 0-1 Wigan Athletic.

Latics started the second half in the same manner they finished the first, attacking towards the away supporters. A number of dangerous crosses caused problems for the home defence and Murray looked to get himself on the scoresheet, cutting inside and firing in a rasping strike that flew inches wide of the far post. 

To ensure each squad member gained valuable match minutes, Lowe reshuffled his starting side on the hour mark, making six changes, which naturally changed the flow of the pre-season clash. However, it was Latics who remained on top, and Carragher almost notched his second when he glanced McManaman's cross just over the bar. 

Carragher's opportunity turned out to be the last significant chance for either side, and Latics saw out the game without any real issues. 

Full Time; Tranmere Rovers 0-1 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Carragher (17);

Attendance; 2,338

Wigan Athletic (3-5-2) --- Tickle; Carragher, Kerr, Sessegnon; Murray, Francois, Weir, Brenan, J. Smith; Asamoah, Mullin; Subs—Watson, Rogers (for Kerr), Darcy (for Carragher), Aimson (for Sessegnon), McManaman (for Murray), Mellish (for Francois), Graham (for Brenan), Hungbo (for J. Smith), Saydee (for Asamoah), Costelloe (for Mullin);

Tranmere Rovers (4-4-2) ---- Murphy; Norman, Brough, Smith, Smallwood; Whitaker, Davison, Patrick, O’ Connor; Bristow, Kenneh; Subs—Turnbull (for Bristow), Lowe (for Kenneh), Solomon (for Davison), Jennings (for Whitaker), Saunders (for Patrick), Taylor (for Brough), Blacker, Harris (for Norman);

Referee; Not Known;