Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

 13^th December 2025

A POINT WELL MADE FOR THE TICS.

Wigan Athletic kept their unbeaten run alive with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Huddersfield Town. Latics extended their run to games without defeat to 10 matches in all competitions after Raphael's first EFL goal cancelled out Murray Wallace's first-half header at the Accu Stadium. It has been a productive last two months for Lowe's men, who have not tasted defeat since their home loss against Wycombe Wanderers at the start of October. The Club's recent upturn in results has resulted in the side climbing up to 11th prior to their trip to Huddersfield, providing the Tics with a real platform to build from ahead of a hectic Christmas period, which sees them play five fixtures in just over a fortnight.

Wigans full focus was on their midday meeting with the Terriers, who had won eight and drawn three of their opening 19 matches. The hosts were keen to return to winning ways after their midweek draw at Northampton Town and propel themselves back into the Play-Off picture. 

Lowe made three changes from the Emirates FA Cup win against Barrow AFC last weekend, with Luke Robinson, Jensen Weir, and Christian Saydee replacing Tyrese Francois, Dara Costelloe, and Paul Mullin in the starting line-up. Huddersfield Town made four changes to their starting side, welcoming back Ryan Ledson, Lyden Gooche, Radinio Balker, and Alfie May, after contending with both illness and suspension for their midweek away draw.

It was Latics who came firing out of the blocks, immediately pressing high and trying to limit Huddersfield's ability to play out from the back. A clumsy high challenge by Wallace in the opening minutes left Murray in a heap and could easily have seen the ex-Millwall man seeing an early red card, but the referee opted to show yellow. Christian Saydee's pressure then led to Joe Low miscuing his clearance and it fell invitingly for Murray, whose first-time strike was ultimately too tame to trouble ex-Latics goalkeeper Lee Nicholls. At the other end, Latics were indebted to Matt Smith, who denied an almost certain opening goal. Dion Charles found space down Latics' right-hand side and seemingly put the ball on a plate for Alfie May, but Smith tracked the run brilliantly and slid to stop the experienced League One forward from scoring.                                                                                                                                           

The home side were visibly growing in confidence, and they crafted another opportunity in the 17th minute when Leo Castledine found a pocket of space to drive into, and his eventual shot was well saved by Sam Tickle. Tickle was again called into action before the half-hour mark. Sean Roughan unleashed a low left-footed drive towards goal from 25 yards, but Tickle got a strong hand on the effort and palmed it to safety.                                                        

Having gained control, Huddersfield broke the deadlock in the 34th minute from a generously awarded free kick. Gooch whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, and despite Tickle's best efforts, WALLACE's downward header bounced high into the corner of the net.  Latics did not let the concession dampen their spirits and had a huge opportunity to equalise three minutes before the break. Murray's delivery from the right was met by Saydee, who was unable to direct his volley on target.                                                                                      

The last opportunity of the first half fell in the way of the hosts. Despite Raphael appearing to have been fouled on the halfway line, play was allowed to continue, and Ledson saw his thumping strike tipped over by Tickle.

Half Time; Huddersfield Town 1-0 Wigan Athletic.

Wigan began the second half in determined fashion as they pinned the hosts back in defence and dominated the early possession with the half-time introduction of Costelloe for Robinson causing problems for the home defence.                                                                           

A fast-paced flowing move saw Latics sweep forward and Wright played a delightful through ball that picked out RAPHAEL.  The on-loan Coventry City man netted his first goal in the EFL, as he collected the pass and prodded the ball under the advancing Nicholls.                                                   

The goal sparked real confidence in Lowe's men, who were immediately on the hunt for a second. James Carragher thought he was going to build on his goal against Barrow last weekend, but he was unable to fully connect with Murray's corner. Then Raphael came within inches of netting his second of the game in the 65th minute. The Australian curled a wonderful strike from the edge of the area, which beat Nicholls, but came off the crossbar. It led to a barrage of attacks, and Wright, Morgan Fox and Saydee all came close with strikes of their own.                                                                                                                              The home fans were now becoming restless and Lee Grant, the Huddersfield manager decided to ring the changes. Bojan Radulovi? was introduced in an attempt to combat Latics' period of pressure, and his impact was almost immediate. The substitute raced onto Charles' flick-on and connected well with his strike from 18 yards out, but Tickle was alert and made a sharp save. 

Both sides continued to push for a winner, but their efforts came to no avail and the points were shared.

Full Time; Huddersfield Town 1-1 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Raphael (51); Wallace (34).

Attendance; TBA

Wigan Athletic (4-5-1) --- Tickle; Aimson, Carragher, Fox; Robinson; Murray, Weir, Smith, Wright, Raphael; Saydee. Subs--- Savin (G), Sessegnon, Bettoni, McManaman, Brenan, Costelloe (for Robinson), Mullin (for Saydee)

Huddersfield Town (3-5-2) ---- Nicholls; Baker, Low, Wallace; Gooch, Harness, Ledson, Castledine, Roughan; May, Charles; Subs--- Goodman (G), Roosken, Ashia (for Wallace), Sorensen (for Gooch), Kasumu (for Ledson), Wiles (for Castledine), Radulovic (for May).

Referee; Mr. Darren Drysdale (Lincoln)