Three changes were made to the team that earned a point at Bloomfield Road. Matt Smith and Callum McManaman were both introduced in place of Callum Wright (loan) and Raphael, whilst Luke Robinson was preferred defensively to Llyton Chapman, who were both among seven academy graduates in the matchday squad.                                                         

Tom Cleverley’s play-off chasing Pilgrims visited Wigan for the first time in four seasons and were keen to secure successive league wins away from home, where they had been so impressive this season holding the third best record in the division.                                               

Plymouth made two changes to the team that beat Doncaster Rovers 2-1 at the weekend. Herbie Kane was brought in for Wes Harding, whilst former Latic loanee Owen Dale replaced Matthew Sorinola out wide.                                                                                                          

The game had a quiet beginning and the first 20 minutes saw neither side able to work their opposing keeper. However, it was the visitors who looked the more pro-active and the first chance arrived when a free kick found the head of Mitchell, but the central defender headed wide from ten yards.                                                                                                          

That attempt looked to have sparked Latics into action and just minutes later a quick transition in play almost produced a stunning solo effort from Joe Taylor. The striker drove forward from inside his own half before turning his marker and striking a rising shot that flew narrowly over the crossbar.                                   

The first goal in the game arrived in the 38^th minute and it was the away side who struck first.  An in-swinging free kick from the left was put into a dangerous area and when the normally faultless Tickle fumbled the ball PEPPLE was on hand to force the ball home. It did not take long for the visitors to find a second and strengthen their grip on the fixture. A slick build up down Wigan’s left flank saw Boateng finding space and time and when he squared the ball into the path of PEPPLE the big striker powered his shot, from close-range, into the roof of the Latics net.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-2 Plymouth Argyle.

Wigan came out after the interval and immediately went in search of the next goal as they looked for a way back into the game. Caldwell made two changes bringing on Hungbo and Bettoni for Matt Smith and Cal McManaman.                                                            

Plymouth continued to compete for every ball and as a result chances were few and far between. Then shortly after the hour mark Wigan finally created a golden chance to get back into the game. Good link up play between Saydee and Bettoni allowed the later to pull back a low cross and Taylor arriving in the box was able to plant a firm shot on goal that was blocked by the flailing arm of a defender. The offence was a clear penalty, and a red card would surely follow but Scott Oldham and his assistant waved play on to the astonishment of players and crowd alike.                                                                                                   

Bettoni went close from a free kick that had Ashby-Hammond at full stretch to push the ball away for a corner kick.                                                                                                           

Then with Wigan pushing forward the Pilgrims found space in behind substitute Chapman and the low cross that resulted was diverted by Murray against his own post, the rebound fell kindly for the visitors and WATTS smartly tucked his first-time strike into the bottom corner to all but seal the three points.                                                                                            

Latics battled on in the final period of the game and came inches away from finding the net themselves. Substitute Caylan Vickers was sharp to pick up the ball before driving in centrally, before setting it into the path of Taylor, who could only rifle his strike off the upright. That was the last of the major action in front of goal for either side, in a contest that had ultimately been decided by Pepple’s rapid-fire double in the first period.                                  

Wigans performance had lacked energy and whilst they may bemoan the penalty call that may have allowed them back into the game it would be churlish to suggest that Plymouth did not deserve their victory on the night.