LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

The game started quietly, with both sides looking to get a hold of proceedings but when good pressure from Owen Moxon in the middle of the park forced a mistake in the Barnsley backline, Joe Taylor was there to press and have a sight on goal, but as he rounded Owen Goodman, he could only shoot wide from a tight angle.                                                            

Latics were now looking comfortable and carried a constant threat in transition. After picking up a second ball Wright was able to travel forward and strike towards goal, with a deflected effort that was well saved by Goodman. Taylor was the next to go close as he sprinted forward again to curl ae effort on goal but against the palms of the Barnsley 'keeper.                                                                                                                

Wigans next attack was to prove decisive, Sam Tickle gathered a corner and quickly released to Joe TAYLOR with a raking kick that allowed the Wigan forward to get behind the Barnsley defence before controlling the ball and lifting a delightful finish over Owen Goodman and into the net for the lead.                                                                                                     

Wigan finished the half in control and Barnsley, despite having their fair share of possession failed to create anything meaningful in attack. Latics, on their part, continued to carry that threat and Callum Wright rattled the woodwork after he connected well with a first-time strike.

Half Time; Barnsley 0-1 Wigan Athletic.

Barnsley came out for the second period searching for a way back into the game, with their first real chances coming after Moxon gave away a foul on the edge of the area and Luca Connell struck a fierce drive that flew just over the bar. Adam Phillips then set his sights on a goal from distance, and he forced Tickle into punching his swerving effort to safety.           

Latics were defending well as Barnsley tried to increase the pressure and build on their good home form.                                                                                                                                        

Wigan still offered plenty in attack and a free kick just outside of the area by Jensen Weir brushed the side netting with Goodman a mere spectator.                                                   

Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane rang the changes as the Tykes became more and more desperate in their attacking efforts and their search for a goal got a major boost when Wright went to ground and was deemed to have fouled in the middle of the park, which resulted in a second yellow card and then red.                                                                              

Caldwell's men now had to dig in, and when the referee somehow found nine minutes of extra time the writing was on the wall for the Wigan side. McGoldrick, who had been kept quiet throughout by the impressive Kerr and Aimson, found a pocket of space on the right and unleashed a drive from twenty yards that Tickle could only parry back into the danger area and the ball fell kindly into the path of debutant LENNON who fired home from close-range.                                                                                                                      

Barnsley now threw everything at Wigan for the remaining minutes but to no avail as the points were eventually shared.