Time running out for Wigan in their battle against relegation

Wigan once again fell to a narrow defeat losing 1-0 to play-off hopefuls Portsmouth on Easter Monday.

Leam Richardson named an unchanged side from the one that was beaten 1-0 by Gillingham in midweek and Wigan enjoyed the majority of the ball but were unable to do much with it, a recurring theme in recent weeks.

Curtis Tilt went close in the first half for Wigan, however his effort was cleared off the line by Portsmouth defender Jack Whatmough.

Latics played themselves into the game and thought they had a huge opportunity to break onto Craig MacGillivray’s goal when Jamie Proctor muscled his way past Sean Raggett to steal possession. He looked to be baring down on goal, but the play was pulled back by the referee for a foul by the striker much to the frustration of the staff watching on from the technical area.

Pompey recorded a fourth successive win thanks to a rocket from Andy Cannon, just 36 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute.

The Latics suffered a blow in the closing stages, star man Callum Lang was helped off the field after suffering a bang to the head.

Time is running out for Wigan in their battle to beat the drop, however even though they sit second bottom they are only two points adrift of safety.

Results elsewhere went in Wigan’s favour with Wimbledon, Swindon and Northampton all losing.

Frustrating Easter (on the field at least)…not much in both games against two play-off challengers, plenty of effort and endeavour…but zero goals and zero points. Seven games to go, two points to make up. #wafc https://t.co/zr6jx9E3NF

— Paul Kendrick (@PKendrickWIG) April 5, 2021

Manager Leam Richardson, who has been linked with a move to Ipswich Town, described the result as a ‘tough one to take.’

“In the first half, in my opinion, we possibly let a game go. We got into some great areas, could have gone in one or two goals up but we didn’t work them enough and our quality has to be better.

“We’re playing against an in-form Portsmouth side and our lads matched the fight and we took the game to them. Unfortunately, we dropped on the wrong side of the result.”

Following on from the midweek defeat to Gillingham, Latics have produced performances that warranted more from both games and Richardson remains upbeat that points will come if those performances continue.

“We are in a routine where people are saying ‘unlucky’ and ‘you’re the best team’, but we’ve fallen on the wrong side of the result and we need results.”

Wigan have not won since 9 March with three defeats and two draws in their last five. The last time Wigan picked up any points was 27 March when they drew 0-0 with Ipswich at the DW Stadium.

Whilst Wigan’s troubles continue on the pitch, off the pitch the club’s takeover by new owners Phoenix 2021 Limited was completed on 30 March.

Wigan travel to Doncaster on Saturday and with Rovers in poor form the Latics will hope to secure 3 massive points in their battle to beat the drop.