Reserves: The Latics 0 Sheffield United 0

Taylor gave an impressive display to build upon his appearance in the 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, returning from an injury hell that kept the young right back out for just over a year.

The result comes after a lengthy winter break for the reserves and gives the side hope of climbing their way out of bottom place in the Northern Premier Reserve League.

Aside from the result, Latics also took comfort in 90 minute displays from new boys Andreas Granqvist and Kristofer Haestad who impressed as Wigan dominated a lacklustre affair in front of club chairman Dave Whelan.

The game failed to get going in the first half with few chances at either end to

Taylor made for Comeback: Ryan plays full 90

speak of. Wigan did get the ball in the back of the net early on but the goal was disallowed for offside, much to the frustration of the on-looking crowd enjoying the free entry policy adopted by the club.

Sheffield United tried their best to get back into the game with some neat link up play in and around the box but the Wigan defence gave good cover to veteran keeper John Filan.

The best chance of the half fell to Latics striker James Dunn. After good work on the wing, a cross from the left evaded the Blades defence and fell through to the number nine who saw his shot fly over the bar from 8 yards out.

Wigan came out in the second half and continued to dominate. The midfield was continuing to impress with Chilean trialist Jorge Acuna acting as a stronghold in the centre of the pitch.

However despite carving out some good chances and having the majority of possession, Latics lacked any killer instinct in front of goal

Wigan battled on and eventually created the best chance of the game for Dunn. Some good link up play from midfield cut open the Sheffield United defence to leave the young striker one on one with only the keeper to beat. His saw his initial shot saved only for a rebounded effort to sail over the bar in what would have been the deciding goal as full time approached.

The game was overshadowed by the welcome return of Ryan Taylor who was in high sprits after the game. He told the clubs' official site; "I have complete confidence in the leg now and it's just a question of match fitness."

He added; "I've had a taste of the first team again now, and I want to feature on Sunday against Everton. But I know I can't get ahead of myself and I'll listen to the advice of the manager and the medical staff, who have been absolutely brilliant to me these past months."

The reserves will look to gain their first win of the season when they face Newcastle United next Wednesday night at the Robin Park Arena. Kick off at 7.30 pm

Teams:

Wigan Reserves: Filan, Taylor, Granqvist, Ashworth, King, Cywka, Haestad, Acuna, Montrose, Dunn, Smith.

Subs: Horn, Mahon, Moore, Pearson, Owens

Sheffield United Reserves ‘A': Hernandez, Starosta, Wright, Ross, Seck, Roma, Travis, Law, Marrison, Robertson, Hurst.

Subs: Gyaki, Kerry, Donnelly.