Reserves: The Latics 1 Newcastle United 1

Wigan dominated possession and put Newcastle on the back foot for the majority of the game. However a lack of killer instinct and an inspired performance from Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster prevented the Latics from getting that elusive first win of the season.

Reserve coach Mark Seagraves fielded a strong side with the likes of John Filan, Matt Jackson, David Cotterill, Tomasz Cywka and Andrea Johansson all getting a run out.

Also in the side was Ryan Taylor who had another chance to improve his

Johansson scores for the reserves

match fitness alongside the new Scandinavian pair of Andreas Granqvist and Kristofer Haestad.

Wigan enjoyed the better of the first period and gained a quick lead when Swede Andreas Johansson struck home after 13 minutes.

Latics continued to pressurise and went close soon after with strikes from James Dunn and new boy Kristofer Haesatd only to be foiled by an emphatic Forster in the Toon goal.

After the break Newcastle began quickly, some good play from Toon midfielder Kazenga LuaLua led to a 20-yard effort saved by John Filan.

But it was a rarity as Newcastle's keeper continued to keep them in the game. Next to test the 18-year-old was Ryan Taylor who impressed in his 90 minute run out with a dipping volley nearly putting Latics 2-0 up.

However Latics frustration to close the game out only increased 60 minutes in when midfielder David Cotterill went down injured and had to be replaced by Jonathon Smith.

Newcastle hit back and punished Wigan for their lack of finishing. 73 minutes in LuaLua battled through the midfield before slipping in substitute Johnny Godsmark who slotted home past the on-rushing Filan to bring the scores level.

Wigan pushed on looking for the winner and came close in the dying minutes when Peter Moore struck from eight yards only for Forster to claw the ball away and earn his side an undeserved point.

Latics next game is away at Everton on Tuesday the 20th February, Kick off 7.00 pm

Teams:

Wigan Athletic: Filan, Taylor, King, Jackson, Granqvist, Haestad (Montrose 83), Cotterill (Smith 61), Cywka, Dunn, Johansson, Moore

Unused Subs: Saunders, Ashworth, Mahon

Newcastle United: Forster, Bertram, Francis (Cavener 45), Lough, Bernard (Cowan 76), Troisi, Pattison, Gate, LuaLua, Carroll, Donaldson (Godsmark 66)

Unused Subs: Doninger, Marwood

Referee: S.P. Cummins