Wigan 2 Swindon 0 - Alternative Report

Report on the way

What the managers said

Jewell said: "In the second half we played as well as we have done for some time.

"We grew in confidence after the opening goal and I am pleased that we created so many chances but we still had to battle against a big strong side."

King said: "This is a magnificent football club but it's a pity they can't get the pitch to match the surroundings.

"It must be a real hindrance for poor Jewell because it's a big leveller and it's an atrocious surface on which to play football."

Player Ratings

John Filan 7
Another comfortable game for John. Almost suffered a last minute equaliser, however the ball was headed off the line by Jackson before Ellington finished the Robins off.

Nicky Eaden 8
Again, it was another good game from another bargain of the season. Got forward very well today, something which seems to be coming into his game more often recently.

Peter Kennedy 7
Played a lot better at left back than left midfield as in previous games. Someof his crosses left the strikers confused.

Matt Jackson 7
10 out of 10 for defending but needs to develop his short passing. Far to often the ball is pumped forward to no avail from the right foot of Jackson when the short option is much better.

Jason De Vos 8
De Vos continues to amaze opposing fans up and down the country with his comanding defending and inspirational leadership. Another top draw performance.

Gary Teale 9
Teale started slowly as did the rest of the team but he just grew with confidance and after his goal went in there was no stopping the quick Scot as he gave former Reading full-back the stuff of nightmares down our right hand-side. Absolutely superb today.

Lee McCulloch 7
Nice to see Lee get a good run out after his injury. You know what your going to get from him. A good spirited battling performance down the left. Seemed to be lacking match fitness and so only played 80 of the 90.

Tony Dinning 8
Another surprise this season. Tony seems a different player from the one we saw last season. Commanding in midfield in partner Jarrett's absence. Broke up many Swindon attacks and set up plenty of Latics moves. Nearly scored a screaming volley in the second period.

Paul Mitchell 7
Did a very good job in lace of the suspended Jason Jarrett, got booked for a proffessional foul in the second half, otherwise a very gutsy performance from the Manchester lad.

Nathan Ellington 7
Could have had a hat-trick today. He missed three superb chances but just about made up for this with his winner right at the death.

Neil Roberts 8
He seems to be getting better with every game he plays. Chased eveything and made the Robins' centre backs feel very un-comfotable. did not deserve to come off. Could have only been for the rest.

Substitutes

Mike Flynn 6
Didn't have very long on the pitch after coming on for McCulloch. Hard to judge him on that 10 minutes.

Andy Liddell 7
Set-up the Duke's last minute winner, and played a lot harder than the Liddell before his suspension. Almost chased as much as Robbo... nah! Took a very ambitious free-kick from 25 yards, didn't really have long enough to stamp too much of an impression.

Match Pictures

Other pleasant results for the Latics

Manchester United

(1)

2

Birmingham City

(0)

0

67,640

Ugly Steve Bruce may have left us in a rot but his side fell at Old Trafford. Should have been more.

Crystal Palace

(1)

2

Preston North End

(0)

0

18,484

Where's your Ricardo Fuller. With top striker Fuller sidelined North End look like relegation material.