Cambridge United were forced into back-to-back defeats in Sky Bet League One as they returned home from the Brick Community Stadium empty-handed as Wigan Athletic picked up a 1-0 win…
It proved to be a frustrating afternoon in Manchester for the visitors, who were in the ascendency for a large period of the match but ultimately could not find a clinical edge and faded as the second half progressed, with the hosts capitalising through Luke Robinson 10 minutes from time to seal the points.
Looking to register an instant reaction to the defeat at home to Stevenage four days earlier, Neil Harris tinkered with his XI as he named three changes. Scott Malone made his debut for the Club after penning terms on Tuesday, whereas Dom Ballard and Jordan Cousins came back into the fold.
There was a good pace to the match early doors from both sides, with an end-to-end, lively encounter requiring just eight minutes for the first shot on target. Falling the way of the hosts, a cushioned header from Baba Adeeko was towards top scorer Dale Taylor with his back to goal from yards out, whose acrobatic effort lacked pace as Nathan Bishop was alert to claim.
Switching shape as time progressed - to allow Elias Kachunga to drift forward and share striking duties with Ballard - the U’s were showcasing more energy in the final third as opposed to last time out but were yet to impose themselves and test Sam Tickle.
25 minutes in, the visitors created their first moment when Josh Stokes picked out a trademark curler from over 20 yards out after cutting inside, but Tickle dived to his left to catch.
Harris’ men were agonisingly close to taking the lead on the half hour mark when Ballard was released out wide by Malone and embarked on a marauding run where he raced into the box and skinned Will Aimson to create space for himself to pull the trigger – it was aimed for the corner but denied by a vital touch from Tickle to force a corner.
Although they had their tails up, there was a real heart-in-mouth moment up the other end five minutes later when James Carragher’s delightful delivery across the six-yard box just evaded Taylor – any touch would undoubtedly have forced home the opener.
The U’s acknowledged that the Latics were there for the taking, enjoying the majority of the chances but being denied by a few important blocks throughout, therefore unable to unlock that killer instinct.
Digging in deep and remaining no-nonsense throughout the backline, there was no need for any stoppage time of an open first period where Cambridge were content with their endeavour.
Continuing in the same manner after the break, James Brophy almost struck gold on 51 when a headed clearance fell to him whilst invitingly looming outside of the area. The winger cleanly connected with the half-volley, but it flew inches over the crossbar.
Front-footed in their approach, it was that final ball which the U’s lacked. They were almost made to pay on the 59th minute when Glenn Whelan’s side pounced on a mishap and created the time for Jonny Smith to pick his spot from an angle in the area, where his curler left Bishop rooted but fortunately for the visiting goalkeeper it passed his right stick.
Shortly after, a change was made as the industrious Ballard made way for Dan Nlundulu, with the match very much still there to be won.
On 68, J. Smith was handed his second bite at the cherry when he was handed more space to capitalise down the right flank, but the shot is held by loanee Bishop.
Ten minutes later, the U’s hard work was undone as Wigan drew first blood with time running out. Adeeko’s strike was an awkward one for Bishop, who was at full stretch to deal and get a fingertip on it, but it fell to substitute Robinson who who followed in to pounce home from close range.
Needing to throw the kitchen sink at the hosts, Harris went all-out attack by introducing Emmanuel Longelo, Dan Barton and Brandon Njoku, but frustratingly for United they limped to the whistle as they were unable to recapture any momentum.
It’s a quick turnaround up next for United, who on Tuesday evening (11th March) make the mammoth trek up to Lancashire to pit their wits against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
Wigan Athletic: Tickle, Chambers (Robinson, 61’), Aimson, Kerr, Carragher, Mellish, Adeeko, Norburn (S. Smith, 62’), Darcy (Dale, 46’), J. Smith (McManaman, 86’), Taylor (Sze, 69’)
Subs Not Used: Watson, Weir
Goalscorers: Robinson (76’)
Bookings: Norburn, Carragher
Cambridge United: Bishop, Bennett (Longelo, 82’), Morrison, Watts, Malone (Okedina, 70’), Cousins, Digby (Njoku, 83’), Brophy, Stokes, Kachunga (Barton, 83’), Ballard (Nlundulu, 62’)
Subs Not Used: Stevens, Stevenson
Goalscorers:
Bookings: Watts, Okedina, Morrison
Referee: Matt Corlett
Attendance: 10,052 (320 away fans)