Latics make progress in improved showing

Jamie Reckord

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ATHLETIC 0, WIGAN 1

PRACTICE hasn't made perfect for Athletic so far this pre-season, but they are heading in the right direction.

Against Championship opposition ­in Wigan ­- the Lancashire rivals meet again in a couple of weeks' time in the EFL Cup ­- Stephen Robinson's charges were deserving of a draw.

Michael Jacobs' precision free-kick in the 77th minute split the two sides, condemning the hosts to a fourth straight loss in warm-up games.

It was, though, an outing sprinkled with optimism and big step up from Saturday's performance at AFC Fylde.

The width of a post and a good reaction stop from Jussi Jaaskelainen made sure the 'other' Latics supporters returned home reasonably content.

But those near misses ­- one shouldn't forget Jake Cassidy wasted a good chance from 15 yards ­as well - and the endeavour shown throughout by their team, Athletic fans ought not to be too downhearted.

Skipper Peter Clarke and side-kick Cameron Burgess look solid at the heart of the defence, while in front of them Ollie Banks and trialist Paul Green broke up play well and spread the ball at every opportunity.

EXCELLENT

Full-back Jamie Reckord was forever keen to get forward and one excellent low cross in the first half almost picked out the on-rushing Billy Mckay.

Reckord found himself in the penalty box in the second period, but after turning on to his left foot, his effort was pushed away by Jaaskelainen.

Josh Law was unlucky to see his free-kick cannon off the woodwork, while Lee Erwin had a shot charged down and Mckay lost his footing after finding space inside the area.

Mckay again ran hard. No cause was a lost cause against his parent club, while Erwin put himself about and provided a good outlet when Burgess decided to go long.

Connor Ripley, back in goal for Athletic after making way for Chris Kettings on Saturday, had very little to do.

He watched one Max Power shot go wide, while another just before half-time hit the underside of the bar.

Wigan had their best spell in the lead up to the break, with Clarke doing well to turn a dangerous cross behind for a corner.

The introduction of second-half substitutes ­- Wigan used eight ­- impacted on the flow of the game, and it was one of the replacements, Jacobs, who struck the decisive blow.

Lee Croft looked like a man wanting a longer stay at SportsDirect.com Park ­- he has a deal for a month ­- with a last half-hour cameo full of energy and a long-range shot smothered by the goalkeeper.

Forward Arnold Garita, one of three trialists used on the night by Robinson, made his presence felt in the second period, but could not break down Wigan's resistance.

So it's a whiff of North Sea air for Athletic on Saturday ­- Grimsby are the hosts ­- and another stepping stone before the real business gets under way seven days later.

Athletic: Ripley, Law, Clarke, Reckord (Brown, 87), Burgess, Flynn (Winchester, 87), Banks (Croft, 60), Mckay (Garita, 45), Mantack (trialist, 45), Erwin (Cassidy, 66), Green (Woodland, 66). Subs not used: Kettings (GK), Edmundson, Stott.

Wigan: Bogdan (Jaaskelainen, 45), Power (Perkins, 62), Gilbey (Jacobs, 71), Morsy, Grigg (Brannigan, 71), Flores (Wildschut, 45), Burn, Buxton (Hendry, 62), Morgan (Colclough, 62), Powell, Burke (Chow, 71).

Referee: R Joyce.

Att: 954 (130 from Wigan).