Cook relieved after Wigan snatch late equaliser against Scunthorpe

Posted Sunday, March 11, 2018 by PA

Paul Cook admitted he could not see where Wigan’s equaliser was going to come from during the 3-3 draw with fellow Sky Bet League One promotion-chasers Scunthorpe.

Despite twice taking the lead in the first half only to be pegged back, Wigan fell behind eight minutes into the second period when Ivan Toney scored against the club with whom he spent the first half of the campaign on loan from Newcastle.

And Cook was indebted to substitute Gary Roberts for the 87th-minute leveller that rescued a point.

“We took the lead with a good goal, and when we take the lead we normally go on and win the game,” said the Wigan boss.

“But it was never like that today – never like that.

“Scunthorpe were brave in their approach to the game and the personnel they had on the pitch.

“When we got the leg up we had to immediately take a step back.

“And when Scunthorpe got their noses in front, you couldn’t really see us getting a goal back.

“But great credit to my players for the way they got themselves back into it.”

Cook also admitted there was a certain inevitability about Toney getting on the scoresheet, having failed to break into the Wigan side during his time at the DW.

“That’s football, come on,” said Cook.

“Lads returning to their old clubs always have something extra to get them going.

“In fairness to Ivan, I’ve always said – and I still think – he’s a top player.

“People forget sometimes he’s still a young boy, and he has a long way to go in the game.

“But I wish him every success because he’s a great lad.”

Wigan had twice led – through Chey Dunkley on 13 minutes and Will Grigg two minutes before the break – but were twice pegged back by Tom Hopper.

And Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander admitted the way in which Wigan saved themselves at the death made it definitely feel like two points dropped.

“It is a bitter pill to take after the performance of the players and how we played over the course of the game,” he said.

“We scored three quality goals so I am gutted to see two points slip from our grasp.

“I was impressed with the focus, intelligence and discipline and the fact we didn’t get dragged out of our shape, which Wigan can do because they are an excellent side.

“Wigan’s record here stands for itself.

“They have conceded six here all season, and we scored three fantastic goals.

“But the thing that hurt us were two deflected goals.”