Leam Richardson: Work rate key to Wigan ending winless run

Posted Thursday, November 29, 2018 by PA

Wigan assistant boss Leam Richardson praised his side’s work rate after the Latics picked up a first Sky Bet Championship win in 10 attempts with a deserved 3-1 Lancashire derby victory over Blackburn.

Veteran midfielder Gary Roberts curled home the opener shortly before half-time and James Vaughan then converted a second-half penalty.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray made four changes from the side thrashed 4-1 by Preston last time out, but the visitors offered little until Dan Burn’s own goal gave them hope seven minutes from time.

But Wigan quickly restored their two-goal advantage through substitute Callum McManaman.

Richardson said: “The lads have been working hard.

“They thoroughly deserved the win. This squad is together and they want to cover every blade of grass for each other.”

On the Latics long wait for a win, Richardson added: “That’s the league – you’re up against quality opposition and quality players and you’ve got to pit your wits against them.”

Wigan should have gone in front in the 34th minute, but Corry Evans cleared Vaughan’s header off the line and Burn’s follow-up effort struck the crossbar, before Cedric Kipre headed a Kal Naismith cross wide from six yards.

A low-key opening period was lit up by the hosts’ opening goal, as 34-year-old Roberts cut in from the right and curled a left-footed effort in off the far post from 20 yards.

Vaughan doubled the Latics’ lead with a 54th-minute penalty, lashing home from 12 yards after Jack Rodwell brought down the impressive Josh Windass.

Blackburn finally made a game of it seven minutes from time as the ball pinged around the Wigan box before Burn inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

However, just three minutes later McManaman turned home Windass’ low cross at the back post to seal a first Wigan win since September 21.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray revealed his players had exchanged “angry words” in the dressing room and threatened to ring the changes again for Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

He said: “There might be another four or five (changes) at the weekend if that’s the performance level to be honest – there’s some players that deserve an opportunity.

“This team have got a lot of credit in the bank but they have to get back to basics and doing what we’re good at.

“Let’s push the reset button and get ready to go again.

“That’s the first angry words I’ve seen amongst our footballers in 20 months in the dressing room, which is good to an extent.

“My job is to keep a rein on it and make sure they use their anger and frustration in the right manner.”