Shaun Maloney frustrated by Wigan’s lack of clinical edge against Stockport

Posted Sunday, October 06, 2024 by PA

Wigan boss Shaun Maloney was left feeling frustrated after his side drew 0-0 away to Stockport to make it six games unbeaten.

Former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool playmaker Thiago Alcantara was a boardroom guest at Edgeley Park, but he was treated to everything but a goal-mouth thriller.

The Latics managed to put the ball in the back of the net in first-half stoppage-time when Thelo Aasgaard rifled home from a corner, but it was disallowed for handball.

Dave Challinor’s Hatters couldn’t convert their chances in the second half and went close to breaking the deadlock in the dying embers. Isaac Olaofe rose highest in the box but his headed effort from a corner was unbelievably cleared off the line.

Maloney said: “I was frustrated with the first half and pleased with how we defended our box in the second half.

“First half, we were definitely more dominant in certain areas.

“What was frustrating was that we didn’t turn enough in the first half into chances, but that is something I need to work on.

“In the second half, they changed to a back three and we definitely had to defend the longer ball more and set plays again, which the boys did.

“The lads defensively did fantastic and I just need the mentality to be a bit more aggressive when we are on top in games like this.

“Every team needs to suffer in moments in the game and I like that my team can do that.

“The overriding feeling is I’m pretty frustrated with the first half.

“We had a lot of possession in the middle of the pitch without getting more chances in the final third.

“I would have liked to have won today, same as Exeter. I think Stevenage we probably didn’t do enough to win, similar to today.

“A draw was probably about fair. I’m very happy defensively and there is definitely some games we could have done more in terms of our attacking play.”

Stockport had managed to score in every match so far this season but Wigan proved too stern of a test. However, the point keeps the visitors in the play-off places on goal difference.

Gambian international Ibou Touray said: “We’ve done everything today except score. The lads worked so hard.

“We kept going until the end, but we just couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net. That’s disappointing.

“I feel like we didn’t get what we deserved in the end there.

“I feel like our standards are getting higher week by week. The belief we’ve got in the camp and around the club is that we can beat anyone in this league.

“Anytime we don’t win, we’re frustrated and that’s the feeling. You have to take a point in the end, but we wanted more.

“At the start of the season you’d say you’d take the start we’ve had. But with all the draws we’ve had, you’d want to turn those into wins and we want to be higher.”