Wrexham 2 - 1 Wigan

Wigan suffered a heartbreaking late defeat away at Wrexham

Despite a spirited team performance, the Latics left the SToK Cae Ras empty-handed after a narrow 2-1 defeat to an in-form Wrexham side.

Author - Amy W

The away sidedominated the first half, creating numerous chances but failing to capitalise. Wrexham eventually took the lead on the hour mark when Ryan Barnett’s deflected shot found the back of the net. 

Wigan levelled 11 minutes from time through substitutes Silko Thomas and Joe Hugill, with Thomas providing a pinpoint cross for Hugill to head home. However, Wrexham substitute Steven Fletcher broke Wigan’s hearts in the 90th minute, firing in the winner from the edge of the box.

A closer look at what happened

Shaun Maloney made two changes to the starting XI, bringing in Scott Smith and Michael Olakigbe for the injured Matt Smith, who is sidelined until March, and Silko Thomas. Wigan started strongly, with Olakigbe linking up with Baba Adeeko, whose low cross was only prevented from reaching Dale Taylor by a vital Eoghan O’Connell interception.

The Latics controlled the opening 15 minutes, looking sharp but failing to test Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard. Jonny Smith cut inside and fired wide, while Adeeko saw his shot blocked after finding space in the box.

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Wrexham's Paul Mullin finally tested Sam Tickle in the 34th minute with a free kick that was comfortably saved. Moments earlier, Wigan suffered a setback as Adeeko was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury, replaced by Jensen Weir. Olakigbe nearly found the far post with a curling cross, as Wigan ended the half as they started it—firmly on top.

Seconds after the restart, Thelo Aasgaard created the best chance of the game, turning his marker and delivering a dangerous ball across goal that Matty James deflected onto the crossbar. Weir couldn’t convert the rebound, and Aasgaard later fired over from the edge of the box. Wrexham survived another scare when Howard misjudged a clearance, with Toby Sibbick narrowly missing from the resulting corner.

Wrexham then took the lead against the run of play as Barnett’s effort took a wicked deflection off Will Aimson and nestled in the bottom corner.

Wigan’s persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Thomas whipped in a perfect cross for Hugill, who nodded in from close range. But their hopes of a hard-earned point were dashed when Fletcher struck at the death, sealing all three points for the hosts.