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Wigan Athletic 2 Gillingham 0 – League 1 match report

Gillingham’s winning run was halted by league leaders Wigan.

Goals from Will Grigg and Nick Powell put the hosts in firm control at the break.

Michael Jacobs hit the woodwork in the second half for the home side as they held onto their first-half cushion.

Gillingham concede in the first half at Wigan Picture: Andy Payton
Gillingham concede in the first half at Wigan Picture: Andy Payton

Reaction: Wigan deserved it, says the Gills boss

Gillingham were looking to extend their winning run to five games at League table toppers Wigan but found themselves second best.

The Gills, who hadn’t won in Wigan for over 20 years, were facing their biggest test of the season.

Boss Steve Lovell unsurprisingly named an unchanged side for the game, but it was a tough opening half for the Gills, as Wigan showed their superior class.

Tom Eaves did manage to deflect a Luke O’Neill cross onto the upright but Wigan were already one goal ahead by then.

Tom Eaves is crowded out in the Wigan box Picture: Andy Payton
Tom Eaves is crowded out in the Wigan box Picture: Andy Payton

Grigg had a simple finish to put Wigan infront, turning home Reece James’ left-sided cross.

Wigan continued to threaten and Grigg nodded a cross onto the bar.

Ehmer picked up a yellow card but it could have been red after fouling Ryan Colclough on the edge of the box. Powell's free-kick hit the wall.

The Gills were always capable of creating something and Callum Reilly had a great opportunity to level, running onto Eaves’ throw-in, but after fending off the defender his shot went straight at the keeper.

Gills keeper Tomas Holy got down well to save from Colclough and from Max Power’s subsequent corner Powell headed home.

Josh Parker looking for options Picture: Andy Payton
Josh Parker looking for options Picture: Andy Payton

Wigan hit the woodwork just before the hour mark, with Jacobs smashing an effort against one post before seeing it roll just past the other.

Jacobs lifted a good chance over the bar for the hosts while Gills sub Elliott List worked the keeper after making space for himself in the box.

Holy denied Jacobs with an outstretched foot as Wigan broke but the visitors continued to try their luck. List had a shot deflected wide at the other end.

List had the ball in the net as the Gills pushed for a way back into the game, but the flag was raised for offside, much to the frustration of the forward.

Gillingham: Holy, O’Neill, Garmston, Ehmer, Zakuani, Hessenthaler, Reilly, Byrne, Martin (Moussa 72mins), Parker (List 59mins), Eaves (Wilkinson 83mins). Subs: Ogilvie, Nugent, Hadler, Nash.

Wigan: Walton, Byrne, James, Colclough (Walker 55mins), Burn, Jacobs, Morsy, Dunkley, Power, Powell (Fulton 83mins), Grigg (Vaughan 65min). Subs: Jones, Elder, Bruce, Roberts.

Attendance: 8,384 (349 away)

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