Revival boosts visitors

CAN it really be only two years since Roberto Martinez’s Wigan Athletic shocked the football world by defeating moneybags Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium?

So much has happened in the intervening period. And it’s not been good. Don’t forget that during their week of glory in the FA Cup, Wigan were relegated from the Premier League. Two unspectacular campaigns in the Championship followed, culminating with a nightmare second relegation in three seasons last May.

Now in the third tier and ahead of their first meeting with Oldham since 2003, former club captain Gary Caldwell is in charge - and his side didn’t have a great start to the season.

The team languishes well down the table, but a much-improved run of three wins from the last four games has seen a surge up to eighth place.

Wigan has had a clear week to prepare for Saturday’s SportsDirect.com Park set-to, having worked hard to see off a determined Fleetwood side 2-1 at the DW Stadium last weekend.

Wigan-born full debutant Jordan Flores – in for injured former Oldham striker Craig Davies – was on target, as was Michael Jacobs.

Wigan endured a nervy final spell after Tyler Hornby-Forbes struck back for the Cod Army, but Caldwell was happy with further progress in his first full season in charge after taking over from Malky Mackay in April.

Caldwell said: “For 55 minutes we were outstanding. Our passing, movement, control of the game and running from midfield was very good, especially when you consider we had to change the shape late with Craig Davies’ injury.

“We did very well, but we probably need to be a bit more clinical when we are on top in games so we don’t have to put up with that last half-hour like we did.

“When we got disappointed after their goal we didn’t move the ball quickly enough and we let them back in and put ourselves under pressure.

“There’s frustration there because at 2-0 we thought it could be three or four and we allowed them back into the game. We were under pressure.

“We’ve got resilience among the squad, though. They hung on and that’s pleasing.”