Wigan 0 Doncaster 0: Rovers forced to share spoils at Latics

PAUL DICKOV’S team had three penalty shouts waved away by referee David Webb during an end-to-end encounter, before settling for a goalless draw at Wigan.
Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger had a penalty appeal turned down at the DW Stadium.Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger had a penalty appeal turned down at the DW Stadium.
Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger had a penalty appeal turned down at the DW Stadium.

Both goalkeepers made brilliant stops after both sides came close to breaking the deadlock in the first-half.

Michael Jacobs came closest for the Latics in the 17th minute, his curling free-kick hitting the left-hand side of the bar on it’s way over. Former Brentford man Harry Forrester was the main catalyst for the majority of Rovers’ chances throughout, forcing O’Donnell into multiple saves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Two of the visitors’ three penalty appeals came just before and after the interval.

Andy Williams was beckoning down on goal when he appeared to be pushed over by David Perkins, before captain James Coppinger was bundled to the ground just after the break.

During a frantic second half, both sides pushed for the three points.

On the hour mark, Gary MacKenzie rocketed a header past a helpless O’Donnell into the underside of the bar before the hosts’ defence cleared.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Moments later, Jacobs cut inside his marker and slotted his effort inches wide.

Rovers boss Dickov reflected: “We could have had at least two penalties today but I’m encouraged by the football we played both on and off the ball.

“It’s always a difficult place to come but we deserved the three points. I’m really positive. The players were fantastic and the travelling fans were fantastic.”

Doncaster Rovers: Stuckmann, McCullough, Butler, MacKenzie, Taylor-Sinclair, Evina, Wellens, Middleton, Forrester, Coppinger (c), Williams (Main 78). Unused substitutes: Marosi, Lund, Jones, Mandeville, P.Mckay, Whitehouse

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wigan Athletic: O’Donnell, James, Perkins, Power, McCann (Murray 54), Grigg, Jacobs, Morgan (Capt), Junior (Coulthirst 54), Barnett, Kenny. Unused substitutes: Jaaskelainen, Daniels, Davies, Flores, McNaughton

Referee: D Webb.