By @LaticsOfficial

YOUNG LATICS, WITH 11 ACADEMY GRADUATES IN MATCHDAY SQUAD, SIGN OFF WITH A GOALLESS DRAW.

  • Match Report | Latics 0 Rotherham 0
  • Latics sign off with a goalless draw in final game of the 2022/23 season.
  • Matchday squad made up of 11 Academy graduates.

LATICS 0

ROTHERHAM UNITED 0

Attendance: 17,788

Wigan Athletic ended the 2022/23 Championship season with a 0-0 draw at the DW Stadium in a game which saw the matchday squad made up of 11 3PL Academy graduates.

Thelo Aasgaard went close twice for Latics in the second half forcing saves from the Rotherham United goalkeeper, as did Omar Rekik. At the other end, Sam Tickle impressed on his Latics League debut as he kept a clean sheet on a big day personally.

Latics headed into the game at the DW Stadium knowing we would play our football back in League One next season, but it was an opportunity to at least sign off with a victory, whilst giving a glimpse of some of the young talent that may be on show next season.

Manager Shaun Maloney made six changes to his team and admitted that a number of his starting 11 were, to their credit, playing without yet receiving their April salaries. His line-up included a first Latics League start for goalkeeper Tickle, whilst Anthony Scully also started in the League for the first time. Jack Whatmough stepped into midfield, whilst James McClean captained the side. It was a proud day for the 3PL Academy with all seven spots occupied by youngsters. 

The visitors had the first meaningful effort at goal after eight minutes as Tariqe Fosu jinked his way through the Latics defence and fired a low effort at goal, which Tickle did well to beat away to safety.

Domingos Quina then broke free down the left and crossed low, but Charlie Hughes was there for Latics to divert over his own crossbar.

Latics first opportunity fell after 18 minutes as Captain McClean crossed deliciously for the arriving Aasgaard, but his sliding effort from 10 yards was right at the Rotherham stopper.

At the other end, Jamie Lindsay skipped through, but Christ Tiehi saved the day with a last-ditch poke of the ball as the Rotherham midfielder bared down on Tickle’s goal.

Scully was looking lively up top for Latics in his first league start as was winger Fosu who again whipped in a dangerous cross which evaded everyone and ran out to safety.

Tom Pearce gave the ball away in a dangerous area, but Jordan Hugill’s effort was blocked and then clutched by Tickle who was having a solid game on his league debut.

Aasgaard had the first effort for the second half six minutes after the break as he hit a shot from 25 yards, but his effort was blocked.

At the other end Hugill turned on the edge of the box and dragged his shot wide before Tickle did well to palm a ball out from under his own crossbar following a dangerous cross from the left which looked like it could have been creeping in.

Young striker Chris Sze then came on for his league debut and he was close to putting Callum Lang through on goal, but his pass didn’t have enough legs.

Tickle was called into action again on 65 minutes as he palmed away Quina’s 25-yard free-kick before Aasgaard had Latics' best chance so far as he met Lang’s deep cross with a header, but it was straight at Viktor Johansson.

Abdi Sharif was the next youngster to come on, but this time it was his full Latics debut and he was straight into the action as he laid the ball off for Pearce to find McClean with a cross, but he fired over.

Rekik was then inches from his first Latics goal as his header at the back post following a Lang free-kick was tipped wide before Aasgaard was involved again as his 30-yard curling effort was again saved by Johansson.

From the resulting corner, the ball found its way to Christ Tiehi lurking outside the area, but his half-volley just missed the top corner. Lang then tried his luck from 30 yards, but again Johansson was equal to it.

Charlie Hughes, who has been a revelation for Latics in his debut season, then had a shot saved from 25 yards before another debutant, wing back Youssef Chentouf came on for his first Latics appearance alongside young Scott Smith.

Both sides were happy to settle for a point in a game which emphasised the strength of the Latics 3PL Academy and gave the fans a small glimpse of the talent which could be on show at the DW Stadium next season.

The players, who are a credit to this Club, then stayed behind for a lap of honour as the fans showed their appreciation.

Wigan: Tickle, Hughes, Caulker (Sze 60'), Rekik (Chentouf 88'), McClean, Whatmough, Tiéhi (Smith 88'), Pearce, Lang, Aasgaard, Scully (Abdi Sharif 69')

Subs: McHugh, Adeeko, Watson

Rotherham: Johansson, Humphreys, Wood, Hjelde (Holvey 81'), Harding, Lindsay, Fosu-Henry, Bramall, Domingos Quina (Kelly 75'), Odoffin, Hugill (Kioso 88')

Subs: Eaves, Hemfrey, Durose, Douglas,