For Those Who Did Not Attend

Almost 28,300 spectators turned out with only a handful of Wiganites. There will be those who are very disappointed, especially as a win would have taken us to 4th in the table. But it was not to be. Derby were sufficiently off colour and Wigan well enough organised to keep clean sheets on both sides.

First half was lifeless and if anything, although Derby had much more possession, it was Scott Carson who had to make the better saves to ensure it was scoreless. Like last week after half-time, Derby came out with more drive and intention though Hughes, Butterfield, Ince and Russell were all playing below their normal. However, there were a few positives, shown mostly when Bent and Russell were replaced by Vydra and Camara. The latter especially showed some creativity and the ability to beat a defender which, in my opinion merit a start or two soon. Anya too showed some special abilities and he put in some good crosses with nobody available to take advantage. Hughes was booked and will now be banned for a couple of games. Bryson or Camara may get their chance.

Our defence was not as solid as usual. Pearce and Baird were both a bit careless but when Wigan did get through Carson was there to make some telling saves. Wildschut anticipated one of Keogh's many cross-field passes to Pearce and only Carson’s cool presence prevented a goal. Wildschut looks a great player to me and I think he might be a good acquisition (if he happened to be for sale).

There is really not much more to report except the lovely spectacle of the Derby crowd's reception for Bucko. There is still a huge affection for Jake and it was very nice to see it. He had a pretty good game too at left back. As for Derby, I think if we had played all night we would not have scored. My MOTM was Carson. We will have to do better if we are to continue our progression. Stats show clearly what is wrong. We simply don't have enough fire-power.