Connor Barrett delivered a man-of-the-match performance to help Wigan Athletic edge past Blackpool 3-2 in the EFL Trophy. The win provides a positive note for a side currently 24th in League One, having taken just four points from their opening seven games. Wigan have now earned four points from their first two matches in the EFL Trophy's Northern Group D, positioning them well in the competition.
Barrett needed only three minutes to make his mark, finishing after good work from Dara Costelloe. He then turned provider, setting up Scott Hogan to double the lead just before the hour mark. Blackpool pulled one back through a Tom Bloxham penalty in the 72nd minute, but Barrett was involved again six minutes later, his pass finding substitute Fraser Murray who restored the two-goal cushion. Jerry Yates scored a late consolation for the visitors in the 90th minute.
Wigan manager Gary Caldwell set his team up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Barrett operating in an advanced midfield role. The early goal settled the hosts, who edged possession with 52 percent. Blackpool, managed by Ian Evatt, made a triple change at half-time in an attempt to shift momentum, but Wigan's attack remained potent. The game grew scrappy late on, with both sides picking up yellow cards in stoppage time for an on-field argument.
The result offers a welcome boost after a difficult start to the League One season. The focus now returns to the league campaign, with a home game against 17th-placed Mansfield Town next on the fixtures list on 3 October. Caldwell will hope the confidence from this cup win can translate into improved league form as they look to climb away from the bottom of the standings. Wigan's next fixture in the EFL Trophy is an away trip to face Accrington Stanley on 5 November.
Wigan manager Gary Caldwell received a fresh selection nudge after the 3-2 win over Blackpool. Reporter Paul Kendrick noted that defender Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, who was given a rare start, took his chance with some 'marauding runs out of defence'. Wigan's recent form across all competitions now reads two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five matches. The side, 24th in League One, next host Mansfield Town on 3 October.
Blackpool assistant coach Stephen Crainey said his side must fix their defensive issues. "We're just conceding too many goals at the moment," Crainey stated after the 3-2 loss. He said they would work on it during the international break. Wigan, 24th in League One with four points from seven games, next host Mansfield Town on 3 October.
