Wigan Athletic moved clear of AFC Fylde 3-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday before a serious injury forced the game’s early abandonment. The Latics, preparing for their League One return, dominated the contest at Kellamergh Park until trialist Nico Lawrence’s leg injury brought play to a halt in the 80th minute.
What happened at Kellamergh Park?
Lawrence, a 22-year-old centre-back on trial with Wigan, was stretchered off after a heavy challenge. Referee and club bosses agreed to end the match with 10 minutes left, leaving the score locked at 3-0. Chris Sze opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Dara Costelloe was fouled, then doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after Akeel Higgins was brought down. Fraser Murray wrapped up the win in the 54th minute with a clipped finish that beat Fylde goalkeeper Zac Jones.
Why it matters for Wigan Athletic
Gary Caldwell’s side ended last season 16th in League One with 56 points from 46 games, a record built on set pieces and quick transitions. The friendly showed Latics can still punish opponents from dead-ball situations, with Sze’s two penalties and Murray’s finish all coming from quick restarts. The injury to Lawrence, though, shifts focus to squad depth before the league campaign resumes.
Who impressed for the Latics?
Sze, 24, converted both penalties with composure, including a Panenka against Dylan Allen-Hadley’s save attempt. Murray, 26, added a composed finish after the restart, while Joe Walsh pulled off a sharp reflex save to deny Allen-Hadley’s spot-kick in the first half. Caldwell will hope the trio can carry that form into the league after a campaign that saw Wigan score 49 goals but concede 58, leaving them nine goals adrift of safety.
What comes next for Wigan Athletic?
The serious injury to Lawrence means Caldwell must assess his defensive options before the league opener. Wigan sit 47 points behind League One leaders Lincoln City, who finished on 93 points last season. The Latics kick off their new campaign with a home game against Bolton Wanderers on August 9, a tie that could set the tone for a push up the table after last year’s narrow escape.
