Wigan Athletic's search for a second League One win of the season was frustrated by Stockport County in a match where they hit the woodwork. The Latics, currently 22nd in the table with three points from four games, saw a series of promising attacks fail to yield a goal in a narrow defeat.
Archie Harris came closest to scoring for Shaun Maloney's side when his right-footed effort from the left side of the box cannoned back off the post. The chance was created by Dara Costelloe, who was involved in much of Wigan's forward play. Earlier, Jensen Weir had fired a shot wide from distance after being set up by Harris, while Costelloe himself missed the target with an attempt from the centre of the penalty area following a Fraser Murray pass.
How did Wigan Athletic's attack perform?
The statistics show a team creating opportunities but lacking the final touch. Harris's strike against the upright was the clearest moment in a first half where Wigan showed more intent. The link-up between the forward players, particularly Harris, Costelloe, and Murray, generated several half-chances. However, the overall return of five goals scored and seven conceded across the opening four fixtures highlights a persistent issue. Their recent form reads WLLL, and they now sit seven points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town.
Manager Shaun Maloney will be looking for more clinical finishing from his squad as they prepare for a tough away trip to second-placed Sheffield Wednesday on September 12th. Fans can review the team's upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page. The lack of a consistent goal threat is a primary concern, especially with a negative goal difference of -2.
What is Wigan Athletic's current league position?
Saturday's result leaves Wigan Athletic in a precarious 22nd place after the first month of the campaign. With just one win and three losses, they are already looking at a significant gap to the top of the table. The three points they have accumulated put them in the relegation zone, adding urgency to their need for results. The full League One standings show the scale of the challenge ahead. A victory against Stockport would have provided a much-needed boost, but the search for momentum continues.
What comes next for the squad?
The immediate focus shifts to a daunting away fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, a team that has started the season strongly. Preparing for that match at Hillsborough will be the priority on the training ground this week. Maloney may consider changes to his starting eleven or tactical approach to find a winning formula. The current player roster and individual performance data are available on the official squad page. Ending the match with nothing to show for their efforts makes the next game even more important for morale and points.
The team travels to face Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
