Ipswich Town v Wigan Athletic: Five talking points

1 - First things first, Wigan Athletic were able to put a team out and fulfil the fixture at Portman Road. Which for most of the summer was by no means a given by any means.

The result was never going to be of much significance, given the recent upheaval and makeshift nature of the Latics side. But the performance certainly provided positives from which to build over the coming weeks and months.

2 - On another day, Latics could even have come away with all three points. Twice inside the opening 15 minutes, teenage defender Emeka Obi got himself into wonderful positions inside the Ipswich box, only to plant free headers wide of the post and over the bar. Joe Garner, too, came within a coat of paint from notching, with a wonderful bicycle kick that smacked against the woodwork. All this before the Tractor Boys got a firm grip on the game.

3 - The kids are all right! Emeka Obi was one of FIVE Academy graduates to make their debuts in front of the Sky cameras. And Adam Long, Chris Merrie, Alex Perry and Olly Crankshaw all did themselves - and the club - proud. Gregor Rioch, sitting on the bench next to Leam Richardson, must have been proud as punch to see the fruits of his labour supporting the club during its darkest hour.

4 - So are the old guard! Also impressive were the likes of Kal Naismith, Gary Roberts and Jamie Jones - three model professionals, and three senior players with utterly key roles to play this season. With so many youngsters having been fast-forwarded to the front line, they’ll benefit hugely from quality people who have been there, done it and bought the t-shirt.

5 - Aside from the result, the major downside was the seeming lack of progress being made in terms of finding a buyer for the club. Before kick-off, co-administrator Dean Watson provided the latest ‘update-with-no-real-update’.And with pretty much every saleable member of the playing squad having moved on, Latics fans are certainly not out of order for wondering how we’ve got to this point – and asking: When this agony end?