Latics memories: Blackpool rocks for Latics fans

Latics celebrate promotion after beating Blackpool in 2016

Wigan Athletic 4

April 30, 2016

Latics headed to Bloomfield Road knowing that they could seal promotion back to the Championship by avoiding defeat after a 4-1 victory versus Southend United moved them within touching distance the previous week.

Blackpool were fighting for their lives at the other end of the league table and knew a loss against Wigan would edge them closer to the drop.

They also knew they could be relegated to League Two on the Monday evening if Fleetwood Town recorded a victory at Walsall.

More than Latics 3,000 supporters travelled to the seaside to roar on Gary Caldwell’s side, with another 1,000 watching at the DW Stadium on the beamback.

Blackpool had the better opportunities to break the deadlock in the first-half and would have felt disappointed not to be in the lead.

Jack Redshaw squandered the best chance for the hosts, firing an effort over the crossbar from eight-yards out after rounding Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Blackpool were ultimately punished for missed chances as Wigan scored four second-half goals to clinch promotion.

Chris McCann opened the scoring on the hour mark with his half-volley from 18 yards out flying into the top-corner leaving goalkeeper Colin Doyle routed to the spot.

Yanic Wildschut’s quick-fire double then sealed promotion.

His first goal came in the 70th minute as he coolly curled the ball into the far corner after McCann’s through ball.

Wildschut scored his second two minutes later, cutting inside on the left to fire low into the bottom corner.

‘Will Grigg’s on Fire’ echoed around Bloomfield Road as he completed the scoring in the 85th minute, poking McCann’s header goal-bound from Conor McAleny’s corner.

Wild celebrations after the final whistle started with chairman David Sharpe and Dave Whelan joining Caldwell, his staff and

players on the pitch to celebrate with the Latics faithful.

Latics completed their man aim for the season the following week as they won the league despite losing 4-1 to eventual play-off winners Barnsley on the final day of the campaign.