Only one thing in mind for Wigan Athletic super-sub!

Wigan Athletic super-sub Lee Evans had only one thought in his mind when, at 0-0 with 10 minutes left against Blackburn, the ball dropped at his feet six yards from goal: 'Hit the target!'
Lee Evans lashes home the opening goal against BlackburnLee Evans lashes home the opening goal against Blackburn
Lee Evans lashes home the opening goal against Blackburn

The Wales international had been sent onto the field with half an hour to go, with Latics boss Paul Cook admitting the visitors were beginning to dominate.

Not only did Evans help to restore parity in the midfield, he also found himself in the right place at the right time to lash home - off the underside of the bar - to set Latics on the way to another precious three points.

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“It is hard coming on and getting up to the speed of the game straight away," he acknowledged. "I had a tricky first couple of minutes, but managed to get through and get a goal.

“I had lots of time and I was just thinking: 'Hit the target!' It was close and on my left but I got a nice connection.

"For a moment I thought it went a little bit too high, but it was nice to see it hit the postage stamp.

“The team is working so hard to keep us in games, and we know if we are scoring goals and keeping the back door shut, then things are looking up.”

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Fellow substitute Michael Jacobs made the game safe in stoppage-time with a cool finish on the counter, with Latics climbing five points clear of the drop zone - and Blackburn's own play-off push being derailed.

“It was massive for us, a derby game as well and that’s always nice," added Evans.

“I think the added factor to the game was the derby element - two teams in good form before the break and after it both teams had won going into this game.

“It was end-to-end and you have to give credit to Blackburn, because they played well and moved us around a bit.

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“Blackburn play really good football with the formation they have in the diamond and they outnumbered us at times in the midfield area – they moved the ball well.

"You have to give credit to the back four and the two holding midfielders because they were brilliant.

"We defended brilliantly and got the goals at the end."