We're lacking 'little bit of calmness, quality and luck' - Wigan Athletic chief

Leam Richardson was again left frustrated as his Wigan Athletic side more than matched play-off-chasing Portsmouth in every single area - apart from the ones that matters most.
By Paul Kendrick
Published 5th Apr 2021, 18:04 BST
Updated 5th Apr 2021, 18:12 BST
Jamie Proctor in action against PortsmouthJamie Proctor in action against Portsmouth
Jamie Proctor in action against Portsmouth

Latics went down 1-0 at the DW Stadium to remain second-bottom of League One - still two points adrift of safety - but with only seven matches now to go.

Despite dominating for the majority of a tight encounter, Richardson's men were unable to really threaten their play-off-chasing opponents.

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And they fell to defeat when Andy Cannon rifled home into the top corner a mere 36 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute.

"You're asking the lads to work as hard as possible, and put in a performance - individually and collectively," Richardson said.

"And yet again we've just fallen on the wrong side of the result.

"I genuinely don't think the results are mirroring the performance levels.

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"I thought in the first half especially we were getting into some fantastic areas in the final third.

"But again we were just missing that little bit of calmness, that little bit of quality - and that little bit of luck.

"A couple of balls just spun past the post, we just didn't get there on time, and I felt the frustration myself at half-time, thinking we could easily have come in one or two goals up."

Latics certainly didn't get the rub of the green when striker Jamie Proctor got the better of the Pompey last man just before the break, only to be called back for a debatable free-kick.

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"I thought there was a big decision with Jamie Proctor went clean through, and he (the referee) brought the game back," added Richardson.

"Their kid's in all kinds of trouble, he's about to get himself sent off, or Jamie is about to go on and score.

"That was disappointing, and then again at the end...you're asking whether they're 'managing the game well'...it's a debatable question.

"But again the lads have given me everything and I cannot ask for any more from any one of them."

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Related topics:Leam RichardsonPortsmouth