Wigan Athletic 0 Derby County 1: How social media reacted

Jack Marriott’s first-half goal was enough to give Derby County all three points against ten-man Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Marriott nodded the Rams into the lead just five minutes after Latics were reduced to 10 men.

Kal Naismith- who had been excellent filling the void at left-back in the last three games prior to Saturday- received his marching orders for a professional foul on Harry Wilson when he was clean through on Christian Walton’s goal.

But Latics never gave up in their pursuit to salvage a point against Frank Lampard’s side.

Wigan unfortunately could not find the vital breakthrough that they were seeking and fell to just their second home defeat of the campaign.

Following Derby’s narrow victory, the Rams temporarily climbed up to third place, before they dropped down to fourth after Sheffield United’s 2-0 win at Reading.

Wigan slipped further down the league table to 16th, but they still sit seven points above the relegation zone.

Latics fans praised Paul Cook’s side on social media for the courageous effort levels that they showed despite the difficult circumstances that they incurred at the DW Stadium.

@PeteMillward79: “Up against a team that will finish top 6, without our front 4, (correctly) down to 10 men after 15 mins and had a few big decisions go against us. We battled very well and couldn’t ask for much more effort. You’ll do for me #wafc”

@laticschief: “Says a lot about character and fight in team when we've only just lost against a team pushing for top six - with a man short for most of game. #wafc”

@Jorc94: “Different team 2nd half, well happy with that effort considering circumstances #wafc”

@dmartw: “Superb second half showing. They caught us cold after the sending off. Referee an utter disgrace today. Sam Morsy man of the match. That is all #wafc”

Tat: “Can never argue with effort regardless of the result - well done Latics and a bit more quality in the final third would have seen us take a point #wafc”

@LiamMcDermott4: “Good performance today despite being down to 10 men. We win that game today 11 v 11, we go again , up those tics #wafc.”

@AidanCampbell_: “Think we give it a good go today against a very decent side. Unlucky not to get a point. Referee wasn’t even Sunday league standard. #wafc #dcfc”

@lancstic: “Sometimes you lose badly but today we were beaten with dignity. Applaud today today for the effort. Ref was a joke, definite second yelllow and a red for that dive. Up the fuckin tics. #wafc.”

@JonnyHurst85: “Latics the best side for all but the 5-10 mins between the sending off and Cook’s double sub and that’s when we conceded. Second half we bossed it against 11 men and a woeful ref #wafc.”

@Eclipse12002: “@LaticsOfficial Battled to the end!! Shame we didn’t get a point out of that.. we were the best team out there today! #wafc”

@sharkey43: “Well played @LaticsOfficial best team lost #wafc.”

Latics star, Josh Windass: “10 men for 80 minutes yesterday and we still deserved something from the game against a good side. And a great tribute to me ex team mate @pmurphy4 young boy. Hope he gets better soon.”