Wigan Athletic boss 'disappointed' at twice losing lead at Cardiff - but 'pleased' with a point

Paul Cook had mixed feelings after his Wigan Athletic side drew 2-2 at play-off chasing Cardiff City.
Kal Naismith has a late shot savedKal Naismith has a late shot saved
Kal Naismith has a late shot saved

Wales international striker Kieffer Moore twice put Latics ahead, with a clever backheel on four minutes and then from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

But Josh Murphy and Marlon Pack struck at the other end to ensure honours ended even - which allowed Latics to cut the gap to fourth-bottom Stoke to three points.

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It could have been even worse for Latics, with Cardiff seeing a 94th-minute winning 'goal' chalked off for an apparent foul on goalkeeper David Marshall.

"I thought it was probably a fair result," assessed the Latics boss.

"Cardiff will probably feel a bit aggrieved, because of the decision at the end, and it being fresh in the mind.

"But there weren't a lot of chances in the game for either side, the game huffed and puffed without ever getting going.

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"It's the end of a tough week for both sides, us playing with 10 men in midweek and Cardiff travelling up to Huddersfield, and with the conditions out there.

"We're pleased with our point I suppose."

But having led twice, it was a case of what-might-have-been as the squad boarded the coach for the long trip back up north.

"Of course we're disappointed at that, especially with the first goal," acknowledged Cook.

"We spoke about what was coming from throw-ins, and it's a very effective weapon for them.

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"When they get the first contact in the box, you have to react, and it is hard to stop."

That said, after losing so many points to late goals this season, Cook was happy to see his side dig in and hold on in the face of concerted Cardiff pressure.

"You're always going to be worried about conceding in stoppage-time," he added.

"You've got so many balls going into the box, and you have the physicality of Cardiff to deal with.

"You're always going to find yourself under pressure, but that's part and parcel of the game.

"But I thought in general we stood up to that very well."