Wigan Athletic boss hails 'really big saves'

Leam Richardson hailed goalkeeper Jamie Jones for two 'really big saves' at Shrewsbury that ensured Wigan Athletic recorded a fourth win in a row for the first time in more than three years.
The Latics players celebrate victory at ShrewsburyThe Latics players celebrate victory at Shrewsbury
The Latics players celebrate victory at Shrewsbury

Latics had led 2-0 at the break through Will Keane and Callum Lang but had to see out a nervy final quarter after Ollie Norburn pulled one back with a brilliant volley.

The home side threw everything at Latics in search of an equaliser, only for Jones - and his right-hand upright - to hold firm and see out the win.

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"Shrewsbury were fearless in that second half, and they asked us a few questions," acknowledged Richardson.

"We had to rely on Jamie Jones to make a couple of really big saves at the end to keep us in front.

"If I have to be critical of myself and the team, I felt we had to score again in that second half to make the game safe.

"A lot of their attacks came from our possession, we have to have a bit more about us and put the game to bed.

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"But fair play to the lads, when asked to defend, they dug in and I felt we deserved to stay in front.

"On the balance of play, I think it was a fair result."

The key moment of the game was probably seconds before the interval, when, with the score at 1-0, Jones clawed away a Shrewsbury corner.

The ball fell to Keane, who set Lang on his way, and the young forward slotted home against the side with whom he spent last season on loan.

"Again, it's football, and when you are asked questions, you want your big players to answer them," added the Latics boss.

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"Jamie made a big save just before half-time, and we're asking the lads to penetrate them through certain gaps.

"Callum managed to do that, and to go in 2-0 up at half-time, it gives us that extra little bit of a cushion to see the game through."

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