Wigan Athletic chief hails 'moment' of magic

Latics gave as good as they got throughout an encounter that was high on grit and determination but low on any kind of excitement or entertainment.

That was until Lang latched on to a mistake in the home defence with eight minutes to go, and held off the last defender before drilling home into the bottom corner.

"I'm made up for the lads tonight, I thought they worked tirelessly hard coming off a disappointing result at the weekend," enthused Richardson.

"It's been non-stop disappointing news since with injuries and unavailability, so to come here and stand up to the test was very pleasing.

"We set up with a game-plan to match their effort and endeavour, and be strong defensively, and hoping for opportunities to show the quality we have within our flair players.

"We had to wait for one of those moments but, when it came, fortunately it fell to Callum and he took it really well."

Latics overcame the loss of the injured Tom Pearce and Jamie Proctor, who is self-isolating, switching to a back five - including the return of George Johnston - to record only a second clean sheet in the last 11 matches.

"We actually set up to do the same (a back five) in the game here that was called off last week," Richardson revealed.

"And we felt after watching them last weekend we could do something similar and hopefully get something at the other end.

"We know we've got low numbers, we know the problems at the club at the moment, all the negativity that's been around for a long time.

"But it's our job to stay positive, roll up our sleeves and fight as hard as we can for the results that will keep us in this division."

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