Wigan Athletic continue slump as Reading give Leam Richardson a winning return to the Brick
Wigan Athletic showed some green shoots of recovery as they started life without Ryan Lowe, but ultimately the result was the same as Reading ran out 2-1 winners on Leam Richardson’s return to his former stomping ground.
Latics started well with young gun Harrison Bettoni – restored to the starting XI – heavily involved.
The Academy product rifled the ball in the net in the fourth minute, only to look up and see the flag raised for offside.
Then Bettoni fired just off target off a nice pass from Matt Smith.
Latics had to show their mettle as Reading threatened for the first time, but three blocks in quick succession kept the visitors at bay.
And the home side finished the half well, with Callum Wright sending a fizzing shot just over the top.
For all their good work, Latics had once again failed to trouble the opposition goalkeeper, and they paid the price within four minutes of the restart.
Jeriel Dorsett found himself unmarked as the cross came in from the right, and he headed home from close range with no fuss.
Latics’ response was to throw on forwards Joe Taylor and Dara Costelloe for Bettoni and Christian Saydee.
And it was Taylor who levelled the scores midway through the second period, when he was first to react to Fraser Murray’s left-wing cross.
Latics’ attempts to force a winner when Raphael Borges Rodrigues – off the bench – saw a shot tipped wide by Joel Pereira.
And they were hit by a sucker punch with four minutes to go when Paudie O’Connor headed a right-wing free-kick home from six yards.