Wigan Athletic kids 'will learn from harsh lesson'

It was a long night for Kyle Joseph and Co against Rochdale

Latics' two-game resurgence hit a brick wall on Tuesday night, with Dale romping to a 5-0 victory at the DW.

The home side - most of them Academy products fast-tracked into first-team action - looked out on their feet after a gruelling schedule with little or no respite.

And while the result will have hurt the youngsters, Richardson says it's all part of their development.

"The lads have had a fair bit of adulation this season, and they're going to have to take the negatives as well," he said.

"It's about reflecting on nights like this, digesting it, and being professional enough to handle it and come again.

"You lick your wounds, you work out where you want wrong, and you make sure you turn any negative into a positive.

"We gave another debut on Tuesday, with young Luke Robinson making his first appearance at the DW.

"But you're coming up against established teams with established players, and it isn't all plain sailing."

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