Wigan Athletic: How they rated v Middlesbrough

Paul Kendrick runs the rule over the Wigan Athletic side that drew 0-0 against Middlesbrough and delivers his report card...
Sam Morsy and Reece James impressed against MiddlesbroughSam Morsy and Reece James impressed against Middlesbrough
Sam Morsy and Reece James impressed against Middlesbrough

Wigan Athletic (3-5-1-1):

Jamie Jones: 6 - Didn’t have a lot to do - Boro squandered their two chances themselves - but distribution was excellent as ever.

Cedric Kipre: 7 - Restored to the new-look backline and more than justified his inclusion, stood strong against a fine attack.

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Chey Dunkley: 7 - Produced one of the tackles of the season early doors, when a mistake would have led to a penalty and a red, back to his best.

Danny Fox: 7 - Continues to look a shrewd acquisition, calm in possession and the vocal presence that’s perhaps been missing.

Nathan Byrne: 6 - Tried to get forward to support the attack but was pushed back by the Boro left-side.

Reece James: 8 - Is there anything this lad can’t do? Bossed the midfield against Premier-experienced opposition...aged 19.

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Sam Morsy: 8 - Typical display from the skipper, got about Boro, won the midfield battle and got Latics moving on the front foot.

Lee Evans: 7 - Tireless display and produced a couple of wonderful deliveries from the right that could/should have led to goals.

Kal Naismith: 7 - Sent his first cross into the away end but that was the only foot he put wrong in a brilliant display for the hour he was on.

Josh Windass: 7 - Incentive to impress against one of his dad’s former clubs and gave the Boro defence plenty to think about without threatening goal.

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Leon Clarke: 6 - Thankless task ploughing the lone furrow but impressive energy levels and almost converted an Evans cross in the second stanza.

Subs:

Michael Jacobs (for Naismith, 62): 6 - Came on into an unfamiliar role and stuck at it, but didn’t look overly comfortable.

Anthony Pilkington (for Windass, 72): 6 - Yet to hit the heights of his debut against Aston Villa but effort not in doubt.

Joe Garner (for Clarke, 81): 6 - Little time to make an impact, with Boro dominating the last quarter of the game.

Subs not used: Owen Evans, Darron Gibson, Gavin Massey, .

Star Man: Sam Morsy

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Middlesbrough: Randolph; Ayala, Shotton, Fry; Howson, Mikel, Besic, Saville 6; Wing 6, Fletcher; Assombalonga.

Subs: Dimi, Clayton, McNair, Van La Parra, Downing (for Besic, 67), Tavernier (for Assombalonga, 81), Hugill (for Fletcher, 81).

Shots on target: 2-1

Shots off target: 2-10

Corners: 5-7

Possession (%): 49-51

Fouls conceded: 11-14

Yellow cards: 1-2

Red cards: 0-0

Attendance: 12,726

Referee: Steve Martin