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In a way this game was a must win but it was also a time for Wigan to start scoring. A strong Latics line up included Figueroa, Boseli, Rodallega and McCarthur and a bench to be proud of. The likes of Moses, N’Zogbia and McCarthy occupied the bench and would be called upon if needed.
Wigan got off to the brighter start. Jordi Gomez was providing an attacking threat down the right hand side of the midfield and was linking up well with Rodallega and Boseli. It only took the Latics 3 minutes to get on the score sheet.
Jordi Gomez whipped in a free kick destined for Steven Caldwells head was put in to the Hartlepool goal by Sam Collins to give the away side the lead. Latics fans and players were still waiting for the first goal of the season.
Hartlepool pushed after the opener, feeling that they could provide a cup-set. James Brown proved to be a thorn in the Latics side and Ali Al Habsi pulled off some decent saves to keep the Latics one nil up.
Scott Flinders in the ‘pool goal was doing his best to keep the Latics at bay and deserved to get something going into half time. Joe Gamble had Hartlepools best chance to take them in level at half time.
The second half saw Wigan come out looking to put the game to bed. Gomez and the Latics took the game to Hartlepool and the Latics were left frustrated in front of goal. James McCarthur was replaced by James McCarthy and Victor Moses replaced Hugo Rodallega after an hour.
Wigan’s mentality changed and soon paid off. Jordi Gomez scored his first of the season with an accurate free kick into the top right hand corner of Flinders goal.
Gomez’s effort was pinpoint in precision. Ten minutes later and with only four minutes remaining Victor Moses secured Wigan’s progress with the 3rd and a low shot down to Flinders right.
Altogether it was a solid performance from the Latics and a real confidence boost ahead of the trip to White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Report by Simon Gregory
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Sam Collins o.g.
James McArthur
James Brown
Colin Larkin
