Optimism building for Wigan Athletic fans

Chorley FC 1 - 2 Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic opened their pre-season campaign with a deserved 2-1 win over Chorley, offering early signs of promise for the months ahead under Ryan Lowe.

Author | Amy W

On a warm afternoon at Victory Park, Latics delivered a sharp, energetic performance that left over a thousand travelling fans with plenty of encouragement. Dara Costelloe struck twice in quick succession to overturn a first-half deficit and seal victory, as 22 players featured in what proved to be a useful exercise for Lowe’s squad.

The match brought Wigan back to familiar surroundings and reignited an old rivalry dating back to their non-league days. It also carried with it a sense of renewed optimism, following an eight-match unbeaten run to end the 2024–25 season. 

Supporters seem to be hopeful that momentum can be carried into the new campaign, and this performance will only have strengthened that belief.

Pre match scenes at Victoria Park

A closer look at what happened

Wigan began brightly, creating early chances. Paul Mullin, on his first appearance in Latics colours, was handed a clear opening after a defensive error but fired over from close range. Moments later, Ronan Darcy narrowly missed with a powerful strike from distance.

Mullin remained at the heart of Wigan’s attacking play, curling a shot just past the far post and nearly connecting with a tempting cross from Asamoah Jr. But despite their dominance, it was the hosts who struck first. A cross to the far post found Chorley’s Carr unmarked, and he calmly beat Sam Tickle from close range.

Lowe changed his entire lineup at the break, and Wigan nearly equalised shortly after the restart. Jonny Smith cut inside and delivered a dangerous ball into the area, which Jensen Weir met with a well-timed run, only to see his header drift wide.

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The game then entered a quieter spell, but Costelloe took control midway through the half. He levelled with a composed finish after linking up neatly with Christian Saydee, before calmly slotting home a second just moments later following a well-timed run in behind the defence.

Costelloe thought he had completed a hat-trick, only to see his third goal ruled out. Still, Wigan had done enough to secure a confidence-boosting win to start pre-season on the right foot.

Next up for Latics is a series of friendlies that will further shape Lowe’s preparations for the season ahead. On this evidence, they are heading in the right direction.