Wigan end pre season with a win at Tranmere

Tranmere Rovers 0 - 1 Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic signed off their pre-season campaign with a slender but assured victory over Tranmere Rovers 

Author | Amy W

Stadium | Prenton Park

They maintained their unbeaten summer ahead of the League One curtain-raiser next weekend.

A first-half header from James Carragher proved decisive in a match that provided Ryan Lowe’s side with another valuable opportunity to build sharpness and cohesion.

Facing a spirited League Two side, Latics controlled much of the early play and were rewarded on 17 minutes. Fraser Murray delivered a teasing free-kick from the right, and Carragher met it with a powerful downward header that nestled into the bottom corner beyond Joe Murphy.

Wigan looked comfortable in possession throughout the first half, with Tyrese Francois and Asamoah Jr both going close to extending the lead before the break.

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The visitors resumed after half-time with the same attacking intent, Murray again a threat as he cut inside and lashed a shot narrowly wide.

Lowe made wholesale changes on the hour, using 20 players in total, including seven Academy graduates. The reshuffle disrupted the rhythm slightly but Wigan remained largely in control, with Carragher almost grabbing a second when he nodded over from a McManaman cross.

There were few clear chances in the closing stages, but the result ensured Latics ended pre-season unbeaten.

For Lowe, it was a return to familiar ground, having played for Tranmere during the 2013–14 season. He was joined on the homecoming by Jonny Smith, Paul Mullin and Callum McManaman, all with past links to the Wirral club.

With momentum building and confidence high, Wigan now turn their attention to next Saturday’s League One opener against Northampton Town at the Brick Community Stadium.