Mullin rescues point for Wigan Athletic

Rotherham United 2 - 2 Wigan Athletic

Paul Mullin came off the bench to rescue a point for Wigan with an 88th-minute header in a lively League One contest at Rotherham.

Author | Amy W

Stadium | New York Stadium

Scenes in the away end after Mullin's equaliser

The hosts looked on course for victory when debutant Martin Sherif struck 10 minutes from time, turning in Reece James’ cross after Shaun McWilliams had earlier cancelled out Ryan Trevitt’s opener. But Mullin, on loan from Wrexham, rose highest from a Fraser Murray corner to ensure Shaun Maloney’s side left with a draw.

Wigan had taken the lead three minutes before the interval when Trevitt collected Murray’s pass down the right and saw his shot deflect off Sean Raggett beyond Cameron Dawson. 

READ MORE | Wigan fall to narrow defeat at Luton Town

Rotherham responded after the break, McWilliams pouncing on the rebound after Kion Etete’s effort had been blocked and driving a crisp finish past Sam Tickle.

The Millers, with momentum behind them, pressed forward in search of a second. James provided the decisive ball in the 80th minute, threading a low cross for Sherif to convert from close range. Yet their lead proved short-lived, Mullin’s late intervention denying Matt Hamshaw a win in his first league match in charge.

Tickle had earlier made a fine stop to keep out Jordan Hugill’s header from James’ delivery, and the goalkeeper remained busy throughout as Rotherham grew stronger in the second half. In the end, however, it was Wigan who had the final word, salvaging a point in front of the away end.

Best reaction from the away end

Jamie, a Wigan fan, was happy with the point, saying: "A game of two halves and a fair result. Disappointing defending in the second half from the Latics, which is usually our strong point. You don’t often say that about Aimson, but the second half was not great. Well done for keeping going until the very end though Tics, it paid off with the equaliser."

Another Wigan fan added: "I think we saw two sides who will finish mid-table this season. There are four worse teams than us and Rotherham."