Awesome Wigan Athletic stun League One high-flyers

Wigan Athletic 3 - 0 Doncaster Rovers

Wigan secured a comfortable victory over early League One high-flyers Doncaster.

Authors | Amy W

Stadium | The Brick Community Stadium

The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Rovers goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala failed to deal with Joseph Hungbo’s corner and Dara Costelloe bundled home from close range. Moments later, Doncaster again struggled to clear their lines from a set piece and Matt Smith calmly slotted in the second.

Smith almost added a quick third but was denied by a fine Lo-Tutala save, before Wigan assistant manager Glenn Whelan was booked on the touchline. Doncaster managed to reach the interval without further damage, thanks in part to Lo-Tutala tipping a Morgan Fox header over the bar.

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The visitors threatened briefly after the restart, with Billy Sharp heading Glenn Middleton’s corner just wide, but their hopes of a comeback were extinguished five minutes into the second half. Fraser Murray struck from the edge of the box to make it three.

Costelloe and Ryan Trevitt both went close to extending Wigan’s lead, while Doncaster saw a late effort rebound off the post after Sam Tickle tipped the ball onto his upright.

Which players stood out for the home side

Morgan Fox: This was another accomplished display, and saw a first-half header tipped over the bar. Fox is going to be a key player for Latics this season.

Fraser Murray: He had been more effective in other games, but popped up with a superb goal at the start of the second period to kill off any hopes of a Doncaster fightback. 

Matt Smith: This was a sensational display. This was capped by one of the coolest finishes you'll see this season.

Best reaction

We spoke to Darren after the match, and he was delighted with the win and performance. They told us: “Wow, that was unexpected. Every single player was superb. A few more results like that and people might start getting carried away. Promotion?”

Pete added: “That was brilliant. What an amazing day that was. Onwards and upwards for everyone at the club.”