A penalty from Will Grigg and an emphatic strike from loanee Conor McAleny saw Wigan snatch all three points at Bramall Lane.
The victory sees The Latics surge into 3rd place in the League One standings, now within one point of second placed Walsall.
Two changes were made to the starting lineup that displayed a dominating performance at home to Port Vale last week, with new-boys Sam Morsy and Conor McAleny grabbing their first Latics start in place of Haris Vuckic and Reece Wabara.
The news of Wabara’s dropping didn’t sit all too well with one Latics fan.
https://twitter.com/Stryphur227/status/695974337359306753
Wigan’s midfield maestro Michael Jacobs took to Twitter to wish his side well. Jacobs was forced out of the lineup through a calf injury.
https://twitter.com/mjacobs18/status/695975893240561666
Little real action occurred during the first half, with both sides unable to find their feet in the final third of the pitch.
HT 0-0. #wafc been on top & playing like the home team but not creating too many chances so far.
— Ian Aspinall (@IanHAspinall) February 6, 2016
This meant that the most entertaining topic to discuss amongst Latics fans at halftime was the bizarre announcement over the P.A. system during the first half that no Wigan fans would be served halftime refreshments due to an incident in the away end!
Bloke on the PA: "Due to serious incident on the concourse, refreshments won't be available to Wigan supporters at half-time." #nobeer #wafc
— Paul Kendrick (@PKendrickWIG) February 6, 2016
As the news filtered through of this announcement, panic began to ensue, with many Latics fans worrying they would be robbed of their typical half-time pie. Wigan journalist Paul Kendrick was defiant that a pie ban would result in all out war.
This wouldn't be classed as a 'serious incident'…this would be an act of war. #wafchttps://t.co/uSn7yKHFwi
— Paul Kendrick (@PKendrickWIG) February 6, 2016
At the half it was also announced that The Latics following had yet again travelled in numbers, with 1,649 Wigan fans making the trip across the Pennines.
1,649 Latics fans here at Bramall Lane today! Thank you for your support! #wafc
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) February 6, 2016
Within seven minutes of the restart, Latics were awarded a golden opportunity to strike first. A trademark Yanic Wildschut burst into the box was abruptly ended by a clumsy challenge from Blades defender Chris Basham, resulting in referee Steve Martin pointing to the penalty spot without hesitation.
52' Penalty to Latics!! @yanicw33 bursts into the box and is fouled by Chris Basham! #wafc
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) February 6, 2016
Latics’ top scorer Will Grigg stepped up and slammed the ball home to give Wigan a 1-0 lead.
Goooooaaaallllll!!! Get in there GRIGGLES!!!! #wafc
— JsyLatic 🇧🇭 (@jsylatic) February 6, 2016
Get in Latics 💙 #wafc #uptheleaguewego
— Dean LeFeuvre (@deanlef) February 6, 2016
An angle of Grigg’s strike was quickly provided from one fan, in which the jubilation behind the goal from the loyal Latics following is clearly demonstrated.
That @WillGrigg penalty #wafc pic.twitter.com/uuIUTJQzs0
— Ian (@ihg1932) February 6, 2016
With the Bramall Lane away end already in full swing, a fantastic Conor McAleny strike in the 55th minute saw the Wigan timeline explode with sheer excitement.
Gooooooaaaaallll!!! McAleny on his debut!! 2-0 to the Tics!!! #wafc
— JsyLatic 🇧🇭 (@jsylatic) February 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/AlexHassett16/status/696004433470169088
However, some fans were quick to remind The Latics faithful that the win was not yet cemented, after the Latics threw away a 3-0 lead against the Blades with 20 minutes to go only three weeks ago.
https://twitter.com/DanJAskew/status/696004438641811456
https://twitter.com/laticschief/status/696005084476542976
With Wigan now in front, The Latics timeline became the equivalent of Gillette Soccer Saturday, with various fans updating the timeline with the latest scores in both Gillingham and Walsall’s respective matches.
https://twitter.com/WiganFanPage/status/696006030510178305
Walsall losing and Gillingham drawing. Come on #wafc
— Dave R🇧🇭 (@jollylatic) February 6, 2016
Trying not to look at other fixtures… Gillingham drawing- Walsall losing! #wafc #LookingGood!
— The West Stand #wafc (@oSimplyStuart) February 6, 2016
By the 70th minute, Wigan had the chance to seal an emphatic win, with The Latics being awarded yet another penalty.
Another penalty to #wafc!
— Paul Kendrick (@PKendrickWIG) February 6, 2016
This time however the man-in-form Will Grigg couldn’t convert for the second time in the afternoon.
Penalty save still Wigan 2-0 up #wafc pic.twitter.com/EB5KJmrceo
— Tom Doncaster (@TomDoncaster) February 6, 2016
After a nervy few minutes, Wigan fans graciously accepted the shrill sound of the final whistle, with The Latics sealing a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory. The win propels Wigan to within one point of 2nd place, as the battle for promotion begins to heat up.
https://twitter.com/priestley23/status/696013944872423426
Great result for #wafc @LaticsOfficial keep marching on up the @SkyBetLeague1 table.
— Dave R🇧🇭 (@jollylatic) February 6, 2016
Massive result that!! Up the tics!! ⚪️🔵 #WAFC
— Joe Winstanley (@JoeWinstanley88) February 6, 2016
UP THE TICS! #wafc pic.twitter.com/6j5ZVZCPFw
— WiganSte🇧🇭 (@SteFromWigan) February 6, 2016
