Latics are still in the fight, says Richardson

By Liam Hoden

DONCASTER R 1

Richards 45

DONCASTER: Balcombe 6, Wright 6, Anderson 6, John 6, Horton 6 (Bostok 38, 6), Robertson 6 (Richards 38, 6), Smith 6 (Gomes 65, 6), James 6 (Amos 45, 6), Sims 6 (Okenabirhie 70, 6), Bogle 6, Lokilo 6. Subs not used: Jones, Greaves.

WIGAN ATHLETIC 4

Dodoo 3, Aasgaard 15, Solomon-Otabor 33, Keane 81

WIGAN: Jones 6, Darikwa 7, Tilt 6, Johnston 6, Robinson 7, L Evans 7, Ojo 7, Solomon-Otabor 7 (Gardner 77, 6), Aasgaard 8 (Clough 86), Dodoo 8 (Whelan 90), Keane 9 (Proctor 86). Subs not used: Perry, O Evans, Long.

Rating: ★★★★☆ Ref: Alan Young 7/10

STAR MAN

WILL KEANE Wigan

WIGAN boss Leam Richardson was thrilled as a fourgoal display against Doncaster boosted their survival hopes.

Goals from Joe Dodoo, Thelo Aasgaard, Viv Solomon-Otabor and Will Keane earned Wigan their first win in six games and lifted them to within a point of the safety mark. If you’re placing a wager on the relegation battle and want to try your luck visit bonuscodebets.co.uk.

Richardson said: “The performance levels have been there for the last six or seven weeks and the result matched the performance for once. It’s all about belief and habits.

“We have had a challenge for some time and, thankfully, we’re still in the fight and thoroughly deserved this win.

“The lads enjoyed themselves, even though we made a game of it by going in at half-time 3-1 up instead of 3-0, but the lads were totally focused and showed maturity to get another goal and see the game through.

“We’ve got six games left and have to get more points than most clubs around us.”

Taylor Richards scored in first-half stoppage time to give Doncaster a lifeline.

But Rovers boss Andy Butler was embarrassed by his side’s performance. They have lost their last four matches to see their play-off hopes wane.

“Being brutally honest, from the first minute it was embarrassing,” Butler said. “That is probably being kind. Putting it simply, Wigan wanted it more than us.

“I don’t think any player can say honestly that they put a shift in.

“Maybe it is time that players have a good look at themselves and question whether they have done all they can. I don’t think any can really say that.

“There was naivety in the team as we gave ourselves a mountain to climb again. It’s not good enough.”

It was the perfect start for Wigan when Dodoo drilled into the top corner from 15 yards with three minutes on the clock.

Aasgaard doubled the advantage after 15 minutes having latched onto a deep corner. In the 33rd minute, Solomon Otabor capped off an excellent passing move involving Dodoo and Keane.

Richards curled in from the edge of the box and Josh Sims and Jason Lokilo drew saves from Jamie Jones.

But the game was put to bed when Keane bundled in from close range after a break.