It's been a cagey and interesting match thus far from the DW Stadium in Wigan - one that has seen Manchester United's Tom Cleverley (on loan at Wigan, of course) test Steve Harper in the Newcastle goal and look the danger man for the home side, but also one that has seen Wigan struggle defensively.
Wigan Vs. Newcastle United: Scrappy Play From Newcastle Sees Shola Ameobi Opener
But as Newcastle United haven’t enjoyed back to back defeats in the league, they have enjoyed an early goal and lead when Shola Ameobi tapped in from close range. Here’s how some good team play witnessed the Toon open the scoring against Wigan Athletic:
On a ground where Newcastle have never won, Joey Barton was able to nip in on Wigan left back Steve Gohouri who failed to clear the ball in his own box. Barton, ever the opportunist, caught the ball on the volley and shot across the face of Ali Al Habsi's goal, forcing the Omani keeper to save, but also to spill the ball in front of an on-rushing Peter Lovenkrands.
Lovenkrands, enjoying a rare start because of an injury to the thigh of Andy Carroll, was able to make contact with the spilled Barton shot and set it towards goal. When Lovenkrands’ tip harmlessly bounced off of Al Habsi’s post, Ameobi was waiting to open the scoring with a tap in. Now 30 minutes in, Newcastle stay up a goal while Wigan search for answers.
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