Stake your claim

Alan Young, a name to strike fear in to anyone interested in watching a decent match in the lower depths of the EFL.

You just knew as soon as he was announced it was going to become all about him, and as with Stevenage 24 months previously he had a right good go at becoming the centre of attention.

The head of the Bedfordshire FA no less, at least this time he wasn’t in charge of a team bordering his own FA’s but his decision making was no less understandable.

Latics went ahead early through the continually improving Paul Mullin, and as with most games over the last few weeks could and should have been further ahead.

Then just before half-time when Latics were still well on top came the Lincoln penalty that arguably changed the game, the referee the aforementioned Alan the Younger doesn’t even look at the challenge.

He supposedly gave the penalty for (Christian Saydee’s tussle with the Lincoln attacker who wrapped his arms around Saydee’s neck and back) instead he looks directly at a passage of play that even Stevie Wonder would know wasn’t a penalty.

He then see’s two players on the floor and blows for a penalty. No one from Lincoln, let alone Latics knowing what it’s given for.

That flipped the game on it’s head and Lincoln were soon in front from another defensive lapse.

After half-time Saydee showed his class with a floating cross converted by Callum Wright for his first goal in a Wigan shirt to draw the sides level and there only seemed to be one possible winner.

Then came the red card, in the myriad of ridiculous decisions from Young many thought it was yet another attempt to get one over on Latics but sadly this was one decision Young Alan got correct.

It also means that we miss Saydee for three crucial games, none more so than that trip over the Hill in just over a week’s time.

Following Saydee’s dismissal it was also time for Lincoln to see red meaning that as with Stevenage in that horror show two years ago Latics ended up with 10 as did their opponents but this time we managed to get something from the game.

But as with the last three away games, Luton, Rotherham and now Lincoln it should arguably have been more.

We seem to have cracked it at home the key now is to replicate that home form away from home as we get set to face {checks notes} them men.

We know what happened last time we travelled over to Horwich. It was a high point in an otherwise disappointing season for Shaun Maloney. Ryan Lowe’s first match up against ‘them men’ saw last minute heartbreak.

We’ve come a long way from then, but so have Bolton. Before then it’s the small case of Doncaster Rovers at home.

Expect Dara Costelloe to come in alongside Paul Mullin, he can’t be far away from a goal. He’s ran his blood in to water the last few weeks and should have sealed all three points at Sincil Bank on Saturday if it wasn’t for the underside of the cross bar.

What a time to stake your claim with Saydee out until later in the month.

Bring it on!

Sean Livesey

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