Penalty winner in Nick of time for Wigan as Powell strike denies Plymouth

Posted Wednesday, September 27, 2017 by PA

Nick Powell scored the only goal with eight minutes left to hand Wigan a hard-earned but richly-deserved 1-0 win over Plymouth in Sky Bet League One.

The struggling Pilgrims had somehow kept Wigan out for over three-quarters of an entertaining encounter, only to concede a penalty when Michael Jacobs was fouled in the area.

Powell had twice seen close-range headers tipped over by Kyle Letheren - making his debut in goal for Plymouth - but stepped up and smashed the ball home to secure the three points.

And the goal was no more than Wigan deserved for a rampant performance that could and should have brought more goals.

Letheren performed heroics to keep out Powell, Will Grigg, Gavin Massey and Jacobs with a series of stunning saves.

And when he needed a stroke of luck, he got it when he saw a Sam Morsy shot strike Grigg on its way against the bar, with Powell also seeing a second-half effort disallowed for offside.

Even after Powell broke the deadlock, there was almost time for a late sting in the tale, with Graham Carey lining up a free-kick for Plymouth in stoppage-time.

The delivery flew over the Wigan wall, only to flick the bar on its way over.