Paul Cook hails new leaders Wigan after Rochdale win

Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2018 by PA

Boss Paul Cook was delighted to see Wigan seize the initiative in the League One title race as a clinical 4-1 dismantling of relegation-threatened Rochdale took them top of the table.

With Blackburn held to a goalless draw at Gillingham, Dan Burn’s first-half header laid the platform for the Latics to scale the summit on goal difference.

Three goals in nine second-half minutes from James Vaughan, making his 300th league appearance, Michael Jacobs and Will Grigg sealed victory at Spotland.

Steven Davies struck a late consolation from the penalty spot but Wigan’s away record, the best in the third tier, never looked under threat.

“It was a tight game until the second half, so we’re very pleased to come away with the result,” said Wigan coach Anthony Barry.

“We’ve responded to every setback this season – it’s personality and character, forget ability. We’ve got a great spirit.

“Blackburn, Shrewsbury and ourselves have performed to an extreme level this season, someone is going to miss out on promotion with a record points total.

“It was a clinical performance, particularly in the second half. It was a tight game up until then, Rochdale did well. They are a very offensive team and can hurt anyone. We’re very pleased to come away with the result.”

Rochdale manager Keith Hill said: “Wigan are a class outfit and they are top of the league for a reason.

“They have the best players, the best manager and they are spending the most money.

“They are better than us, no question, but we suppressed it, we took them on and had chances in the first half. But again, a lack of discipline from a set-play from my players cost us going in at half-time.

“I am disappointed with the nature of their first goal in the second half. We then tried to change it to get goals and it sort of handed the game to the opponents.”