Wigan hold onto top spot despite Rotherham stalemate

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2018 by PA

Wigan remained top of Sky Bet League One but were forced to settle for a goalless draw at home to fourth-placed Rotherham.

Rotherham almost took the lead inside 30 seconds when a Jon Taylor cross found its way to Michael Smith, whose goalbound effort was blocked at point-blank range by Chey Dunkley.

Ryan Williams wasted another decent chance for Rotherham, firing straight at Christian Walton.

Wigan’s first opportunity fell to Will Grigg, but the striker was thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

An even better chance fell Grigg’s way shortly after, but he headed wastefully wide from 10 yards after great work from Nathan Byrne.

Wigan were forced into a change at the interval when the out-of-sorts Nick Powell – a big injury doubt in the lead-up – was replaced by Gary Roberts, who quickly became his side’s man most likely to create something.

But Rotherham remained a threat on the counter, and Williams thought he had opened the scoring when he cut in off the left flank and unleashed a stinging strike from distance that missed the top corner by half a yard.

Michael Jacobs stabbed over from a good position for Wigan, but neither side were able to find a breakthrough.