22mins Aghahowa shot 1-0

Half time: Wigan 1 Newcastle 0

69mins Figueroa shot 2-0

Full time: Wigan 2 Newcastle 0

Adam Sadler commented:

"Wigan were difficult opponents both physically and technically, but our lads continued to show great attitude and work ethic throughout the game

"We created three good chances in each half and, on another day, we could've got a result. But we believe this has been a very valuable learning experience based on the fact that Wigan fielded seven first-team players and some with international experience."

Latics coach Keith Bertschin (who followed Bruce from Brum) commented:

"There were great performances everywhere on the park - it's difficult to single anybody out really.

"Aggy was very lively, Erik Hagen looked solid alongside Andreas Granqvist, but really they all put a great shift in, which is very encouraging."

Our Reserves suffered a disappointing defeat to Wigan's second string at Robin Park (a sports arena that sits almost in the shadow of the JJB Stadium) on Tuesday evening.

The game had kicked off just over ten minutes late due to the tardy arrival of the Newcastle team bus, with Adam Sadler naming the same XI as started last week's 0-0 home draw with Liverpool.

Wigan took the lead when Julius Aghahowa was allowed to turn and shoot low past Fraser Forster from the edge of the box in the 19th minute.

The same player headed against our bar in the 38th minute with our best chance falling to Ryan Donaldson who poked a shot wide after 24 minutes.

Mark Doninger placed a free-kick wide five minutes before the break but the home side retained the lead until half time.

Honduran defender Maynor Figueroa sealed the victory seven minutes after the restart when he got on the end of a one-two and beat Forster from the edge of the box.

Captain David Edgar missed our best second half opportunity in the dying seconds of normal time, flicking James Troisi's free-kick just wide.

However, while that and Donaldson's first half effort could have resulted in a third draw for us on this ground had they been on target, a more experienced Latics side took their chances and deserved the victory.

Only one goal now in three games for us at this level and that one was netted by Andy Carroll - whose physical presence was missed both tonight and last week at SJP against Liverpool reserves.

Biffa

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