A three goal blitz inside the first 20 minutes proved decisive as 2nd placed Wigan saw off a Rochdale side lying 3rd in the table.

Wigan stormed into the game with no hangovers to report. Fielding a side without 4 regulars and a goalie with a dodgy finger it was an impressive performance against strong opponents. Team, Sam (sore finger), Chopper, Thomo (nearly 18), Helen (bad cold), Sam (sore feet), Jenny, Billy, Loz (capt. and well done on your England performance), Lin, Boony, Aimee, sub Katie K.

Kate Boon opened the scoring hitting a dipping 25 yarder over the keeper after a great run down the right. Two more soon followed, first a headed goal from a corner by Aimee, then a trademark finish from Billy. It should have been 4 soon after, however, Aimee missed a gilt edge chance after doing all the hard work.

With the team playing well and 3 - 0 up, complacency crept in, allowing the home side a period of possession before half time which saw a good effort hit the Wigan crossbar. One change at half time saw the plucky Helen succumb to the effects of a heavy cold, replaced by the returning Katie K who didn't let the side down in her first outing of the season.

The pattern continued after the break and with the home side holding the initiative Wigan conceded a sloppy goal on the hour. This proved to be the only real scare in the half and the team saw the game out. It was a hard working display and the team came away with a well deserved win. Credit to both teams, it was played in good spirit.
Next match is on the road again at Accrington Stanley.

Well played girls, very impressive.

Wigan consolidated second spot in the league with a 1 - 0 home win against a physical Haslingden side. Played in hurricane conditions the game was spoiled as a spectacle by the strong wind.

Wigan started with Katie Mac (very very able stand in) in goal, back four of chopper, hannah mack, thomo and helen, jenny holding midfield, lauren/lucy/boony/emily across the middle and billy up front.

Playing with the hurricane in the first half Wigan were disappointed to reach the turn at 0 - 0. This despite the usual glut of missed chances all round. The away side made it difficult and scrapped hard.

Half time brought about more fight from the home side and, playing against the wind, a marked improvement was evident. On sixty minutes a determined run by Jenny saw her brought down in the box. A clear penalty which she despatched with confidence.

Second half changes saw Lucy replaced by Aimee and Emily by Sam. Wigan saw the game out restricting the away side to half chances. Full credit for a fine second half display on the back of a stern mid interval team talk.

GoM went to Jenny for a solid game. Credit also to Katie Maccck in goal who never fails to disappoint when called upon.

More finishing practice needed on Wednesday, however, another good performance all round. Well done girls.

Next game, away to Rochdale which looks a good close game on paper.

The away point at Accrington took Wigan to the top of the league. The home side provided stern opposition and proved to be a good test on the day.

Wigan had the better of the first half but gave away the lead and handed the initiative to Accrington who just shaded the second half, despite Wigan missing a glut of clear cut chances.

The game marked the return of Sam in goal who turned in a great display, eventually winning GoM for a string of fine saves.

With striker Aimee in the sin bin, Chopper and Helen out with illness, a reshaped team took the field. Starting line up - Sam, Hannah Macck, Thomo (18 next), Lin, Sam, Jen, Loz (capt), Lucy, Emily, Katie Macc, Billy, sub Kate B.

Another frustrating, slow start was endured, consistent with the last game.

The first piece of quality on show led to the opener on 20 mins, when Lauren glided through the home defence to score from just inside the box.

Not for the first time this season the side didn't push on and wasted good possession and chances.

The half petered out with the score remaining 0 - 1.
It was the home side that looked the more hungry in the second half and when the equaliser came on 60 mins it came as no surprise.

The one substitution saw Boony replace Sam with Katie Maccc shifting to the unaccustomed right back slot, where she looked at ease.

Wigan paid the price for the missed chances, and in the end had Sam and the equally impressive Thomo to thank for restricting the home side to the one goal.

On reflection however, more two points dropped. The back to back return fixture next week means that Billy and co have the chance to make amends

A third win on the spin put Wigan on equal points with league leaders Curzon, only separated by goal difference. Again, the home side made hard work of the 3 - 2 win, turning round at half time 2 - 0 up.
The glut of parties and late nights took it's toll and made for a slow start from Wigan. In a 'stop start' opening to the half the football was a little disjointed to say the least. Settling down, Wigan took advantage of the high line being played by the visitor's and a long ball from Thomo was latched onto by Billy who cooly slotted home. The lead was soon doubled by Aimee with a fine strike and was a fair reflection of the balance of play.
The only blot on the first half was a painful injury to Lucy which forced her off and led to the introduction of Hannah at full back, pushing Lin into centre midfield.
Searching for a third goal to kill the game off Wigan were caught on the break and conceded a corner kick. The visitor's scored directly from the corner and a tense last 25 mins was guaranteed. Two further changes saw Helen and Emily replaced by Sam and Katie Macc, who was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when brought down from behind inside the box.
Aimee seemed to settle the nerves 15 mins from the end with her second goal following another assist from Thomo. A well deserved goal for her hard work up front, winning almost everything in the air.
With 2 mins to go the visitors grabbed a late goal and the game ended 3 - 2 to Wigan. GoM went to Loz for a 'master class' in midfield, which had the bruises to show for it. Well played again girls for another stylish win.
Team - Kathryn, Chopper, Lin, Helen, Thomo, Jenny, Lucy, Loz (capt,) Emily, Billy, Aimee, subs, Hannah, Katie Maccc, Sam.

A fine 1 - 2 away win kept up the pressure on the league leaders as Wigan reaffirmed 2nd spot in the table.
A strong squad of 14 made the trip along the M58 to take on a lively Sefton side. Starting eleven was Kathryn, Chopper (nearly 18), Hannah Mack, Thomo, Lin, Jenny (nearly 18), Loz, Boony, Katie Macc, Billy and Aimee.
Starting well Wigan took the early initiative and spent long spells in the Sefton half. The early pressure paid off on 15 mins when Jenny beat the keeper with a fine 20 yard shot that looped in under the bar.
With Kathryn a virtual spectator in the first half it seemed only a matter of time before the lead would be increased. Not for the first time this season though, chances weren't taken and the score remained 0 - 1 at half time.
The second half brought snow and an improvement in the home side who equalised on 60 mins following a break away. The Wigan defence lost the foot race and Kathryn was beaten in the resulting one on one.
An enforced change saw the injured Katie Maccc replaced by Emily. Two further changes saw Sam and Helen replace Jenny and Lin.
Wigan made amends for the glut of first half misses when Billy scored what turned out to be the winner with 10 mins to play, netting with a fine angled shot.
That's two good wins on the spin playing some fine football. GoM went to Chopper who just nudged out Lauren.
Well played girls. Next game, Wigan entertain 3rd in table Accrington Stanley.

A disappointing 2 -1 away defeat to Rochdale saw the Latics dumped out of the League Cup at the quarter final stage. A combination of errors and poor finishing proved costly in a game that was there for the taking.

A heavy pitch and cold conditions were the backdrop for the fixture. An absence of some 8 weeks football, attributable to the weather, was evident in the first 20 mins play as the Latics struggled to find their usual form. The home side capitalised and looked dangerous on the break. The early Rochdale pressure saw a good effort strike the bar. Unable to respond, Wigan found it hard to re-establish their usual free flowing style and were on the receiving end of some good play.

An error saw the home side take the lead midway through the half which spurred Wigan on. Following near miss's  from Lauren and Billy, a neat move was tucked away nicely by Aimee to level the score. The 1-1 scoreline remained up to the break. The half time talk emphasised the joy that Billy was getting on the right flank and the need to close down quicker when not in possession.

In a second half dominated by Wigan, astonishingly, it was  the home side that got the only goal, albeit rather fortunate. Despite the dominance the Latics couldn't put the chances away and it proved to be costly at the final whistle.

The post match analysis from Andy and Dave couldn't fault the effort. The back four restricted the home side to 3 efforts on goal. The midfield worked their socks off in the heavy conditions and the front two created problems throughout for the home defence.

GoM went to Hannah for work rate and effort over the ninety. One of the highlights was the marauding 70 yard run by Sam (verified) from centre back which saw at least 4 Rochdale players trailing in her wake. The write up doesn't do the run justice !
At the end of the day, just one of those results. A fair assessment would have been at least a draw at full time.Team: - Kathryn, Chopper, Hannah (nearly 18), Thomo, Sam, Emily, Lauren, Jenny, Katie Mac (nearly 18), Billy, Aimee. Subs Helen for Sam (worn out after the run) and Lucy for Emily.

Back to league action next week and Preston away. Following fixture is return with Rochdale which will be eagerly awaited.
Well played girls.

Wigan progressed into the 3rd round of the County League Cup with an emphatic 7-2 away win at Burnley. Played on a heavy, tiring pitch the Latics came on strong in the second half after a fairly lacklustre opening 45 which saw the teams turn round at 2-2. The home side came from behind twice in a dogged first half performance.
The game marked the return of Billy who came off the bench for the second half in a pack re-shuffle, reverting to two up front. The only disappointment was that it took Billy 50 seconds to open her new account. Shoddy ! The introduction of Billy clearly benefited lone striker Aimee and on this evidence a great pairing will no doubt flourish and reap rewards.
Keeper Kathryn tried her best to pick up a hand injury, twice receiving attention. The 2nd knock was gained saving a double Geoff Hurst off the underside of the bar. However, she carried on despite the knocks and turned in a solid display.
The defence coped well albeit two lapses gifted the home side. Newcomer Sam fitted in soundly at right back alongside Hannah, Thomo and Lin, who's turning in consistently good performances whichever position she's asked to play.
A feature of the second half was the quality of the midfield play and in particular the through balls fed to the two willing runners up front. Kate B, Jenny, Lauren and GoM Katie Macc revelled in the mud.
Billy's introduction at the break was as a replacement for Emily who worked hard up and down the left flank. After 60 mins a second substitution saw Helen replace Thomo at the heart of the defence in a straight swap.
On the scoresheet were Katie Macc (1 a screamer off the thigh) Aimee and Billy with a brace apiece, and the pick of the bunch from Loz, a 30 yard Beckhamesc lob over the keeper, quality ! Amongst the chances missed was an effort from Billy that struck the upright to deny her a hat trick.
All in all, a good sporting contest on a tricky surface and full credit to the ref.
The 3rd round draw is eagerly awaited.
Well played girls.

In the end, a disappointing away point at league leaders Curzon. This was a reflection of Wigan's dominance in a game that saw the Latics squander a 2 goal half time lead.
A very generous penalty award in favour of the home side proved to be the turning point in a match Wigan controlled for the most part.
Two clinical early strikes from Aimee settled Wigan and seemed to knock the home side out of their stride. Keeper Kathryn was rarely troubled in the half as Hannah, Chopper, Lin and Thomo held a tight line. The midfield of Jenny, Kate B, Katie Macc, Lauren and Emily worked their socks off and didn't allow the home side any time on the ball. Equally when in possession the football from the midfield 5 was of a high standard.
The ever improving Aimee benefited from the service and enjoyed a good tussle with the Curzon centre backs.
Reaching the break 2 - 0 up, Wigan were cruising until the bizarre refereeing decision on 50 mins handed the initiative to the home side. The isolated Hannah made 2 great tackles on the edge of the box. Strangely, the referee awarded a free kick first and then a penalty to the amazement of both sets of players and officials. Keeper Kathryn was given no chance from the spot kick.
The first tactical change saw Lucy replace Emily on 60 mins which was closely followed by an enforced change as Helen replaced the injured Chopper.
With 5 mins to go Wigan threw away all the good work with a lapse in concentration as they failed to close down the home side and allowed the Curzon striker to find the top corner from 18yds.
Despite a late and determined rally Wigan couldn't find the winner as Aimee shot wide.
In a game when an away point should be seen as a good result against the league leaders, the feeling amongst the team and management was more, 2 points dropped.
Full marks for the attitude and commitment shown, particularly after the disappointment of last week.
 Wigan move up to 2nd in the table.
Next up, away trip to Rochdale.

A comprehensive scoreline of 5 - 2 does not do justice to a Wigan performance which deserved much better. The opening 35 mins of this away fixture saw Wigan play some of their best football of the season. A crazy 10 minute spell before half time saw the away side uncharacteristically ship 4 goals without reply.
Winning the toss Lauren chose to play against the slope on a sticky pitch. The hot conditions and heavy playing surface would test the fitness levels of both teams.
Dominating possession from the start Wigan brought a string of good saves from the Padiham keeper and saw a good effort from Aimee clip the top of the crossbar. No one could have predicted the devastating 10 mins spell before the break which saw the home side net 4 times and the Wigan heads drop.
A stern half time team talk saw the game resume with a similar pattern to the first half. At last Wigan were rewarded for their ambition, when on 50 mins Lucy thumped in a long range shot with the keeper well beaten. Maintaining the momentum a second soon followed with Aimee rounding the keeper to slot home. Despite hitting the upright the comeback didn't materialise and it was the home side who scored again right on the final whistle.
At the end of the day, a good fair contest well refereed, but one to learn from and move on. Wigan remain 3rd in the league table.
Next game is a re-arranged away fixture at top of the league Curzon Ashton.
Wigan team : Kathryn, Hannah, Chopper, Lin, Thomo, Jenny, Kate, Lauren, Lucy, Emily, Aimee, subs Katie Macc, Helen.

A feisty encounter at the JJB (wasn't bad on the pitch either) saw Wigan take the spoils against visitor's Morecambe. The result was a  battling 2 - 1 home win to Wigan, and this, despite having two good goals inexplicably chalked off. Perfect playing conditions made for an entertaining game with plenty of talking points.
Winning the toss, skipper Lauren used local knowledge and changed the teams around. The game was well contested from the start, albeit  the home side had more possession early doors. Clear cut chances were few and far between and both keepers were well protected. A fine left foot strike from Aimee towards the end of the first half was just reward and made amends for her earlier effort  that was disallowed. On that occasion the Morecambe keeper had a Roy Carrol moment, which seemed to spur Wigan on. Another point of note in the half was a Katie Macc corner which struck the bar with the keeper beaten.
Half time 1 - 0 and confidence was high. Early in the second half  ice cool Boony replaced Lynne (another solid display) which saw Lucy take up a wide left berth. Better football in the half was rewarded with a great move and goal orchestrated and finished off  by Lauren. This topped off a fine display and earned her the G of M.
From a position of being well on top the self destruct button was pressed in the last quarter when the away side scored from a starting position near their own corner flag ! Despite a second disallowed goal Wigan saw the game out without any scares. Final whistle 2 -1 and Andy and Dave had a come dancing moment on the touchline. The result of a stressful day all round.
Three games played and the team has settled into the season well. Another good defensive display from Hannah Maccc / Chopper / 'stays out late and spends a lot' Thommo and Helen. New keeper Kathryn marshalled the defence well and distributed the ball cleverly. Starting midfield of Jenny / Katie / Lauren / Lucy /Lynne (Kate B) were all  impressive from both work rate and quality on the ball. Lone striker Aimee again looked good and was rewarded with a fine goal.
Next up is an away game at Accrington G and L. More of the same is needed. Well played everyone.

  First away game of the season saw Wigan take on Haslingden Ladies. A terrific 1 - 2 win was a fair result on the balance of play over the 90 minutes. A good playing surface suited the Wigan passing game and full use was made of the wide pitch.
There were some pre- match concerns over the 'Ashton 6' and the niggling foot injuries caused by the Saturday night heels, however, these soon melted away when the old boots were slipped on. More concerns followed with the team struggling to get to grips with the ref's pre- match instructions. These didn't go down well with Lynne who took offence to being called a Wiganer.
Sporting the new kit the team looked the part from the off, yet, despite having the lions share of possession in the first half the home keeper was rarely troubled. Same could be said for new Wigan keeper Kathryn, an excellent close season signing who has bedded in well and spreads confidence throughout the team.
Wigan were denied a blatant penalty award in the first half when striker Aimee was scythed down by the home keeper in the box. Frustratingly the ball stopped on the line and was cleared by a home defender. Half time score 0 - 0.
Despite the text book interval team talk the home side took the lead within a minute of the re-start. A long range effort cannoned off the bar and the rebound was slotted home with the Wigan defence on the back foot. The mid point of the half brought about the equaliser with the hard working Aimee outpacing the home defence and beating the keeper with a hard and low drive. Well deserved for her hard work. The first change saw Emily replace newcomer Lucy, who is proving to be a fine acquisition and popular member of the squad. Later in the half Helen replaced the impressive Lynne at the back, both of whom look comfortable alongside Thommo in the heart of the defence. Usual fine displays at the back as well from Chopper and Hannah who are equally adept at going forward.
The trusted 4 - 1-  4 - 1 with Jenny holding midfield, Skipper Lauren and Lucy in the middle and Kate B and Katie Mac out wide, works well and can accommodate changes seamlessly. Katie Macc's dead ball delivery was consistent throughout in terms of quality.
With the scores level an action packed last 2 minutes was not predicted. The home side were awarded a  penalty, hotly contested by Thommo and Helen. The resulting spot kick struck the upright and was gratefully collected by Kathryn. The resulting break saw ice cool Kate B slot away the decider with a neat finish following a high quality move.
A good display all round and a fine response to the disappointing result last week. Very hard to choose a G of M, could have gone to anyone, but just shaded by Aimee for the tireless work up front.
Full marks to both teams for a good, hard fought, sporting game.
Next up is a home match against Morecambe. Keep up the good work !