A dreadful Blackpool performance, and not for the first time this season, saw McDonald’s men crash out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Neil McDonald has made it well and truly clear that the league is his priority and has fielded weaker teams in both of the last two games in the FA Cup and JPT.
However, it’s never acceptable to lose in such a poor manner and Pool just never seemed to turn up for the game yesterday.
Right from the first whistle Pool struggled and Wigan had two very good chances just before the 20 minute mark. First Jordan Hiwula’s effort was saved by Letheren and then Leon Barnett’s header from the resulting corner was cleared by Charles Dunne.
However the Latics deserved their lead minutes later when Jordan Hiwula met a Tim Chow cross for 1-0.
Wigan could have added to their lead before the end of the half but Hiwula and Craig Davies’ efforts were well saved by Letheren.
Wigan came out the stronger side in the second half and Hiwula had the ball in the back of the net again, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Though the Seasiders could have been back in the game if it wasn’t for Jussi Jaaskelainen producing a good save from a Jarrett Rivers flick.
But Wigan doubled their lead soon after as Sean Murray was given the time and the space to fire past Letheren.
New man Will Aimson had a tough evening and made an error for the third goal when his slip allowed substitute Wildschut to compose himself in front of goal and finish his chance.
A clash between youngster Luke Higham and Letheren allowed Hiwula to get the fourth from the penalty spot, as Higham handled the ball in front of goal. Letheren was forced to go off which means Myles Boney is now the only fit keeper in the squad.
The score remained at 4 as Wigan picked up a clear victory against a dreadful Blackpool side.
McDonald prioritising the league is right, but picking up terrible results such as these is not acceptable, whoever is selected for the team.
Should Pool beat Doncaster this weekend then McDonald’s plan to rest players despite his side being on a poor run of form will have been justified, but if the dip in form carries on to Saturday and Pool lose again, then the manager will certainly have a fair amount of explaining to do as to why his side have lost the last five games.
