Wigan Edge Blackpool in EFL Trophy Thriller
Wigan secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Blackpool in the EFL Trophy Group North Round 2 fixture at their home ground on Tuesday evening. The match ended with a late winner from Jerry Yates, who struck in the 90th minute to cap off an entertaining contest. Both sides came into the game with mixed recent form, and the result shifts the balance in Group North slightly.
Connor Barrett opened the scoring early, finding the net in the third minute to give Wigan an immediate advantage. Scott Hogan restored parity for Blackpool with a well-taken goal in the 57th minute, and the visitors appeared to be building momentum. By then, the match had settled into a rhythm that both sets of supporters seemed to enjoy watching.
Tom Bloxham levelled the scores from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, but Fraser Murray put Blackpool ahead moments later with a goal in the 78th minute. The home side refused to surrender, and Yates delivered the decisive blow when he found the back of the net in the 90th minute. And here's the thing — that late surge from Wigan changed everything.
The statistics told a story of contrasting approaches. Wigan dominated possession with 52% and registered six shots on target, though they created no big chances throughout the encounter. Blackpool generated more attacks with 106 compared to 78, but their shooting accuracy of 36% meant they couldn't convert their opportunities. To be fair, both teams kept their defensive records reasonable with minimal clearances needed.
In the standings, Blackpool remain in second place with six points from three games, while Wigan sit fourth on a solitary point after three defeats. The visitors had won two of their previous outings before this setback, whereas Wigan's recent run included a goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday. The result means Blackpool maintain their position at the top of Group North, though the gap remains narrow.
Our forecast had backed Blackpool to win at 39% confidence, but the match took a different turn. Yates' late strike proved decisive after both sides had shown they could score, and Wigan's resilience in the final moments was the difference. The group stage continues with both teams still having plenty to play for.
