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Shaun Maloney picked up a point in his first game in charge of Wigan, as they held Blackburn to a goalless draw at Ewood Park.
The Latics missed the chance to climb off the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, but it was a fairly positive start for Maloney – the former Latics player who became his third permanent manager of the season last week after Kolo Toure was sacked.
They are three points from safety in 24th, while Blackburn remain outside the top six on goal difference in another frustrating evening for Jon Dahl Tomasson and his team.
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James McClean described Wigan’s goalless draw with Blackburn as a ‘special day’ after playing 90 minutes on the same day as the birth of his fourth child.
Goalless at Ewood Park
It could and should have been the worst start for Maloney, as Blackburn found his way behind his team’s defense within four minutes. Bradley Dack played the ball into the run of Brereton Diaz, who ran through the goal but then immediately shot Ben Amos with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Sorba Thomas was among the loanee debutants in the show, and caused many problems down the right for Blackburn, with a couple of crosses which caused real problems for the Wigan defense, only for Martin Kelly to show his nous by averting the danger away from. the likes of Bradley Dack and Sam Gallagher.
And there would be no breakthrough for either side in the end, on a night of poor quality in the final third for both teams in this Lancashire derby. While there was also a blow to Kelly, who was forced off with what appears to be a bad injury after what has been an impressive performance in his Wigan debut.
The managers
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Blackburn head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson said he was disappointed with the goalless draw against Wigan, but felt his side had kept a clean sheet.
Jon Dahl Tomasson of Blackburn:
“We knew it was going to be a tough game. Wigan are fighting for survival and have a new manager. Although I’m disappointed, we didn’t win the game with the chances we created.
“From possession, we were solid and gave away a few things. I’m happy with the clean sheet, but we need to be more clinical with the chances we have.”
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Shaun Maloney said he was pleased with Wigan’s mentality after their goalless draw against Blackburn.
Wigan’s Shaun Maloney:
“It was a good start. We had to defend a lot in the second half. The mentality of the group was good. I’m happy.
“The first half I was very happy with the progress we made. Sometimes it was positive. The second half we had to defend. Sometimes the game is like that. I would like us to play more, but I like the way we went. I like the group and the traveling support.
Man of the Match – Martin Kelly
What’s next?
Both sides return to Sky Bet Championship action at 3pm on Saturday. Blackburn travel to Watford, Wigan host Huddersfield.
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