Wigan Athletic 1 Millwall 0 – Lions beaten in disappointing display at DW Stadium

BY ALEX GRACE

Millwall’s Championship play-off hopes took a hit as they lost to Wigan at the DW Stadium.

Shaun Hutchinson’s 57th-minute own goal clinched all three points for the home side.

Wigan started the game the better side and could have gone in front early on, Anthony Pilkington’s cross just evaded Kieffer Moore at the back post.

Jed Wallace had Millwall’s first real opportunity of the game. His free-kick was held well by David Marshall on 29 minutes. Replays appeared to show that Nathan Byrne had fouled Ryan Woods inside the box and a penalty should have been awarded.

The hosts came close again in the 42nd minute. Pilkington again the provider for Moore, the Welsh international seeing his shot blocked by Shaun Hutchinson before having another saved by Bart Bialkowski a minute later.

Millwall should have taken the lead at the start of the second half. David Marshall dropped Jed Wallace’s cross; the ball fell to Tom Bradshaw, but the striker poked his effort wide. Moments later, Wigan could have taken the lead themselves. Pilkington seeing his shot tipped away by Bialkowski.

Wigan did take the lead on 57 minutes. Pilkington’s cross was diverted into his own net by Hutchinson.

Sam Morsy had the chance to double their lead 10 minutes later, he found himself free inside the Lions’ 18 yard-box but fired his shot over the bar.

Gary Rowett introduced Mason Bennett, Matt Smith and Connor Mahoney in pursuit of an equaliser. Smith came close when the ball fell to him after a Jed Wallace corner, but his effort was blocked.

The Lions saw another penalty appeal ignored when the ball appeared to come off Cedric Kipre’s hand after Mason Bennett’s shot.

Millwall are seven points off the play-offs with 12 games to play.

PICTURES BY SEAN GOSLING