In a summer of very hot days, it was indeed yet another hot and humid day at the Abbey. Today was our return to league 1 and old rivals Wigan Athletic provided what looked like a stern test. In glorious conditions there was a bumper crowd of 7506 including 754 who had travelled from the north west. The atmosphere at kick off was outstanding as Wigan kicked off and United playing towards the South Stand.
United were on the attack from the off with an early corner met by Mamadou Jobe who headed onto Zak Bradshaw who fired wide. Moments later United had a second corner which was partially cleared, headed back into the box by Ben Knight, Jobe headed on, the ball to fall nicely for Kell Watts to fire home from 10 yards after 3 minutes for 1-0. The visitors could though knock the ball about well and Barrett had a shot which was blocked. Former U Jensen Weir had another effort blocked before Fox crossed for centre forward Perkins to head over. Dom Ball had a couple of efforts in quick succession, one flew over the bar the other straight at keeper Walsh. Shane McLoughlin then crossed for Jobe to head wide. As the U’s upped the pressure Ben Knight was linking up well with Louis Appere. Then Kell Watts had a further effort cleared.
Mellish jinked down the wing and crossed for Costelloe to head over. Power then lived up to his name and fired in a shot from a narrow angle but home keeper Jake Eastwood saved high up. Costelloe then played in a through ball with centre forward Perkins shooting but his effort was well saved by Eastwood. Then following a terrific run by Issac Heath who took on defenders before finding Appere who controlled the ball well and fired home from 10 yards, the ball deflecting past keeper Walsh for 2-0. Chris Sze then set up Murray but he fired over. Half time came at 2-0, United had played well and deserved to be in front.
Before the second half Wigan replaced Chapman with Harris. United though started well with Knight and Liam Bennett troubling the visitors defence. Bennett then won the ball in midfield raced down the wing passed to Knight who crossed, McLoughlin fired goalwards, finding Heath at the far post who struck the post then fired home from a couple of yards to make it 3-0. United were playing some great stuff and looked to attack at will. Then Knight shot over after being set up by skipper Ball. The big crowd were certainly enjoying themselves. On 60 Wigan replaced Sze and Barrett with Higgins and Miller. Wigan came more into the game with Power and Miller have shots at goal.
United were dropping deeper and Wigan despite being 3-0 down played some good passing football, their substitutes were making their presence felt. Referee Chilowicz having a fine game then awarded Wigan a free kick which Fox fired wide. Big centre forward Perkins then headed a Power cross at goal but it was cleared. Higgins then spin around on the edge of the box and hit a terrific shot against the post, the ball fell for Perkins who needed two touches to score to make it 3-1. Power then set up the busy Perkins who fired just wide, United needed to wake up. Then following a cross to the far post Costelloe despite clearly pushing Bradshaw off the ball, headed back across goal for Higgins to score from close range for 3-2 on 73. It was really wake up time now, although it was a clear foul.
Immediately United replaced Knight and Heath with Sullay KaiKai and Pelly Mapanzu. United looked stronger in midfield and launched some more attacks. KaiKai crossed for Zac Bradshaw to head at goal but it was saved at full stretch by Walsh. On 80 Shayne Lavery replaced the impressive and hard work Appere. KaiKai then set up Ball who fired wide then Jobe headed just wide as the U’s counter attacked. They were both decent chances to score. On 87 Wigan replaced Costelloe with McManaman. There was a short injury to Eastwood and Wigan won a corner and a free kick which both came to nothing. Zak Bradshaw picked up a booking at the end of the game following a foul. Just before the end United replaced Bradshaw with Patrick Bauer. Full time came on 96 with the U’s winning 3-2.
It had been an impressive first 70 minutes or so as the U’s broke well and there was some great passing moves against a decent side. Sloppy defending towards the end was nearly costly but the U’s were worth their win. It was a great opening day and United fans supported their team well. The last 20 minutes or so proved to me that we are still a couple of players light plus we have players to come back from injury. It is a real pleasure to award star man to Louis Appere who had his best game in ages. He worked hard all afternoon and linked up well.
Ref Watch -Alex Chilowicz -7 experienced referee who hails from the USA. I liked his performance today and he tried hard to keep an entertaining game moving. Good whistle and movement throughout. Can see him operating at a higher level.