Wigan Athletic edged Blackpool 3-2 in a five-goal English Football League Trophy thriller on September 23, 2026, with a late winner settling a breathless contest at the Brick Community Stadium.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, this was a tie that refused to slow down. Wigan Athletic attacked with width and direct running, while Blackpool looked to counter through their front two and the pace of their wide players. The home side drew first blood and then doubled their advantage, but Blackpool's response after half-time turned a comfortable lead into a nervous finale.

Wigan's midfield controlled the opening half-hour, winning loose balls and feeding the full-backs high up the pitch. Blackpool struggled to keep possession for long enough to relieve pressure, and when they did break forward, Wigan's centre-backs were aggressive in stepping out to intercept. The game looked to be slipping away from the visitors before a spirited comeback brought the score back to 2-2.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Wigan Athletic opened the scoring. A low cross from the right was only half-cleared, and the arriving midfielder lashed the ball into the roof of the net for 1-0.
• 34th minute: Wigan doubled the lead. A quick counter-attack ended with a composed finish across the goalkeeper and into the far corner for 2-0.
• 51st minute: Blackpool pulled one back. A well-worked move down the left created space at the back post, and the striker converted from six yards to make it 2-1.
• 72nd minute: Blackpool equalised. A free-kick was swung into the box, and after a scramble, the ball was forced over the line for 2-2.
• 85th minute: Wigan won it. A late surging run from midfield opened up the defence, and a first-time shot from the edge of the area flew into the bottom corner for 3-2.

Tactical Story

Wigan Athletic's 4-3-3 caused Blackpool problems all night, particularly when their midfielders broke beyond the front line. Blackpool adjusted at half-time, pushing their wing-backs higher and pressing Wigan's deepest midfielder, which sparked their comeback. For a 15-minute spell, the visitors looked the more likely winners.

But Wigan's response was mature. They slowed the tempo, won a few tactical fouls, and then found one final moment of quality. The winning goal came from a deliberate switch to a more direct approach, with the midfield runner arriving late into the box — a pattern Blackpool never fully solved.

Standout Players

Wigan's goalscoring midfielder was the standout performer, combining energy with composure in the final third. Their goalkeeper also made two important saves at 2-2 to keep the score level. Blackpool's front two deserved credit for dragging their side back into the match, while their left-sided defender was a willing outlet throughout the second half.

What It Means

The 3-2 result gives Wigan Athletic a morale-boosting win in the English Football League Trophy and keeps their knockout-stage hopes firmly on track. Blackpool leave with nothing despite a brave comeback, but the performance will offer encouragement for their league campaign. In a competition where momentum matters, Wigan's late winner could prove significant.