Wigan Athletic ended their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 defeat at Blundell Park, falling to Grimsby Town in what was the Latics’ final run-out before next week’s Carabao Cup tie with Barnsley.
Match summary
The Mariners, who have already won both of their home friendlies this summer, took the lead through Jayden Sweeney before Andy Cook added a late second after coming off the bench. Grimsby’s performance extended their unbeaten pre-season run and provided a stern workout for Gary Caldwell’s players.
- Score: Grimsby Town 2–0 Wigan Athletic
- Goals: Jayden Sweeney; Andy Cook (substitute)
- Venue: Blundell Park (pre-season friendly)
Team selection and first-half details
Grimsby manager David Artell selected a strong starting XI that included goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright and a back line of Harvey Rodgers, Maldini Kacurri, Cameron McJannet and Jayden Sweeney. In midfield Cian Doyle supported Justin Amaluzor, Kieran Green, Jamie Walker and Charles Vernam, with Jaze Kabia leading the attack. A number of substitutes were named and later used, among them Andy Cook, whose late strike sealed the victory.
"Wigan travelled east from Greater Manchester for their final run-out ahead of next week’s season opener in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley."
The opening goal came after Grimsby capitalised on a loose moment from Wigan captain James Carragher. Kieran Green won possession down the left and fed Vernam; his low cross was turned in by Sweeney from close range. Wigan pressed at times, with Chris Sze testing Cartwright and creating opportunities in different spells, but the visitors were unable to find the net.
Context and implications for Wigan
Though a friendly, the result will give the Latics’ coaching staff pause when finalising preparations for competitive action. The game offered both tactical clues and match minutes: defenders and midfielders were tested under pressure, and substitutes were used to assess squad depth. With the Carabao Cup opener at Barnsley imminent, attention in Wigan will now return to team selection and fitness ahead of that fixture.
Line-ups
| Grimsby (selected) | Role |
|---|---|
| Harvey Cartwright | Goalkeeper |
| Harvey Rodgers | Defender |
| Maldini Kacurri | Defender |
| Cameron McJannet | Defender |
| Jayden Sweeney | Defender/Goal scorer |
| Cian Doyle | Midfield |
| Justin Amaluzor | Midfield |
| Kieran Green | Midfield |
| Jamie Walker | Midfield |
| Charles Vernam | Midfield/Winger |
| Jaze Kabia | Forward |
Other players listed among the substitutes included Seb Auton, Joe Foulkes, Edon Pruti, Charlie Elliott, Kristian Catchpole, Henry Brown, Lennon Peterson, Elliot Smith and Andy Cook, the latter of whom made the decisive contribution from off the bench.
For supporters in Wigan, the result is a final reminder that the squad will now switch focus from preparation to competitive objectives. The Carabao Cup tie at Barnsley next week will be the first opportunity to gauge how the players and tactics hold up under knockout conditions.
