AS WIGAN NET THE POINTS

When Wigan swept the ball forward they looked dangerous and Gauci had to save from a Will Aimson header having met a Fraser Murray cross.

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JOINING IN: Defender Ben Heneghan up with the attack.

Vale certainly had the ability to cause Wigan problems with Cole and Brown up front and the pace of George Hall behind them.

For all his composure in his first few matches, Gauci looked less comfortable with his distribution and the fact he was being closed down quickly by Wigan players.

In the opening 38 minutes, Vale had managed one shot, not on target while they had three touches in the opposition box.

George Hall had a shot that was deflected onto the roof of the net as Vale continued to have their moments.

After Cole almost laid in George Hall in one box, the ball broke and Wigan came close to opening the scoring when poor defensive play from Connor Hall allowed the ball to be played in to Costelloe and his shot was brilliantly diverted wide by Garrity.

Just before halftime, Wigan were down to 10 men when that first wayward header from Curtis across his own box saw Costelloe try an overhead kick and his boot caught John flush in the face.