Leeds United 0 Wigan 2: Redfearn has ‘no problem’ with Sharp’s march to tunnel

Leeds dominated the majority of the clash at Elland Road, Billy Sharp’s effort that hit the bar the closest they came to scoring.

The home side fell behind to an own goal from Liam Cooper in the first half before James McClean secured the win near the end.

“I thought we got in front of goal enough, we had enough of the general play, and we made all the running,” said Redfearn.

“The first goal is a mistake, and how many times have we said that after being in a good position?

“Obviously that gives Wigan a bit of impetus and something to defend, and to be fair they defended well.

“I think had we got it back to 1-1 we would have gone on to win the game.

“Their second goal is disappointing, you’ve still got to keep an eye on the back door.

“They get down the sides of us too easily, and it puts a false reflection on what actually happened.”

Redfearn also insisted he had no problem with Sharp’s reaction to being substituted, heading straight down the tunnel rather than taking his place on the bench.

“I’ve done it myself – I was far worse than Billy when I played, I was a nightmare,” Redfearn added.

“He wants to play, and I understand that, but for me looking at it from this side, it’s important he understands it’s a team game and sometimes you need to change it around to chase it.

“We just wanted to freshen it up, put a different perspective on it. I’ll speak to him about it, but I haven’t got a problem with it.”

Leeds bossed the majority of the game, but found Wigan’s new-look back-five formation – plus goalkeeper Scott Carson – in unbeatable mood.

After Leeds started the busier of the two sides, the visitors took the lead with their first attack on goal. McClean did all the damage down the left-hand side, and his cross was bundled into his own net by an unsuspecting Cooper.

Leeds made a double change at the interval, sending on Rodolph Austin and Steve Morison.

The striker was the focal point for much of what followed as Leeds threw everything at the visitors. Mirco Antenucci fired wide before Giuseppe Bellusci saw a shot tipped over by former United custodian Carson.

Wigan were looking dangerous on the counter and McClean, who had just tested Silvestri with a low strike, sealed the win with 10 minutes to go with a rasping drive from close range.

Malky Mackay could not hide his delight at seeing Wigan record a first win under his stewardship at the sixth attempt.

“Any time you come to Elland Road, with the atmosphere here and the size of the club, and come away with a win is really pleasing,” the Wigan manager said.

Leeds United: Silvestri, Byram, Bellusci, Cooper, Warnock, Tonge, Bianchi (Morison 46), Mowatt (Austin 46), Cook, Antenucci, Sharp (Doukara 71). Unused substitutes: Berardi, Stuart Taylor, Montenegro, Pearce.

Wigan Athletic: Carson, Perch, Ramis, Kiernan, Tavernier, Cowie, McCann, Watson, Taylor, McClean, Fortune (Espinoza 70). Unused substitutes: Riera, Maloney, McManaman, Boyce, Al Habsi, Forshaw.

Referee: N Miller (Durham).