Wigan Athletic fans are waking up to a rare feeling this morning: genuine optimism. After years of turbulence and heartbreak, the Latics delivered a gritty 1-0 away win over Preston North End at Deepdale in front of 14,366 spectators—a result that could prove a turning point in their ongoing League One campaign.
For many, this victory is reminiscent of the club’s most storied moment: that unforgettable FA Cup triumph in 2013. Back then, under the stewardship of Roberto Martinez, Wigan stunned Manchester City at Wembley, with Ben Watson’s 90th-minute header etching the club’s name into English football folklore. But the glory was fleeting. Just days before their Wembley heroics, Wigan had fallen 3-2 to Swansea in a crucial relegation clash, leaving them three points adrift of Premier League safety with only two games to play. Despite the euphoria of the cup win, a 4-1 defeat at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on the final day sealed their relegation.
The FA Cup run itself was the stuff of dreams. Wigan navigated a treacherous path, dispatching Bournemouth over two legs, and notching impressive away victories against Macclesfield Town (1-0), Huddersfield Town (4-1), Everton (3-0), and Millwall (2-0) before their historic final. The reward? A place in the Europa League—a first for the club. But European nights proved unforgiving: Wigan finished bottom of their group with five points, trailing Rubin Kazan, Maribor, and Zulte-Waregem.
The years that followed were anything but kind. Relegation to the Championship was only the beginning of a long, difficult journey. After two seasons, Wigan dropped into League One in 2015, bounced straight back, only to fall again the following year. This yo-yo pattern became a cruel motif. Promotions in 2018 and 2022 offered hope, but the Latics never managed to secure a lasting foothold in the second tier.
Fast-forward to January 10, 2026, and Wigan find themselves 15th in League One with 30 points—just two clear of the relegation zone, and nine shy of the playoff spots. It’s a far cry from those heady days of 2013, when the club’s name was on everyone’s lips. But last night’s win at Deepdale might just hint at a brighter chapter ahead.
The match itself was a tense affair. Preston North End, playing at home, fielded a determined starting eleven: Iversen in goal, a backline of Gibson, Lindsay, Storey, and Small, and a midfield anchored by McCann, Thompson, and Valentín. Up front, Dobbin, Jebbison, and Frökjaer led the attack. Wigan, keenly aware of their precarious position in the table, matched Preston’s intensity from the first whistle.
Referee Oliver Langford kept a tight grip on proceedings, and both sets of supporters made their presence felt. As the clock ticked into the final minutes, the tension was palpable. Preston pressed for an equalizer, but the Latics’ defense held firm. In the dying moments—eight minutes into stoppage time—Preston’s Brad Potts thought he’d found a breakthrough, only to be flagged offside. The final whistle brought relief and jubilation for the travelling Wigan faithful.
“It’s always special to win away from home, especially at a place like Deepdale,” said a visibly elated Wigan player after the match. The sense of unity and determination among the squad was clear. For a club that has endured so much turmoil, every point is now precious.
Looking at the bigger picture, Wigan’s struggles over the last decade have been well-documented. After their brief European adventure, the club slipped into a cycle of relegation and promotion, never quite able to recapture the stability or momentum of their Premier League years. Financial challenges, managerial changes, and player turnover have all played their part. Yet, through it all, the club’s loyal supporters have remained steadfast, filling away ends and dreaming of better days.
Tonight’s performance at Deepdale was a testament to that resilience. The Latics showed discipline at the back, creativity in midfield, and—crucially—the ability to see out a narrow lead under intense pressure. It’s the kind of result that can galvanize a squad, inject belief, and perhaps spark a run up the table.
Of course, the road ahead remains challenging. With 30 points, Wigan are still just two points above the drop zone. The gap to the playoffs is significant, and consistency has been elusive all season. But if history teaches us anything, it’s that this club is no stranger to defying the odds. Who can forget the 2013 miracle? That season, the Latics were written off by many, only to produce one of the greatest cup upsets in living memory.
Wigan’s current squad may lack the star power of that era, but the spirit is unmistakable. The scenes at the final whistle—players embracing, fans singing long after the stands had emptied—spoke volumes. There’s a sense that, despite the setbacks of recent years, something is building once again.
As the League One season rolls on, every fixture takes on added significance. The win at Preston could prove a catalyst, but the Latics know they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. Upcoming matches will test their resolve, and the battle to avoid another relegation scrap is far from over.
Still, for one night at least, Wigan Athletic supporters can revel in a precious away victory—one that harks back to the club’s proudest moments, and perhaps signals the start of a new, more hopeful chapter. The journey continues, but with performances like this, belief is beginning to return to the DW Stadium faithful.
