What the Papers Say

Last updated : 10 April 2006 By Liam Cooper
As Wigan manager Paul Jewell described, its the lack of a "killer instinct" that is the problem as ,despite dominating large parts of the game, and taking the lead at home for the third time in a row, Wigan failed to take advantage and dropped more valuable points in the race for a UEFA Cup spot.

Here is what a selection of national newspapers said about Wigan's inability to kill off teams at home, and on Birminghams continued revival in their bid to beat relegation.

The Independent

Bruce drinks to Birmingham's latest effort in battle for survival


Wigan Athletic, who have notwon at home in the Premiership since Boxing Day, were leading through Andreas Johansson's sixth goal of the season, when Emile Heskey sped down the left wing aand crossed for Dunn to force theball over theline. It was a goal of considerable significance, and one that had both managers thinking wistfully.

The paradox was that, while Bruce was praying everyone stays fit, Wigan's Paul Jewell saw the Birmingham goal and wished his players would risk injury to get the same rewards.

"We've played plenty of balls across the box this season and maybe we don't gamble, aren't brave enough or mentally quick enough. David Dunn is not a natural goal scorer but he had the desire to make sure he got on the end of it."

The Sun

Wigan 1 Birmingham 1


David Dunn's late leveller helped Birmingham clinch another crucial relegation point.

Steve Bruce's men trailed to Andreas Johansson's headed opnener just after the break. But Dunn netted from close ranger with 13 minutes remaining as Brum moved two points clear of the drop zone.

Latics boss Paul Jeell thought his side should have killed the game off after taking the lead. He said: "I thought we might havegone on and got a second goal and kill the game off."

"We should have enough to win against a team that's struggling away from home."

The Times

Dunn completes a fine week for Birmingham

Given that Birmingham have not won away in the league since beating Sunderland at the end of November and Wigan's most recent win in the Barclays Premiership at the JJB Stadium was against Manchester City on Boxing Day, it should have come as no surprise that this match ended in a draw, although the home team should have been out of sight by the time David Dunn cancelled out Andreas Johansson's strike within 12 minutes of his introduction as a second-half substitute.

No wonder Paul Jewell was seething in the dressing-room afterwards. The Wigan manager has watched his team throw away leads in four of their past six Premiership games and probably, as a consequence, any chance of qualifying for the Uefa Cup. “We have lost the ability to win,” Jewell said. “There is an awful lot still to play for and if anybody lacks motivation, they won't be here next season.”