Powell at double to lift Latics
Wigan forward nick Powell is finally realising the potential that prompted Sir alex Ferguson to sign him as a teenager.
Chronic injuries meant Powell scored only once in four years at Manchester United but yesterday’s double took his run to eight goals in eight games since returning from hamstring problems.
‘i don’t think anyone has ever doubted nick Powell’s quality.
MOWBRAY FEELS HEAT
DARREN FERGUSON’S newly promoted Doncaster inflicted an embarrassing 3-1 defeat on League One title favourites Blackburn that ended manager Tony Mowbray’s six-month honeymoon with the home supporters, who booed at the end. ‘You could feel the fans’ frustration and we have to accept that, stick together and find a way of winning,’ said Mowbray. When he’s fit, he’s a massive influence,’ said Latics manager Paul Cook, whose side are among six League One clubs with maximum points this season.
‘The important thing for nick is keeping fit. He is working away every day in the gym and if he does that he should be OK. i think he only started 11 games last season and that’s not enough.’
Powell, 23, set up Michael Jacobs for Wigan’s opener after 13 minutes. But Bury levelled two minutes later when debutant alex Bruce went up for a corner and scored with a header that dad Steve would have been proud of.
Bruce Jnr, released by Hull City in the summer, was signed by manager Lee Clark on Friday on a non-contract basis and he said: ‘i thought alex was excellent. i want to sit down and make it a longerterm deal.’
Powell took over in the second half, showing the quality that persuaded Ferguson to sign him for £6million from Crewe in 2012.
after 53 minutes, he climbed effortlessly and beat goalkeeper Joe Murphy with a clinical header following a cross by Lee Evans. and 11 minutes later, when adam Thompson had wrestled ivan Toney to the floor, Powell took responsibility for the penalty and drove his shot down the middle while Murphy dived to the right.
Wigan then sealed a comprehensive win when Evans crashed home a 25-yard drive at the end, with Clark admitting: ‘The better team won.’
Cook is now trying to dampen expectations following Wigan’s strong start to the season. ‘i know people get excited but i’ve been around football long enough to know that you can always have a crash,’ he said.