Cook up for scrap

WIGAN boss Paul Cook has challenged his side to “get back to basics” as they continue to try to force themselves clear of the danger zone.

The Latics were frustrated by Reading as neither side could find a breakthrough, but a draw at least ended the hosts’ poor run of four straight defeats.

Cook said: “I’m happy with a fully deserved point because that’s what it was.

“We created the better chances in my eyes and that’s a good positive as we’ve also ended our run of losses.

“It’s about putting a marker down, especially here at home.

“The Championship is an unforgiving league, and individual errors – ones like we’ve been making in recent weeks – are punished quite clinically.

“We’ve secured a clean sheet today, though, and in many ways it’s about going back to basics for the players now.

“This is a small block to build on, so once we gain more confidence to produce more penetration in and around the box, we’ll be OK.”

The Royals threatened to open the scoring in a largely uninspiring first period.

In the 26th minute Yakou Meite swept a shot against the outside of a post after meeting Garath McCleary’s smart cross.

Earlier, Wigan went close when defender Cedric Kipre nodded wide from eight yards.

Shortly before that, Josh Windass headed straight at Reading keeper Anssi Jaakkola.

After the break, striker Meite robbed Dan Burn inside the six-yard box, but failed to beat home keeper Christian Walton.

Reading boss Paul Clement is happy his side are showing signs of improvement,

He said: “It was a hard-fought game by both sides and I’ve got to pleased with a clean sheet.”