Wigan Athletic suffered a 3-1 defeat to Port Vale in a pre-season friendly at the Brick Community Stadium as manager Gary Caldwell continued preparations for the 2026/27 League One campaign.
How the match unfolded
Port Vale controlled the opening stages, with Rhys Walters opening the scoring in the 14th minute from the edge of the area. The visiting striker doubled his tally with a half-volley just before half-time to put Port Vale firmly in command.
A trialist player added a third goal for Port Vale shortly after the restart, leaving Latics with a significant task to mount a comeback.
Wigan improved their performance after a series of substitutions on the hour mark. Harrison Rimmer headed in from Akeel Higgins' cross from the left with 18 minutes remaining to pull one back, but the home side could not find an equaliser.
Squad progress
The friendly gave Caldwell's squad valuable minutes ahead of the new campaign. The squad included new signings Joe Walsh, Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, Connor Barrett, Max Power, Hindolo Mustapha, Akeel Higgins and Sonny Perkins.