The end of the pier show

Andy Munro watches Blues draw with Wigan in their final home game of the season.


Make no mistake, Wigan were the better side but that should not be a surprise when a jaded Blues played a team that had only lost one in six, including taking the scalp of Leeds United at Elland Road.

Yet after a couple of minutes, Blues had taken the lead hrough player of the season Jutkiewicz, when he overpowered ex-Baggie Olssen in a race on goal. Cue end of season celebrations? Hardly, because Wigan could have had a hatful by half-time rather than a deserved but very lucky deflected equaliser.

Blues were marginally better in the second period but they generally huffed and puffed without looking like they might blow the Wigan house down. They were incredibly wasteful in possession and never looked comfortable in the face of Wigan’s incessant and commendable harrying and chasing.

Adams went off early to widespread applause as he acknowledged all four corners of the ground and one wonders if it was his way of saying farewell. Vassell came on and showed his pace but made little impression in terms of an end product. Other subs included Craig Gardner, who continues to look well past his sell-by date and young Charlie Lakin who looked decent but at times flattered to deceive.

It’s been a commendable season overall against the odds but there will need to be some sensible comings and goings in the summer.