Jewell sets European target

Wigan manager Paul Jewell believes a place in Europe is a realistic ambition for his side, despite a run of eight matches without a win.

In a cruel twist of fate, Jewell and his players were left feeling sick for the second time in eight days at the hands of Manchester United.

In the Carling Cup final, Wigan failed to do themselves justice and were hammered 4-0 at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, the magnitude of the occasion proving too much of a burden.

In last night’s Barclays Premiership encounter at the JJB Stadium, they appeared set to enact sweet revenge as they dominated the game.

But despite Wigan taking a 59th-minute lead through Paul Scharner, United showed they are nothing if not resilient, even if lady luck smiled upon them.

“I have never known it before. They have one shot on target and yet beat us 2-1. Work that one out,” sighed a disbelieving Jewell.