Gary Caldwell beams at ‘outstanding second half’ from Exeter against Wigan

Exeter manager Gary Caldwell was delighted with the way his players came back to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Wigan at St James Park.

Callum Wright broke the deadlock in the 24th minute for Wigan, catching the Exeter defence sleeping from a quickly taken free-kick.

But Jayden Wareham earned Exeter a point with a 53rd-minute equaliser, turning in a Reece Cole cross from close range.

“I think we were outstanding second half,” Caldwell said.

“We could have gone 2-1 up, but I asked the players why we didn’t do that in the first half.

“First half, we were far too slow. I knew exactly the game they were going to give us, to sit in and play counter-attacking football, and we warned the players about making mistakes and the first goal was nowhere near good enough.

“The attitude and application was first class and it keeps the unbeaten run going to four, but there are lessons to take from the game and the first half must be better. We needed more speed, more purpose and to create an atmosphere. We allowed them to play their game and we have to recognise that and do the things we need to do to win the game.

”The chances they created were off our mistakes, but the way they came out and regrouped and played the kind of football we did was sensational, but we must get the second goal in those moments.”

Wigan manager Ryan Lowe felt his side deserved to win the game and was left to rue a combination of poor finishing and a controversial late decision to disallow a Christian Saydee effort for handball.

“It feels like I am on repeat to be honest with you and I am struggling for words really in terms of the decisions that go against us,” Lowe said.

“But in saying that, we have missed two glorious chances – one in the first half and one in the second half – to go and win the game and we didn’t take it.

“They were glorious chances, but we created five good chances here against a side that is doing well and I think our XG (expected goals) will say we should have had three.

“I am disappointed for our fans, who pay their hard-earned money and travel a long way – it’s a long way to come – and we don’t get our just rewards, through our own fault sometimes and when decisions don’t go our way.

“The lads showed great determination and fighting spirit to keep the ball out of the net, but we need to have a little bit more control and we have to be a bit better with the ball, be on the front foot more – there are loads of things we can do better.

“I am looking at the result and 1-1 away at Exeter who are four unbeaten isn’t bad, but I want more.”