Wigan boss Leam Richardson: It was everything we expected and more from the day

Leam Richardson felt his Wigan side gave “a good account of themselves” as they drew 0-0 with Preston on their return to the Sky Bet Championship.

Last season’s League One winners gave as good as they got at the DW but could not force home their numerical advantage in the last 10 minutes.

Preston substitute Ched Evans was sent off for a two-footed lunge on a grounded Curtis Tilt, but Wigan skipper Tendayi Darikwa saw a late shot deflected just over.

“I certainly don’t think the sending-off helped us in the closing stages,” reflected Richardson.

“Looking at the first half, I thought they probably shaded it with the couple of chances they created right at the end.

“But in the second half I thought we came into it more, and when it was 11 against 11 we were pushing up and creating spaces.

“After the sending off they were able to drop that extra 10 yards, denying us that space, and we have to be better in moving the ball around.

“On reflection, a clean sheet, a point on the board, with the same team that won us promotion, I think these lads have done great.

“It was everything we expected and more from the day, a big derby on the opening weekend.

“The crowd would have enjoyed it, I thought the pace of the game was excellent and the players all gave a good account of themselves.”

Wigan were indebted to goalkeeper Ben Amos, who pulled off a stunning double save on half-time to deny Troy Parrott and Emil Riis.

“Obviously when the game finishes 0-0, a great save is as good as a goal,” added the Wigan boss.

“The concentration levels he showed is exactly what you want from a goalkeeper.”

The major downside for Wigan was the first-half loss of defensive rock Jack Whatmough to a worrying-looking leg injury.

Meanwhile, Preston manager