Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City show Wigan Athletic favourite can respond to Shaun Maloney demand | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic star Jonny Smith has proven his clinical ability in recent weeks, as demanded by Latics boss Shaun Maloney

Wigan Athletic are just six points above the League One relegation zone following Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Crawley Town, who occupy an unwanted bottom-four spot.

The Latics find themselves too close to the drop zone for comfort courtesy of the fact that they are the third tier's lowest scorers, having notched just 28 goals in 30 fixtures.

While Shaun Maloney's side did get themselves on the scoresheet at Crawley on Tuesday night, that clash largely summarised the story of their campaign so far, as they dominated the game, but were unable to bag enough goals to go on and claim victory.

Wigan's attacking woes took a further blow in January, when star man Thelo Aasgaard left the club to join Championship side Luton Town in a move first reported by Football League World.

Despite the fact that Aasgaard left the Latics last month, he is still the Greater Manchester side's top scorer this season, which epitomises their final third struggles.

Following the Norway youth international's Luton bound departure, Maloney and co must now turn to the likes of Jonny Smith to produce the attacking goods.

Lincoln City, Bristol Rovers evidence shows Jonny Smith can meet Shaun Maloney demand

The wideman scored a trademark rocket during Wigan's 2-1 defeat to Premier League Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup, while the Latics did themselves proud as they went toe-to-toe with a top-flight outfit for large spells.

Smith was aptly rewarded for his moment of cup magic with a new contract which will keep him at the Brick Community Stadium until the summer of 2027.

After the winger penned a new deal, Latics boss Maloney told Wigan Today exactly what he now wants from the 27-year-old: "Johnny's form has been very good.

"He produced a brilliant performance away at Bolton.

"He was the best player on the pitch in that first half so he's deserved this contract.

"The big challenge for Johnny is I think he's got six goals.

"I think his career high is maybe 11.

"I think he's probably on the highest he's been in League One already, so I need more from him.

"I think there is more, but I am really happy to have him signed.

"He's been very good for us, very popular in the club, so it’s really positive news."

As Smith demonstrated with his long-range stunner against Fulham, he is a player who has a real moment of brilliance in his locker, but as alluded to by Maloney, he can certainly become a more clinical player.

Throughout his Latics career, the former Burton Albion man has scored goals from outside the box, but in recent weeks he has displayed his potency from closer range.

It was Smith's goals from one-on-one situations in recent weeks which secured both a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers and a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City in late January and early February respectively.

He has now scored three goals in his last six games across all competitions, which proves he is more than capable of meeting Maloney's demands and becoming a more clinical player.

Latics will need Smith to perform in upcoming tests

Wigan's draw with Crawley on Tuesday night was a missed opportunity for them to go on and claim all three points, which they may go on to regret, due to the fact that their next two games see them go head-to-head with second place, Wycombe Wanderers, as well as Huddersfield Town who sit fifth.

In order to overcome such tricky tasks, Maloney and co will need star players such as Smith to be at their very best, while the winger should be keen on repaying the faith the club instilled in him when they handed him a fresh contract.