Report by John Patrick Heeley

The top clash in Division Two was expected to be close and close it was. Bristol City's best crowd of the season so far of 12,708 witnessed the two form teams in the division share the spoils in an highly entertaining and thrilling game.

An own goal by Bristol City defender Carey after only three minutes was cancelled out four minutes later by former Manchester City striker Lee Peacock although the ball appeared to be put into the back of the net by Wigan defender Kevin Sharp.

The game was started at a furious pace and it was no surprise when the deadlock was broken on three minutes when a mistake by City's Matt Hill gifted the ball to Wigan striker Neil Roberts who sent fellow forward Andy Liddell racing down the right. Liddell sent the ball across the mouth of the goal and defender LOUIS CAREY, facing his own goal, put the ball into the back of the net while under pressure from Roberts and Bidstrup.

Wigan's celebrations were short lived and Bristol City levelled on 7 minutes after former Wigan target Mickey Bell had charged down the left flank and slotted the ball across to LEE PEACOCK whose shot at goal seemed to be put over the line by Kevin Sharp who was racing back to clear but the goal was credited as Peacock's.

It was then a tale of two defences as the game continued at a rapid pace with end to end football. Bristol City couldn't seem to break down Wigan's rearguard and the only opportunities they had on goal came from long range efforts as they tried to test Wigan's stand in goalkeeper Derek Stillie.

Stefan Bidstrup was outstanding for Wigan in only his second full game since his move from Danish side Lyngby a fortnight ago.

His appeals for a penalty were turned down by West Midlands official Olivier after the midfielder was brought down inside the area and he went close to giving Wigan the lead after his bullet shot from eight yards was directed straight at City keeper Steve Phillips.

Both sides had half chances as the first period neared an end but neither side could break down the other's resolve.

HALF TIME: Bristol City 1 Wigan 1

Bristol City started the second half more brightly and defender Mickey Bell was always a danger down the left side.

His long runs down the wing sliced through the Wigan midfield on numerous occasions, threatening to supply the forward partnership of Thorpe and Peacock with a chance on goal but Wigan's central defensive partnership of Griffiths and De Zeeuw kept them at bay allowing no way through.

Bristol City were unlucky, however, not to take the lead when Aaron Brown's low drive beat Stillie but rattled to off the post and Gareth Griffiths fired the rebound away to safety.

Within minutes Stillie was forced into making a great save from Louis Carey. Carey, hoping to make amends for giving Wigan the lead, fired a thunderous low shot from over 20 yards out and Stillie reacted well to get down to his right to force the ball out.

Wigan stepped up a gear with 15 minutes remaining and peppered the City goalmouth time after time and forced several corners as the home side defended with their backs to the wall.

The travelling Wigan fans behind Bristol's goal were amazed at how Bidstrup failed to score when he found himself eight yards out and with a clear view on goal but the Danish midfielder took too long on the ball and instead of cracking one at goal seemed to try and 'walk' the ball over the line and his attempt was deflected behind by Carey for yet another corner.

The referee brought the game to an end and a standing ovation from both sets of fans paid credit to a solid performance by both sides.

Wigan are now 15 games without a defeat but the same pattern is emerging as last season and too many draws are preventing Wigan from breaking away at the top of Division Two and in fact yesterday's draw saw Millwall go two points clear and Walsall forced Wigan into third on goal difference.

FULL TIME: Bristol City 1 Wigan 1