Report by John Patrick Heeley

Liverpool football legend Ronnie Moran was present at Victoria Park to see his grandson, Ian Johnson, score what could turn out to be an early contender for goal of the season with a stunning 85th minute strike from fully 30 yards that fairly thundered into the roof of the net.

The goal came during a thrilling fight-back by the Linnets who, outplayed for the first hour, stormed back with such ferocity that a strong Athletic side were desperately holding out for victory as the final whistle sounded.

It was great entertainment for the 405 strong crowd although there was little sign of what was to come during an opening half that the visitors dominated.

Athletic took the lead on 16 minutes as a long ball deceived Steve McNulty and Neil Roberts nipped in to head over stranded keeper Matthew Boswell.

Within a minute it was two as Wigan’s exciting Brazilian teenager Magno Silva Vieira brilliantly turned on the ball before unleashing a perfectly directed shot past Boswell.

Mike Flynn hit the underside of the crossbar as Athletic continued on top but Burscough were given hope four minutes before the break as Gary Martindale was brought down and McNulty scored from the spot.

It was back to square one for the Linnets five minutes after the break as a low 25 yard shot from Tony Dinning too easily beat rookie keeper Andy Gallagher low down to his left and nine minutes later McNulty’s clearance went straight to Roberts who blasted the ball home from 12 yards out.

Wigan were cruising and went 5-1 ahead on 66 minutes as Gallagher was again beaten by a low shot to the left, this time from David Moore.

Just when Burscough looked a well beaten side the whole game was turned on its head as Liam Blakeman and Johnson began to boss the midfield and suddenly Wigan’s composure was looking a decidedly shaky.

Mark Byrne saw a shot come back off the crossbar on 68 minutes and three minutes later Dave Rowan put Johnson away and though keeper James Salisbury blocked his shot the ball fell nicely for Martindale to finish.

Johnson again went clear four minutes later but elected to pass instead of shooting, however, he soon made amends with that memorable strike.

Burscough were now in total control and with the crowd roaring them on sensationally pulled yet another goal back on 89 minutes as the impressive Rowan scored from close range after following up a Karl Bell free-kick.