Report by SJG

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION

ROSSENDALE UNITED vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

24^th August 1957

LATE DRAMA AND CONTROVERSY AS UNITED CLAIM A POINT.

Wigans big kick off was delayed to the later kick off time of 6 pm to accommodate a very important Lancashire League cricket game and it seems that the change in start time somewhat upset the Latics who were caught cold in the opening minute of the encounter. Willingham took full advantage of the strong cross wind that prevailed throughout the game and swung in a deep free kick that found the head of Cookson. Rowlands was quick to react and clear the header off the line, but HAMER followed in to bundle home the opening score. Wigan were quick to respond, and they forced a series of corner kicks as pressure mounted on the home defence. After more pressure Wigan finally found the equaliser when MCCAIG found space and his low driven cross shot evaded the dive of Bland and nestled into the corner of the net.                                                                                                   

Latics pushed on as the home defence visibly wilted and they nearly took the lead when Hitchen unleashed a fierce shot that beat the keeper but rebounded to safety via the crossbar.

Half Time; Rossendale United 1-1 Wigan Athletic.

Latics continued to be the stronger side and when Prescott was bundled to the floor they appealed loudly for a spot kick, but their claims were waved away. Then after one hours play Wigan grabbed the lead when a deflected cross shot by HARRISON looped wickedly off a defender leaving Bland wrong footed.                                                                           

The home side now came to the fore and it was only good defence from Whyte and good keeping by the alert Arkwright that kept the lead intact. Then with nine minutes left to play a quick forward burst caught out the defence and CAMPBELL was able to get goal side of his marker before sliding a precise shot past the advancing Arkwright. Wigan appealed instantly for offside and they may well have had a case as the linesman did initially raise his flag but despite the protestations and after several discussions the goal was allowed to stand.

Full Time; Rossendale United 2-2 Wigan Athletic.

Attendance; 1,500

Scorers; McCaig (36), Harrison (60); Hamer (1), Campbell (81).

Team; WIGAN— Arkwright (G); Whyte, Rowland; B. Banks, Forsyth, Bramwell; Harrison, Hitchen, Smith, Prescott, McCaig.

ROSSENDALE UNITED— Bland (G); Buchanan, Clark; Evans Hughes, Willingham; Hamer, Cookson, Entwistle, Campbell, Powdrill.

Referee; Not Known.