Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs WALSALL

26^th April 1980

‘ON-SONG’ LATICS PUT HUGE DENT IN SADDLERS TITLE HOPES.

Latics may have missed out on promotion but on this particular Saturday they sent a clear message that they are more than capable of coping with football of a higher level and will be setting their sights on promotion next year. It was a big crowd, a crackling atmosphere and a scintillating performance as Wigan simply outplayed a side that had previously lost just two league games.

Full back Fretwell passed a late fitness test and that allowed the manager Ian McNeill to name an unchanged starting XI.

The match at Fellows Park earlier in the year had resulted in a well contested draw but Wigan made no mistake on their home turf.

Latics began brightly and Wright fired in a effort that flew past the upright with Green scrambling. Minutes later and youngster Micky Quinn almost broke through but two Walsall defenders managed to converge and snuff out the danger.

Walsall threatened briefly with McDonagh feeding Buckley but Wigan’s newly named ‘Player of the Year’ Brown was quickly off his line to smother any danger.

Gore produced a good searching cross that found the head of Shearer but the effort lacked power and Green was able to execute an easy save.

Latics took command from the 17^th minute when a Gore long-throw was headed clear by Sbragia but it landed at the feet of URQUHART who fired in a fierce effort from 25 yards that flew past Green in the Walsall goal.

The Saddlers tried to find a response and Williams sent in a drive that flew narrowly over the bar with Brown stretching to try and make a save.

Wigan earned themselves a corner in the 37^th minute and Quinn nearly got a crucial touch, the ball was hastily cleared but Whittle collected and produced a fine cross that was met by the head of HOUGHTON who rose high at the near post and directed his effort perfectly.

Disaster struck again for Walsall in the 42^nd minute when HOUGHTON raced onto a Gore pass and prodded the ball past Green and into the net via the foot of the post.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 3-0 Walsall.

The scenes on the terraces at the interval were not pleasant as a group of disgruntled Walsall fans set about causing trouble with bricks being thrown and a pitch invasion holding up the start of the second half.

Once the game restarted it was Walsall that were pushing hard and chasing the game with Latics happy to pass the ball around and use up time.

Wigan never really allowed the Midlanders a clear sight of goal and the game that had seen such high in the first period eventually petered out with both sides realising that the game was over as a contest.

Worse news for the visitors was to follow with Huddersfield Town recording a 4-2 win against Torquay United to take over at the top of the table.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 3-0 Walsall.

Scorers; Urquhart (17), Houghton (37, 42)

Attendance; 7,720

Team; WIGAN—Brown; Fretwell, Whittle, Davids, Methven; Gore, Wright, M. Quinn, Urquhart; Shearer, Houghton; SUB; --- McMullen.

WALSALL--- Green; Macken, Mower, Sbragia, Serella; Williams, Paul, Penn, Caswell; McDonagh, Buckley; SUB; --- Rees (for Buckley).

Referee; Mr. T. Farley (Newton Aycliffe).