Report by SJG

NORTH WEST CHAMPIONSHIP

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs FLEETWOOD WRENS

3^rd November 2024

TIC-ETTES HIT COD ARMY FOR SIX.

Wigan Athletic Women extended their unbeaten run in-front of a sold-out crowd at Robin Park Arena. 

Latics made two changes to the starting XI that overcame Sir Tom Finney FC last week, with Holly Scott and Tegen Baker replacing Sara Merican and Molly Hassall. 

The opening moments were frustrating for Latics as each of their attacks were thwarted by the opposition defence. The lively forwards chalked up a handful of shots, but for no reward and it was Baker who came closest when she drilled a powerful effort straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Latics’ were finally rewarded after 12 minutes, thanks to Cleary. A sublime long-range cross from Izzy Worswick gave CLEARY space to round the goalkeeper and tap the ball home before wheeling away in celebration. 

The momentum continued, with Worswick causing trouble for the opponents with her lightning-fast feet and quick thinking. The final chance of the first half, though, came from Carr after her close-range strike was tipped neatly over the bar by the Fleetwood goalkeeper. 

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Fleetwood Wrens.

Latics came out of the gate strongly in the second period, scoring straight from the re-start. Super-sub, Molly Hassall, scored with her first touch of the game, reinforcing her importance within the team. A dizzying solo run from Carr split the Fleetwood defence, giving her time to find the feet of HASSALL inside the six-yard box who produced a deft finish.  

Carr got a well-deserved goal as after bossing the engine room all game and controlling the pace of play, it felt right that she topped off the performance with a goal. Cleary’s pinpoint pass was timed to perfection, and CARR sped away from her marker to meet it, driving the ball over the head of the goalkeeper and into the roof of the net.  

After a strong Fleetwood Wrens tackle in the final third, Latics were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area. CLEARY stepped up and curled the ball through the air, over the wall and into the back of the net, leaving the outstretched goalkeeper grasping at thin air.

On 75 minutes HODSON made her presence known with a phenomenal strike, with the Wrens goalkeeper unable to get a glove on it.

CLEARY rounded off a perfect second half for the Tic-ettes with a hat-trick in the dying minutes of the game, taking the ball into the box and sending the Fleetwood Town Wrens goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 10 wins in 10 games. 

The team will hope to continue their winning streak in the top-of-the-table clash against Blackburn Community Sports Club in their next game.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 6-0 Fleetwood Wrens.

Scorers; Cleary (12), (63), (89), Hassall (46), Carr (60), Hodson (75);

Attendance; 500 est.

Teams; WIGAN— (4-2-3-1) Moseley; Heslip, McCoy, Moore, Scott; Carr, Dada; Baker, Worswick, Cleary; Hodson; Subs; --- Knowles, Bloor, Twist, Hassall;

Referee; Mr. David Baker.

One missing face in the Latics squad was defender Sara Merican, but she had a good excuse as she collected her university degree in Cambridge……Well done Sara.

Away from the pitch new defender Chelsea Bloor completed a charity dog walking challenge to raise funds for the Samaritans……Well done Chelsea.