Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs DARLINGTON

7^th February 1981

LATICS PUT AN END TO THEIR DISMAL RUN OF FORM

A new look Latics starting XI ended their Springfield Park blues with their first home win in three months.

A tactical switch saw Peter Houghton taking on a midfield role with Tony and Michael Quinn being paired up in attack.

The biggest improvement was in midfield where Jeff Wright showed some of his best form and Hutchinson produced a fine hard- working display. Youngster Mark Wignall performed well on his first team debut and added a much-needed boost of energy.

Houghton certainly seemed to revel in his new deeper role and on two occasions in the first half his determined bursts forward created goal scoring opportunities but these failed to yield the crucial breakthrough.

Half time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Darlington.

The start of the second half was a different story and a deep corner by Wright found the head of Hutchinson and his downward header squirmed free of the keeper which allowed METHVEN to fire home from close-range.

After the goal Latics visibly grew in confidence and it was no shock when they added a second in the 56^th minute. Hutchinson made a determined run to the by-line and when he pulled back a low cross WRIGHT was on hand to fire home.

On 73 minutes the game should have been all-over as a contest when Kevin Smith the Darlington defender, who had been booked in the first half for a scything challenge on Hutchinson, was late when tackling the same player and received his marching orders from the referee.

Darlington, it seemed, had different ideas and when they earned a penalty in the 86^th minute after Methven hauled down the tricky David Speedie. HAMILTON was given the responsibility from the spot and slotted home the chance. It looked likely that a nervous end to the game was to be endured but another of Wigans up-and-coming stars soon eased the nerves as virtually straight from the restart he made a forward run and finished with a clinical low drive. Wigan nearly added a fourth when Quinn again forced his way forward but this time his final shot passed narrowly over the crossbar.  Wigan host Hereford United next and the hope is that another win can see them climb up the table.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 3-1 Darlington.

Scorers; Methven (47), Wright (56), M.Quinn (87); Hamilton (86,pen);

Attendance; 3,626

Team; WIGAN—B. Ward; Fretwell, McAdam, Methven, Cribley; Wignall, Wright, Hutchinson, Houghton; M Quinn, A Quinn; SUB not used; Glenn

DARLINGTON— Cuff; Kamara, Glendinning, Smith, Skipper; Stell, Ball, Hamilton, Walsh; Speedie, Stalker; SUB not used; McClean

Referee; Mr. M. J. Heath (Stoke on Trent).