Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs TORQUAY UNITED

3^rd October 1981

NEW BOY WESTON LOOKS ‘THE REAL DEAL’.

Wigans new signing Jimmy Weston looks to be a bargain at £10,000 as his steady display on debut helped the Latics to knock his old club Torquay United off their perch at the top of the division.

Wigan dominated the first half with Graham Barrow producing his most accomplished display in midfield following his arrival from Altrincham.

Latics produced a steady stream of dangerous crosses with Weston, Evans and Sheldon all prominent as Wigan earned a string of corner kicks as the visitors scrambled to clear and it was no surprise when a set piece led to the opening goal in the 27^th minute.

Torquay failed to clear a well delivered corner and Evans reacted quickly to the loose ball and drove in a low shot that O’ Keefe could only parry to the alert HOUGHTON who stroked the ball into the open goal.

Evans had a good opportunity to double the lead before the break but his weak effort failed find the target.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Torquay United.

The second half was a different story, Houghton had a well struck volley that grazed a post, and then John McMahon and Micky Quinn had good efforts well saved by O’Keefe.

Torquay under the inspired prompting of ex Derby County, Everton and Scotland star Bruce Rioch began to dominate proceedings with the Wigan back-line being forced to work overtime to keep the league leaders in check.

Bob Ward did well to turn aside a drive from Lawrence, who earlier had seen a punched clearance bounce off his chest and over the crossbar.  Another threatening Torquay attack was thwarted by John McMahon who hacked the ball off the goal-line to safety.

Torquay could not find a way past the Wigan rearguard with Lloyd and Methven (who picked up a bad facial injury that needed a number of stitches) continuing to forge a solid partnership.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Torquay United.

Attendance; 4,876

Scorers; Houghton (27);

Team; WIGAN (4-4-2)—Ward; McMahon, Weston, Lloyd, Methven; Sheldon, Barrow, Wright, Evans; Houghton, M. Quinn; Sub; Cribley (for M. Quinn).

TORQUAY UNITED (4-4-2)—O Keefe; Jones, Pendrey, Bowker, Wilson; Larmour, Sermanni, Hodge, Rioch; Lawrence, Cooper; Subs; Cox (for Lawrence).

Referee; Mr. Keith Hackett (Sheffield).