Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs EAST FIFE.

9^th August 1982

WIGAN HAVE NOT LOST THAT WINNING HABIT.

Latics may have a few new faces but the art of winning football games, even when not on top form, is clearly still a habit they have not lost.

On a wet Monday evening neither side produced much by way of flowing football as new recruits struggled to settle in and old faces searched for match sharpness.

Sheldon showed some nice touches and it was appropriate that he laid on the first goal when his perfect corner was flicked on by Bradd and METHVEN powered home a header.

Methven could easily of bagged a hat-trick against his former side as he struck the crossbar in the second half and sent another effort narrowly wide.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 East Fife;

Latics did get a second goal but they had to wait until the 75^th minute, Substitute Langley picked out Houghton who saw his shot parried but WILLIAMS, on debut, smashed home the rebound.

Wigan were never really stretched in defence but they still managed to produce a few moments of alarm with Tunks, who appears fully recovered from his knee operation, saving well to deny the visitors on two separate occasions before nearly gifting the Scottish side a consolation when he inexplicably rolled the ball straight to the Fife winger Scott, who himself seemed shocked at the sudden gift and proceeded to lift his chip shot wide of the target.

Harder, tougher tests are ahead but Lloyd will be pleased that his side all came through unscathed as fitness and sharpness is the real priority at this stage of pre-season, but a win is always an added fillip, and that old winning habit is a good one not to break.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-0 East Fife.

Scorers; Methven (20), Williams (75);

Attendance: 900

Teams; WIGAN— (4-4-2) Tunks; Glenn, Weston, Methven, Cribley; Sheldon, Barrow, O’Keefe, Houghton; Rogers, Bradd; Subs; --- Langley (for Barrow), Williams (for Bradd), Butler (for Sheldon), McMahon (for Glenn)

EAST FIFE— (4-4-2) Wilson; Muirhead, Clarke, McClaren, Halley; Wedderburn, Wilson, Durie, Hutt; Meakin, Scott; Subs; --- Gorman, Pryde, Beveridge, Hamilton;

Referee; Mr. J. Fitzharris (Preston)

After the game Latics received some alarming news when club skipper, and ever-present defensive stalwart from last term, Colin Methven, was placed on the transfer list at his own request. The ex-East Fife player who won a place in the divisional PFA team of the year is still under contract for twelve months and will remain part of the managers plans for the immediate future.

Wigans preparations were to continue with an attractive looking tie against big-spending First Division club Swansea City. The Welsh side who have a European tie in the cup winners cup coming up next week are probably further on in their pre-season timetable than the Latics and with a host of familiar names to choose from the side who are managed by John Toshack are sure to give Latics a tough game.