Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs SOUTHEND UNITED

 9^th October 1982

O KEEFE TREBLE AS SHRIMPERS NETTED.

Latics recorded their first ever win against Southend United in fine style. The Wigan team was without defensive lynch-pin Colin Methven as it lined up to play a Southend side that was sitting in fourth place in the table after an impressive start to the campaign.

The main architects in the success were ex-Scottish International Archie Gemmill and ex Everton striker O’Keefe, the former finally found some of his best form as his month-long trial period neared its end. The latter revelled in the new forward role as he was released from some of his midfield defensive responsibilities.

Southend began well and gave Wigan a tough examination in the early exchanges but Lloyd, who has looked back to his best form after his lengthy injury, and Cribley held firm. Gradually the clever prompting and probing of Gemmill, Langley and Glenn began to turn the tide and on 22 minutes a threaded pass played in Houghton who failed to find the net when well placed.

Houghton made amends on 39 minutes when he picked out O’KEEFE with a neat cross and the striker planted a firm header beyond the visiting keeper. Then on 43 minutes HOUGHTON himself was on target when he headed home a well delivered corner by Gemmill.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 2-0 Southend United.

One minute after the break the game was effectively over as a contest as following pressure Cusack was deemed to have handled inside the box and O’KEEFE rifled home the penalty kick.

Apart from one neat passage of play when the lively Pennyfather and Nelson carved out a half chance for Mercer, which he squandered, it was all downhill for the visitors and Wigan never looked in any danger as they passed the ball with great assurance. On 87 minutes the icing was added to the cake when O’KEEFE stole in to head his third of the game to complete his third hat-trick in Latics colours.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 4-0 Southend United.

Scorers; O’Keefe (39), (46, pen), (87), Houghton (41);

Attendance: 4,705

Teams; WIGAN— (4-3-3) Tunks; McMahon, Weston, Lloyd, Cribley; Glenn, Langley, Gemmill; O’Keefe, Bradd, Houghton; Sub not used; --- Butler;

SOUTHEND UNITED— (4-4-2) Cawston; Stead, Yates, Otulakowski, Cusack; Clark, Pountney, Pennyfather, Nelson; Mercer, Phillips; Sub not used; --- Hadley

Referee; Mr John Key (Rotherham)