Report by SJG

LANCS-MANX CUP

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs BURY

13^th August 1983

TUNKS BLUNDER MAKES PROGRESS IN NEW CUP DIFFICULT.

The cup holders, Bury, opened their defence of the competition with a trip to Springfield Park.

Bury probably deserved their victory as Wigan never really got out of second gear as they struggled to link more than half a dozen passes together.

Latics did get the breakthrough in the 31^st minute when Taylor robbed Hilton deep in his own half but the ex-Burnley man failed to beat Brown with his tame shot and the simple task fell to another new face, Alex BRUCE, to race in and slot the loose ball into the visitor’s net.

The Wigan fans may have hoped that their side would now press home their advantage but Bury fought back admirably and on 39 minutes they drew level, Madden, who was lively throughout, saw his header blocked on the goal-line by Walsh but POTTS showed quick reactions as he seized on the loose ball and levelled proceedings.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Bury.

Latics continued to be second best after the break, and the lack of cohesion in their attack must have been worrying for manager Harry McNally.

The winning goal came from an uncharacteristic howler by Tunks who flapped weakly at a cross by substitute Jones and MADDEN was on hand to fire the ball home.

Latics barely had time to muster any sort of response and now need to win both their remaining group games if they are to progress through to the final.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-2 Bury.

Scorers; Bruce (31); Potts (39), Madden (87);

Attendance; 2,046

Teams; WIGAN— Tunks; Cribley, Comstive, Walsh, Methven; Barrow, Bruce, Lowe, Langley; Houghton, Taylor. Subs not used: --- Butler, Williams;

BURY --- Brown; Gardner, Pashley, Hilton, Bramhall; Coleman, Potts, Jakub, Park; Madden, Entwistle; Subs: --- Carrodus, Jones (for Jakub);

Referee; Mr. Ian Hendrick (Preston)