Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs OXFORD UNITED

3^rd September 1983

WINDSWEPT LATICS ARE BLOWN OFF COURSE.

Wigan recorded their lowest League attendance on a blustery afternoon and never really found any answer to an Oxford United side that outplayed them in most areas of the pitch.

The Wigan side was unchanged from the starting XI that had struggled against Bury and they soon ran into problems as in the second minute Tunks had to be brave and fortunate as following a cross by the lively Brock he somehow managed to block a close-range shot by Shotton.

On 19 minutes a well delivered low corner kick by the same winger saw BRIGGS steering the ball into the Latics goal. That was to be the last telling contribution by the Oxford centre half as he suffered a head injury and despite struggling through to half time he was replaced at the break by Vinter.

Wigan tried to rally and briefly threatened as Hardwick was called into action as he saved from Bruce, whose hooked overhead shot looked goal-bound then he recovered to block Walsh who had reacted first to collect the rebound. Houghton had an effort cleared off the line but the pressure was not sustained and Tunks had to be alert to keep Latics in the game as Oxford again came to the fore.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Oxford United.

The second half saw Hubbard filling in for the influential Briggs, but Latics were unable to prosper from the change and a horrible mix up on 59 minutes saw Cribley gift possession in his own box to ex Bolton man Whatmore, he slipped in Brock and his precise cross was met by the diving head of substitute VINTER who directed his effort beyond the diving Tunks.

Wigan continued to toil as they persisted in playing longer balls as they sought a route back into the game but Oxfords more considered passing was better suited to the conditions and they looked every bit the likely promotion candidates as Jim Smiths side looked to improve on last season’s near miss.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-2 Oxford United.

Scorers; Briggs (19), Vinter (59);

Attendance; 2,698.

Teams; WIGAN— Tunks; Cribley, Comstive, Walsh, Methven; Langley, Bruce, Lowe, Butler; Houghton, Taylor. Sub: --- Williams (for Langley)

OXFORD UNITED --- Hardwick; Hinshelwood, Grant, Briggs, Shotton; Thomas, Lawrence, Hebberd, Brock; Whatmore, Biggins; Sub: --- Vinter (for Briggs);

Referee; Mr. Mike G. Peck (Doncaster).