Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs BLACKPOOL

20^th January 1990 

TWO POINTS SLIP THROUGH THE FINGERS.

Wigan let two vital points slip away against a Blackpool side who are struggling to find any sort of form.

Wigans attacking play was a little predictable and the loss of Ward to injury in the first half may have upset their rhythm but at least the Latics fans got sight of new recruit Lee Rogerson when he joined the fray from the bench.

PILLING grabbed Wigans goal on 20 minutes when a Daley header struck the bar and fell invitingly for the midfielder to stab home.

The Blackpool defence worked hard to stop Wigan from building on their lead and although they were second best in most departments their dogged determination was to be rewarded in the second half.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Blackpool.

Griffiths showed some good touches as Wigan continued to search for that second goal, but for all their endeavour Wigan never really troubled the Pool keeper.

Young defender Johnson had to be helped from the field after a shuddering challenge with Elliott, then, in the 80^th minute a rare Blackpool attack bore fruit as a penalty was awarded and GARNER fired home to dent Phil Hughes’ proud record of clean sheets at Springfield Park which stretched back three months.

Carberry had a late chance to restore the lead but having made space his shot failed to find the target. 

Pilling and Rogerson worked hard in midfield, Senior made a number of strong forward surges and Thompson fired over a number of decent crosses, but Daley was well marked by ex-Latics captain Methven and Pools resolute defence, combined with some wayward finishing, saw Wigan letting two points slip away.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Blackpool.

Scorers; Pilling (20); Garner (80, pen);

Attendance; 3,179

Teams; WIGAN (4-4-2)— Hughes; Senior, Tankard, Atherton, Johnson; Ward, Pilling, D. Thompson, Parkinson; B. Griffiths, Daley; Subs; --- Carberry (for Johnson), Rogerson (for Ward),

BLACKPOOL (4-4-2)— McIlhargey; Wright, Morgan, Methven, Elliott; Coughlin, Gore, Bradshaw, Briggs; Owen, Garner; Subs; --- Diamond (for Owen), Davies (for Coughlin);

Referee; Mr. Keith Hackett (Sheffield).