Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs LEYTON ORIENT

10^th February 1990

RELEGATION FEARS REKINDLED AS HULL BAGS A BRACE.

Orient arrived at Springfield Park with one of the worst away records in the Division, but they made light of their previous travel sickness and severely dented Wigans hopes of climbing the table with a late charge for a play-off place.

The man who made the difference was striker Alan Hull who netted a brace but the visitors fully deserved the win and dominated for long periods of the game.

Senior was ruled out through injury and youngster Neil Whitworth took over his role at full back, but he was in no way to blame for the Wigan shortcomings. Orient played with purpose and drive and right from the first whistle they had Wigan on the defensive. Latics could not establish any sort of foothold as passes went astray and crosses failed to find their mark. HULL broke the stalemate in the 22^nd minute and once ahead the visitors never really looked like relinquishing their advantage.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Leyton Orient.

Phil Daley finally got the better of ex-Tic Paul Beesley and produced a diving header that finally threatened the goal, then Page had a sharp chance that he failed to convert. Manager Bryan Hamilton rang the changes as he searched for an equaliser, but neither Carberry or Rogerson could turn the tide. HULL outpaced the Wigan defence in the 80^th minute before slipping his shot beyond Hughes, and the points were heading South.

The final whistle was met with boos and hoots of derision as the Wigan fans displayed their frustrations. On this showing the team are in danger of dropping into the relegation battle and Hamilton will be looking for a response against local rivals Bury.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-2 Leyton Orient.

Scorers; Hull (22), (86);

Attendance; 2,396

Teams; WIGAN (4-4-2) --- Hughes; Whitworth, Tankard, Atherton, Johnson; Rimmer, Pilling, D. Thompson, B. Griffiths; Page, Daley; Subs; --- Carberry (for Page), Rogerson (for Griffiths);

LEYTON ORIENT (4-4-2) --- Reece; Hales, Dickenson, Beesley, Daley; Sitton, Howard, Castle, Carter; Hull, Cooper; Subs; --- Hoddle (for Carter), Nugent;

Referee; Mr John Key (Sheffield)