Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs FULHAM

24^th February 1990

SUPER SUB GRIFFITHS TO THE RESCUE.

The ex-St Helens Town winger Bryan Griffiths had gone 15 games without a goal but his introduction from the substitutes bench for the ineffective Carberry shortly after the break turned this game around and gave Wigan a much-needed win.

The first period was fairly scrappy and both sides struggled to settle into their work and create much by way of clear goalscoring chances. The five-man Wigan midfield may have stifled the Fulham creative players but Daley, who was again being asked to hold the ball up while midfielders tried to get up and support was having a tough time against the Fulham centre halves. Both defences coped well with what little attacking threat was present and the crowd was becoming frustrated with the fare that was being provided.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Fulham.

Wigan manager Hamilton cannot have been happy with the first half showing and eventually he introduced Griffiths to the fray, but only after Fulham had taken the lead with a well taken effort from DAVIES in the 54^th minute.

The introduction of the substitute as a second striker had an immediate impact and the Fulham side, whose concentration may have lapsed after the opening strike, were stunned when GRIFFITHS fired home with his very first touch of the ball.

Fulham, who had recently beaten high-flying Notts County 5-2, suddenly looked vulnerable in defence and Alan Johnson came close to grabbing a second for the Latics when, following a set play, he turned quickly on a loose ball and fired just wide of the target.

In defence the youngster was again impressive but did ‘blot his copybook’ when he picked up a yellow card for an overly robust challenge on the Fulham striker.

Wigan were now dominating proceedings and a whipped ball into the box just evaded a desperate lunge by Daley as he slid in at the back post. Rimmer fired in an effort from range but the Cottagers keeper was equal to it and saved well.

Patterson replaced Parkinson as Wigan and joined Daley in attack and his aerial presence nearly had the desired effect when he and Daley linked up well following a Senior cross but the shot was rushed and flew just over the bar.

Wigan were finishing strongly and gained their reward when the referee awarded a penalty kick following after Daley was barged over in the box. GRIFFITHS made no mistake from the spot as he fired past Stannard with a low drive.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-1 Fulham.

Scorers; Griffiths (55), (90, pen); Davies (54);

Attendance; 2,163

Teams; WIGAN (4-5-1) --- Hughes; Senior, Tankard, Atherton, Johnson; Rimmer, Pilling, Thompson, Carberry, Parkinson; Daley; Subs; --- Patterson (for Parkinson), Griffiths (for Carberry);

FULHAM (4-4-2) --- Stannard; Bremner, Pike, Mauge, Nebbeling; Eckhardt, Davies, Scott, Barnett; Milton, Walker; Subs; --- Lewington, Ferney;

Referee; Mr A. Dawson (Jarrow).