Report by SJG

FRIENDLY – LANCS MANX CUP

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs BLACKPOOL

18^th August 1990

SUPER-SUB LEE GRABS LATE WINNER.

Qualification for the final was not achievable but a strong showing by the Latics at least meant that the pre-season programme ended on an up note.

Wigan got the perfect start when 19- year-old midfielder PARKINSON found the net in the fourth minute. A fine Griffiths cross picked out Fairclough but he selflessly allowed the youngster to fire home.

Blackpool turned the game on its head with Trevor SINCLAIR firstly netting after a quick turn and strike, then grabbing a second when the Wigan defence failed to handle a long punt from keeper McIlhargey and when it was allowed to bounce SINCLAIR reacted quickly before finishing with aplomb.

Pool nearly grabbed a third before the break when young full back Appleton was caught napping by Taylor but his low cross was just beyond his fellow forwards and was cleared.

Half time; Wigan Athletic 1-2 Blackpool.

Blackpool frustrated the crowd and the Wigan attack with a well drilled offside trap but when Rimmer saw his run thwarted by the keeper the ball ran to FAIRCLOUGH who equalised. 

The game seemed destined for a draw but a late cross was met by the head of ROGERSON and Latics grabbed a morale boosting win.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 3-2 Blackpool.

Scorers; Parkinson (4), Fairclough (54), Rogerson (89); Sinclair (12), (23);

Attendance; 866

Teams; WIGAN (4-4-2)— Adkins; Appleton, Tankard, Atherton, Johnson; Parkinson, Rimmer, Woods, B. Griffiths; Daley, Fairclough; Subs; --- Page, Rogerson (for Parkinson), I. Griffiths, Patterson, Hughes;

BLACKPOOL (4-4-2)— McIlhargey; Davies, Bradshaw, Groves, Briggs; Gore, Sinclair, Taylor, Lancaster, Garner, Eyers Subs; --- Rodwell, James, Marsh, Kay, Murray;

Referee; Mr. P. Harrison (Oldham).