Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs MANCHESTER UNITED XI

31^st July 1993

MANCHESTER UNITED HEAD INTO THE FINAL AS LATICS LOSE.

Wigan’s Lancashire cup challenge fell at the final, and probably the biggest hurdle of them all. The premier league champions fielded a side that included seven players with first team experience, (and not the A team that had played on Preston’s plastic pitch the week earlier.) and two current England Internationals, Paul Ince and Lee Sharpe.

Wigan began brightly and dominated large parts of the first half. Morton beat Sealey with a crisp shot but Phelan managed to clear the ball off the line. Then Sealey had to sprint quickly off his line to save bravely at the feet of Gavin. Next came the miss of the season (or should that be pre-season), slick passing carved open the United defence but McKearney, from ten yards out and with the goal gaping drove his shot straight at Sealey who parried. Then Dowe, following up, blazed his shot over the bar. Minutes later Gavin, whose lively form was worthy of his new 12-month contract, tried to curl a shot but Sealey again saved well.

With Wigan dominating it seemed almost inevitable that the first serious United attack would yield a goal, and so it was in the 43^rd minute when a long ball cleared Robertson and WALLACE raced onto it before finishing neatly.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Manchester United.

The second half saw more Wigan pressure as Dowe found space to unleash a shot but Sealey blocked well with his legs, the Morton saw an effort was denied by a last-ditch challenge by ex-Latics man Steve Whitworth when he seemed well placed to score.

By now Wigan were visibly tiring in the heat and with the substitutes coming and going concentration wavered and there was SHARPE, cutting in from the left and driving home a low shot for number two.

It was a disappointing scoreline but a fairly encouraging display. There was little doubt that the result flattered United who now progress to play Blackpool in the final at Bloomfield Road.

The difference between the sides was in the final third and Latics’ need for a proven clinical goal-scorer becomes more evident with each game.

Julian Dowe, while he can’t be faulted on effort, is probably not yet ready to step up for first team duties.  The defence and midfield looked solid and matched United. The defence coped well with the surging runs from Wallace, while Duffy and Strong got forward well to supplement the attack whenever possible. Morton looked lively and worked tirelessly but for little reward.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United.

Attendance; 1,773

Scorers; Wallace (43), Sharpe (88);

Team; WIGAN (5-3-2)—Farnworth; Duffy, Skipper, Johnson, Robertson, Strong; McKearney, Langley, Morton; Gavin, Dowe; Subs; Livesey (for Robertson), Carragher (for Skipper);

Referee; Mr. E. J. Parker (Preston).