Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs ASTON VILLA

7^th August 1993

A GOOD WORKOUT AS VILLA GRAB THE WIN.

An attractive game of flowing football, in which Latics played a full supporting role to the Villa aristocrats was decided in the 23^rd minute when Guy WHITTINGHAM, the League’s leading scorer of last term, who joined Villa in the close-season for £1.5 million, headed home Dalian Atkinson’s floated cross.

The goal was little more than Villa deserved and arrived during a period of concerted pressure.

First Staunton curled a 20-yard free kick just over the bar, then McGrath smashed a 25-yard thunderbolt against an upright. More neat play by Villa saw Staunton through on goal, but his shot went into the side netting. 

Wigan showed briefly as an attacking force when Pat Gavin floated a shot that had Spink at full stretch, then Chris Duffy checked into the area and his shot required a good save.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Aston Villa.

Villa continued to press and Wigan’s defence was given a tough test. Daley was giving West a torrid time with his pacey runs and a whipped cross was just directed over the bar by Atkinson.

Then Atkinson wastefully shot wide when well placed.

Staunton worked Farnworth in the Latics goal with two well directed free kicks and then a Teale header following a corner was cleared off the line by substitute Hollis. Another Villa corner found the head of Barrett at the far post but his header was well saved by Farnworth.

Villa continued to press forward and the substitution of Houghton and Townsend just meant that Saunders and Cowans could continue to stretch Wigans overworked defence.

Latics, however, were in no mood to lie down and dogged work in defence by the impeccable Skipper and impressive Strong meant that Villa had to settle for the single goal.

Wigans defensive resolve had been tested and they had come through with reputations enhanced.

The attack looked lightweight and the return of Rimmer, Daley, Doolan, Connolly and Vaughan cannot come too soon.

The big plus was the performance of Greg Strong who took the eye with his blonde hair and his all-action style.

He may well have done enough to have Swain pencilling his name in for the opening League game against Scunthorpe United.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Aston Villa.

Attendance; 1,364

Scorers; Whittingham (23);

Team; WIGAN (5-3-2)—Farnworth; West, Skipper, Johnson, Robertson, Strong; McKearney, Langley, Duffy; Gavin, Morton; Subs; Ogden (for Strong), Hollis (for West);

Referee; J. Robinson (Wigan)

With the friendly programme of fixtures over it was now time for Latics to turn their attention to the real thing and a home game with Scunthorpe United.