Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION THREE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs WYCOMBE WANDERERS

28^th August 1993

EARLY RENNIE STRIKE NOT ENOUGH FOR GOAL SHY LATICS.

League new boys Wycombe had started life in the football league in impressive style and had yet to taste defeat but Latics were hopeful of recording a morale boosting win. New signing Mick Kennedy had recovered from injury and made the starting XI and his tigerish qualities were quickly to the fore as he won the ball in midfield and when the ball ran free RENNIE unleashed a thunderous strike from 25 yards that flew into the Wycombe goal giving Hyde no chance.

The ’Chairboys’ were not going to lie down and gradually their impressive midfield gained a foot hold in the game and Steve Guppy began to torment the Wigan full backs with his pace and trickery.  A steady stream of quality crosses had the Wigan defenders working overtime as Langford and Carroll tried to get a telling touch in front of goal. On 35 minutes the two strikers combined in the box and when the ball ran loose it was GUPPY who was on hand to fire home from six yards.

The goal was fully earned as Wycombe had been close on several occassions with Langford being particularly wasteful as he failed to net on three occassions in quick succession with Johnson and Farnworth snuffing out his efforts. A free kick saw Guppy loop a header just over the bar and by the break Wigan were hanging on.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers.

The second period began with Wycombe still dominating and their big target man, Keith Scott, spurned two good chances from inviting crosses supplied by Carroll. Langford fired in a shot from distance that flew just over the bar and as the visitors continued to press Guppy went close to adding to his earlier strike. Latics were at full stretch and their defensive methods began to look desperate as they picked up a string of bookings for over robust challenges and dissent. On 54 minutes Duffy was introduced to replace Strong and the fresh legs helped to stem the tide as Latics finally threatened at the right end of the park.

Morton, Duffy and Gavin all had shots that brought the keeper into action and with time running out a barnstorming run by Robertson saw him exchange passes with Langley and Morton before unleashing a drive that flew narrowly wide via a deflection.

After 75 minutes of Wycombe dominance it would have been unjust if Wigans late flurry had yielded a winner but the Side had hung in well and again had shown a degree of determination that had ultimately enabled them to share the spoils.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers.

Attendance; 2,388

Scorers; Rennie (7); Guppy (35);

Team; WIGAN (5-3-2)—Farnworth; Rennie, Kennedy, Skipper, Johnson, Robertson; Strong, McKearney, Langley; Gavin, Morton; Sub; Duffy (for Strong);

WYCOMBE WANDERERS (4-4-2)—Hyde; Cousins, Titterton, Kerr, Crossley; Ryan, Carroll, Hayrettin, Guppy; Langford, Scott; Sub; Hutchinson (for Hayrettin);

Referee; Mr Neale Barry (Scunthorpe).