Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs BRENTFORD

11^th August 2001 

MCCULLOCH RESCUES A POINT FOR RING RUSTY TICS.

Latics had much the better of the game against a Brentford side managed by ex- Manchester United favourite Steve Coppull.

Jewell handed debuts to a number of his new signings and this probably contributed to a slightly disjointed first half that saw Wigan spurn a number of decent scoring chances.

The home side was made to pay for the lack of proficiency in front of goal when Paul Evans played in a deep free kick that was met by the head of INGIMARSSON and his looped header in the 45^th minute found its way over a crowded six-yard box before nestling in the back of the Latics net.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Brentford.

The early stages of the second half showed little indication of a change in impetus so manager Jewell introduced Lee MCCULLOCH and one minute later he was on hand to level the scores.

Ged Brannan hurled a long throw into the Brentford box and the Scottish front man was on hand to attempt an overhead kick that struck a defender before falling nicely for the Wigan man to hook the ball home with a low drive.

Latics continued to push hard for a winning goal but Brentford stood firm and their well-coached defence proved impregnable as both sides had to settle for the draw.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Brentford.

Scorers; McCulloch (66); Ingimarsson (45);

Attendance; 5,952

WIGAN ATHLETIC; Stillie; Mitchell, Nolan, De Vos, De Zeeuw; Brannan, Bukran, Adamczuk, P. Kennedy; Liddell, Ashcroft; SUBS—McCulloch (for Ashcroft)

BRENTFORD; Gottskalksson; Dobson, Anderson, Ingimarsson, Powell; Mahon, Price, Gibbs, Evans; Owusu, O’Connor; SUB—Partridge (for O’Connor)

Referee; Mr. P. J. Joslin.