Report by SJG

CHESHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs CONGLETON TOWN

11^th March 1933

WIGAN TURN ON THE STYLE TO EASE PAST CONGLETON.

The previous attempt to play this game, back in October, had seen the match abandoned with Latics holding a comfortable 7-0 lead, however, on this occasion the ground was bathed in pleasant spring sunshine and conditions were perfect. The match clashed with a Challenge Cup quarter final tie between Wigan Rugby and Warrington at Central Park, (Wigan lost 9-7, attendance 37,000) and thus an attendance of 3,500 was felt to be quite respectable.

Latics had a full squad to choose from as Wake had recovered from injury and it was Jamieson who was the unlucky player who was left to take on a watching brief. 

The first half began in lively fashion and Congleton launched a couple of early raids that O’Dell was able to repel. A shot by Watkinson brought the first save of the game, with Abbott having to fist the effort over the crossbar. Wigan responded well and a Hughes run and cross was badly misjudged by Chambers who mistimed his jump; however, JONES was arriving late into the area and met the ball sweetly to shoot home and give Wigan a tenth minute lead.

Wigan maintained the pressure with Chambers and Hughes being thwarted by Briscoe and Mossley in the Congleton defence.

Carter took advantage of a poor pass in the Wigan midfield and launched a Congleton raid, the ball was collected by BAILEY who shot on target, the ball appeared to have been cleared but the referee, who was well placed, adjudged that it had crossed the goal line and a score was awarded.

Three minutes later Murphy got the better of Mossley and when a tackle was attempted it sent the Wigan wing wizard tumbling and a penalty kick was duly awarded. MCCABE stepped up and he converted the chance confidently to restore the lead.

Chambers and Briscoe were having a rare old tussle and the forward twice spurned shooting chances because of the defender’s presence. Then on the third occasion the two matched each other stride for stride as Chambers burst from the half way line, then as Colman advanced to try and assist the defender CHAMBERS hooked his shot over the keeper and into the net; a fine finish. Despite the scoreline there was no let-up in the Wigan dominance. Colman saved well from McCabe and Hughes, then when Chambers managed to beat the keeper it was Brereton who came to the rescue with a clearance off the line. Wigan did however add a fourth just before half time when a free kick by Allon forced Colman to save but when he fumbled HUGHES was on hand to scramble the ball home.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 4-1 Congleton Town.

The second period began with Watkin setting Hood into space, but the shot was well held by the alert Abbott. Congleton were soon forced back onto the defensive and when Spencer picked out JONES with an accurate through ball, the Wigan forward outwitted Briscoe before finishing with a low drive into the corner of the net.

Latics were now back in control and the visitors were limited to the occasional break away, which usually centred around the lively Watkin in attack. Chambers was having one of those days in front of goal as despite his best efforts he could not add to his single strike. Jones and Murphy combined to give the leading scorer an opportunity, but Wilkinson stooped low to head away the danger and for his troubles he received Chambers’ boot on his head, fortunately the injury was not serious and after a quick visit from the trainer and the St Johns medics he was good to continue. (the magic of that cold sponge). Another incisive move saw Hughes crossing and Chambers volleyed an effort that thundered against the crossbar, the rebound was collected by Jones but his shot was blocked by Jackson. Shots rained in on the Town goal from all directions, but they stood firm and then on the break they grabbed their second of the game. A long ball was misjudged by O’Dell and Watkin raced onto the loose ball, Callachan came across to cover and clearly pulled back the Congleton man which resulted in a free kick. Initially Connelly tried to take a quick kick, but the referee ordered it retaken and on the second occasion WATKIN fired home.

Congleton’s woe was completed three minutes from time when a long clearance by O’Dell found JONES, who outpaced the Town defence before firing home to complete a fine hat-trick (he thus joined Chambers and McCabe as players who have achieved this feat.)

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 6-2 Congleton Town.

Attendance; 3,500

Scorers; Jones (10), (50), (87), McCabe (28, pen), Chambers (33), Hughes (44); Bailey (25), Watkin (80);

Team; WIGAN-- Abbott; O’Dell, Callachan; Allon, Wake, Spencer; Hughes, McCabe, Chambers, Jones, Murphy;  

CONGLETON TOWN— Colman; Mossley, Briscoe; Jackson, Connolly, Brereton; Hood, Bailey, Watkin, Watkinson, Carter;

Referee; Mr. W. H. Dodd (Birkenhead)