Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

TUNBRIDGE WELLS RANGERS vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

3^rd April 1933

A HAPPY RETURN FOR MANAGER SPENCER, AS WIGAN SHOW THEIR CLASS.

Wigan made the journey down to Kent to play against the side who had given the manager Charlie Spencer his first taste of the managerial hot-seat.

The home side had agreed to allow Wigan to receive one third of any gate receipts and in addition they agreed to pay any travel and accommodation expenses.

The luxury coach set off from Wigan at 6 a.m. and made good steady progress.

The coach stopped off briefly to allow the wives of O’Dell and Chambers to disembark near Northampton as they were visiting family.

The coach arrived in Dunstable at 11.15 a.m. and the party partook of a splendid lunch at the Red Lion Hotel. By 12.30 p.m. the coach was reloaded and the journey recommenced. The driver made good time and by 3.30 p.m. the coach arrived at its destination.

The players had a light meal and then prepared for the game.

The Weather was set fair and the ground looked in fine condition.

A crowd of just over 2,000 were in attendance and Charles Spencer was given a warm reception.

The stadium was well appointed and had a large covered stand that ran the length of the pitch.

Wigan selected a strong side with the only change being in goal where Davies was selected ahead of Abbott.

Rangers were playing into the sun in the first half and began with an attack down the left but Callachan stepped in to break up the move and the game quickly switched to the home end where Hughes brought a good save from Gilmour. HUGHES was not to be denied however, and shortly after, he escaped his marker McMenemy and curled a lovely shot past the keeper.  The home side quickly went onto the offensive as they searched for a leveller and they looked certain to achieve their aim but Davies pulled off a stunning point blank save from Smith. Davies was then busy again when he saved from French and Wason. Latics extended their lead when HUGHES tapped in from close range when the keeper failed to hold a Chambers effort.

The game developed into an entertaining end-to-end affair and Tunbridge fully deserved their goal which arrived when a cross by McMenamy was headed home by FRENCH. Wigan quickly re-established their two-goal cushion when Jones plied CHAMBERS and he drove the ball home.

Half Time; Tunbridge Wells Rangers 1-3 Wigan Athletic.

The Rangers started the second half briskly and it was not long before they were back in the contest when FRENCH headed home from a Watson cross. The home side were piling on the pressure and one passage of chaotic action saw Wake, O’Dell and Spencer each heading the ball off the line. Davies was working hard to keep the slim lead intact and fisted one effort clear when under great pressure from the Tunbridge forwards.

McCabe broke clear following a spell of sustained pressure and the Rangers defenders scrambled to block any shot on goal. Gilmour was quick to come off his line and saved well at the Wigan man’s feet. MCCABE sealed the win when he latched onto a Chambers pass and finished well.

Spencer, who had been outstanding on his return to Tunbridge, was given a fine ovation at the final whistle. Callachan, returning to his old club, was also was applauded from the field.

Full Time; Tunbridge Wells Rangers 2-4 Wigan Athletic.

Attendance; 2,000

Scorers; Hughes (5), (16), Chambers (42), McCabe (79); French (38), (52);

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

TUNBRIDGE WELLS---Gilmour; Crompton, Geddes; Nainby, Neilson, McMenemy; Watson, French, Shankly, Brennan, Smith;

Referee; A. S.  Williams (Tunbridge Wells)

Both teams and officials were afterwards entertained to tea at Jocelyn’s Café. Later there was a dance at the Victoria Hall in Southborough at which Mr C. W. Spencer was the Master of Ceremonies.

The team travelled back to Wigan on the Tuesday after a good night’s sleep.