Report by SJG

LANCASHIRE FA COUNTY CUP

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs SOUTHPORT

25^th September 1969

BREEN VOLLEY SEES OFF 10-MAN SANDGROUNDERS

A first-round home tie against strong Division Three opposition in Southport presented Latics with a daunting hurdle to overcome if they were to progress in this cup competition.

The visitors selected a very strong line up and were clearly looking to build on a decent start to the season that had seen them record wins against Barrow, Oldham and Shrewsbury.

The first half was a fiery affair with no quarter taken or asked and the ferocity of some of the tackling may have been a factor in an early change with Southport bring on their substitute, Clarke, early in proceedings.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Southport.

Latics quickly took the lead in the second half when a long throw by Alan Ryan caught the defence napping and MCLOUGHLIN was able to hook the ball home from close range.

Wigan were quickly presented with a chance to double the lead when sustained pressure saw Southport concede a penalty kick. Kenny Morris took the ball but his shot was straight at the keeper Wraith who was able to push the shot to safety. The miss was Wigans fourth in succession from the spot and their frustration was obvious as Southport now began to take the upper hand. 

The visitors suffered a massive set-back on 57 minutes when Eric Redrobe (pictured), who hails from Pemberton and is affectionately known as Wardrobe due to his solid frame, was helped from the field leaving the Sandgrounders to play the remaining 33 minutes with only ten men.

The visitors did not let the loss affect them and they grabbed a deserved leveller when on 77 minutes a neat header from FIELD following a well delivered corner beat reeves in the home goal.

Wigan were not to be denied and it was the inspirational Davey BREEN who volleyed home a stunning winner from fully 25 yards on 83 minutes to top off a fine personal display from the tigerish midfield man.

The win was well earned and Latics had a number of heroes on the night with Breen, Sutherland (who stood in as centre-half), Turner and Ledgard all collecting plaudits for their work.

Latics will now progress and hope for another attractive draw in the next round.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-1 Southport.

Scorers; McLoughlin (46), Breen (83); Field (77);

Attendance; 2,865

WIGAN ATHLETIC; Reeves; Morris, Gillibrand, Sutherland, Ledgard; Turner, Breen, Fleming, Fielding; Ryan, McLoughlin; SUB—Savage.

SOUTHPORT; Wraith; M. Russell, Alty, Peat, Aindow; Harrison, McCarthy, Field, Redrobe; A. Russell, Pring; SUB—Clarke.

Referee; Mr J. Cunningham. (Preston)