Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

LEIGH RMI vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

4^th August 2001 

EX-LATICS WIDE MAN TONY BLACK HAUNTS HIS OLD CLUB.

A team comprising fringe players, trialists and youth squad members made the short trip to Hilton Park to take on a Leigh RMI side that included a number of familiar faces.

Wigan began well with Pat MCGIBBON forcing the ball home following a set piece. Wing man Brian MCLAUGHLIN then extended the lead on 22 minutes with a calm finish.

Two goals to the good, and with a decent support cheering them on it seemed like Wigan would push on for a convincing win but referee Butler gifted the home side a way back into the game with a generous penalty award and MAAMRIA fired home from the spot.

Half Time; Leigh RMI 1-2 Wigan Athletic.

Five minutes after the break HEALD got a vital touch to a well delivered corner to level up the scores.

Ex-Latics keeper Felgate was performing well and was frustrating the Wigan forwards but it was against the run of play when Leigh were awarded a second penalty and another former favourite Tony BLACK slotted home the penalty kick.

Full Time; Leigh RMI 3-2 Wigan Athletic.

Attendance; 1,400

Scorers; McGibbon (3), McLaughlin (22); Maamria (26, pen), Heald (50), Black (72, pen);

WIGAN ATHLETIC; Tynan; Dickson, Pendlebury, McGibbon, Santos; Chadwick, Pendeljak, McLoughlin, Ashcroft; Ormerod, McLaughlin; SUBS—Moore (for Ashcroft)

LEIGH RMI; Westhead; Spooner, Heald, Scott, Farrell, Swann; Kielty, Fisher, Maamria, Black, Reynolds; SUB—Felgate (for Westhead), Harris (for Kielty), Hallows (for Black), Hayder (for Reynolds);

Referee; Mr. A. Butler