Report by SJG

CHESHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs SANDBACH RAMBLERS

8^th April 1933

WIGAN GO NAP AS RAMBLERS WELL BEATEN.

Wigan recorded a comfortable win against their visitors from Sandbach and could easily have prevailed by a much larger margin. The Ramblers had no answer to the pace and trickery of the wingmen and even though the leading scorer Chambers was rested it was soon clear that on Thomas, who had been promoted from the reserves, Latics had a more than capable deputy.

Wigan settled to their task straight from kick off and a flowing passing move involving Spencer, Wake and Allon was able to set Murphy into space, but the winger pulled his shot narrowly wide. On six minutes Hughes and Murphy linked up well before crossing to THOMAS who produced a simple but clinical finish. Hughes continued to torment his marker and it was not long before he was again able to produce a telling cross which THOMAS gleefully steered home past Bourne in the Ramblers goal to notch up the 100^th League goal of the season.

The visitors threatened briefly and Gilchrist fired just over the bar with a long-range effort. O’Dell then started a nice move for the Athletic when he deceived the Sandbach players with good footwork before threading a precise pass to Murphy who in turn played HUGHES through on goal. Bourne rushed to meet the Wigan man and saved well from the first shot but when the ball bounced kindly back into the wingers path he made no mistake at the second time of asking.

There was little respite for the Sandbach defence as Wigan continued to create a number of excellent scoring opportunities. Thomas came close on at least two occasions to recording a hat-trick, Jones netted but was ruled offside, Murphy struck a fine shot that came back off an upright and Jones tried a dipping shot that struck the crossbar. The visitors did have one moment in the Wigan area, when Edmunds headed just wide following a well delivered corner kick.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 3-0 Sandbach Ramblers.

The second half was not really much of a spectacle, Wigan seemed content that the game was won and eased down, while Sandbach were just happy to ensure that the score remained respectable.  On 50 minutes Wigan were awarded a free kick after a poor challenge and MCCABE fired home a fearsome drive that left Bourne clutching at fresh air as it flew into the goal.  Bourne was however producing more than his share of excellent stops, he did well to cut out a driven cross by Hughes, then launched himself to smother a shot by Thomas.

The keeper had no chance on 65 minutes when Wigan scored the fifth and final goal of the afternoon. McCabe produced an exciting burst that propelled him into the Sandbach penalty area, and he looked odds on to score before Sproston (J) tripped him to end his progress.  A spot kick was awarded and MCCABE made no mistake with a well struck effort.

The game was now being played at little more than walking pace in the early Spring sunshine and the more relaxed approach almost gifted the Ramblers a goal. Worrall gained possession deep in the Wigan half and bore down on Abbott, the shot, however, was well anticipated by the Wigan keeper and he was able to palm the ball away from danger.

Bourne distinguished himself further with a string of excellent saves but the game was over as a contest and when the final whistle blew the visitors were a well beaten side.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 5-0 Sandbach Ramblers.

Attendance; 3,400

Scorers; Thomas (6), (15), Hughes (20), McCabe (50), (75, pen);

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

SANDBACH---Bourne; Sproson, J. Sproston; B. Sproston, Gilchrist, Fradderley; James, Edmunds, Worrall, Major, Dean;

Referee; Mr. R. Owen (Bolton)

Wigan had managed to arrange a friendly game on Easter Monday (as they had no other fixture on that date). This would give some of the reserve regulars an opportunity to step up and try and stake a claim for a first team spot. 

It was certainly the case that Swift and Thomas had not disgraced themselves when called upon during the season and a strong squad is often essential if a side is going to challenge for honours.

Next up for the Athletic is a home fixture against Manchester North End on Good Friday.  The North End are one of the stronger sides in the League and it should provide for an exciting game. Both sides will still be hoping that a strong close to the season may gain them a champions or runners up medal.