Report by SJG

F. A. CUP

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs LYTHAM A.F.C.

14^th October 1933

LATICS-----UP FOR THE CUP.

Despite falling to defeat there was no hiding the smiles on the Lytham board members faces as they tallied up the earnings from a bumper gate of 4,682.

Lytham are a side that relies on amateur and part-time professional players and the gate receipts would, to quote their financial secretary, ‘Guarantee the rest of the season’.

The game itself was a typical blood and thunder cup tie, which matched the finesse of the Latics and the rugged determination of a Lytham side that certainly gave a good account of themselves.

Wigan began brightly and an early run and cross by Scott almost brought the opening goal as Jones directed a firm header that struck the crossbar before being scrambled clear. Wigan maintained the pressure and Harper made a good stop to deny a Kavanagh header. The Lytham forwards were busy and Rigby produced a nice turn that allowed him to slide a pass to Clarkson on the wing, he checked inside and should have done better but his final shot failed to hit the target.

O’Dell was prominent in the Wigan play as he effectively broke up a number of Lytham attacks and his precise passing set in motion a number of promising attacking moves. The visitors were working hard in defence to quickly close down the Wigan forwards and the tactic was certainly effective as both Scott and Cowper saw efforts blocked by eager defenders.

Kempster was showing a fine turn of speed in the Lytham forward line and a first time cross nearly created a scoring chance as Caunce only fisted the clearance as far as Birtwistle who picked out Clarkson in space but the hurried final shot was too high to find the goal. Lytham went close again when Caunce misjudged the flight of the ball and it was only the last- minute intervention of Robinson that kept the home goal intact.

Cowper played Jones into space but with the angle being tight the Latics man could only shoot into the arms of Harper. Then as half time approached it was the visitors who grabbed the lead. Rigby played the ball wide to Clarkson who evaded O’Donnell before driving in a low cross that was deftly back heeled into the net by RIGBY as Harrison and Robinson tried in vain to rescue the situation.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Lytham. 

Wigan began the second half with renewed determination and in the 46^th minute they levelled the scores. Cowper crossed and McQueen miskicked in the area which allowed Jones to control and his well weighted pass allowed FELTON to fire home via a post.

Suddenly Wigan had a new impetus and they nearly grabbed the lead when Cowper grazed the crossbar with a well guided header following a free kick that was well delivered by O’Dell.

The pressure continued to build and when Parkinson conceded a free kick for a trip on Snaith the resulting delivery by Kavanagh picked out HARRISON who headed home from close range.

Lytham tried hard to respond but that created more space for the lively Scott and Cowper to exploit. Clarkson had a snap shot that was well handled by Caunce, then on the break Scott fed the ball to Jones, but the forward fired over.

The challenges were becoming more frantic and the trainers were kept busy as they tended the wounded. Harper took a heavy blow when he dove bravely to save at the feet of Jones, then O’Dell and Eastwood collided as they competed for a loose ball and the Lytham man had to leave the field for a few minutes as he was patched up.

Latics thought they had extended their advantage when Felton finished off a four man move that started with Kavanagh and developed with Snaith and Jones, but the linesman had raised his flag.

A Lytham corner caused mayhem in the Latics six-yard box but the defence managed to smuggle the ball to safety. Then on the break Scott created himself a shooting chance after wrong-footing Parkinson but the shot lacked conviction and was easily saved.

With time running out Wigan found themselves reduced to ten-men when Jones was left prostrate after a heavy challenge and the trainers had to help him from the field. Wigan regrouped and they showed great professionalism as they saw out the remaining ten minutes to claim the victory.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-1 Lytham. 

Scorers; Felton (46), Harrison (60); Rigby (42);

Attendance; 4,682

Team; WIGAN---Caunce; Robinson, O’Donnell; Kavanagh, O’Dell, Harrison; Cowper, Felton, Jones, Snaith, Scott;

LYTHAM A.F.C.---Harper; H. Parkinson, McQueen; Birtwistle, Curran, J. Parkinson; Clarkson, Eastwood, Rigby, Sutcliffe, Kempster;

Referee; Mr. W. C. Ainsworth (Preston)

Latics progressed to the next round where they will play hosts to Dick Kerrs from Preston.