Report by SJG

CHESHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs WINSFORD UNITED

 23^rd December 1933

LATICS RETAIN 100% HOME RECORD AS WINGER SCOTT BAGS BRACE.

This game was switched from Winsford as their pitch was unlikely to have been passed fit and Latics took full advantage to extend their impressive 100% home record and pile the pressure on the other top sides prior to the hectic Christmas programme of fixtures.

The game began with Wigan pressing forward but the visitors defence soon served notice that they would make life difficult for the Latics frontline as they defended with plenty of good determination and organisation. The visitors had the first real effort on goal when Drain let fly with a shot from range that dipped viciously to test Caunce in the Wigan goal. Winsford’s inside forward Cansfield then forced Caunce into a scrambling save but the keeper again got down well to avert any danger

The wet greasy surface did not help the players as they struggled to keep their footing at times and one challenge saw Snaith go tumbling after Edwards mistimed a challenge. The resulting free-kick saw Kavanagh fire in a drive that beat the wall but it flew just past the post. Scott then went close with a low driven cross that struck the outside of a post.

Wigan thought they had broken the deadlock when Felton skipped through and fired in an effort that the keeper could only parry to Snaith who rolled the ball home but the linesman raised his flag to indicate that the Wigan man had wandered offside.

Jones directed a header goalwards following a goalmouth scramble but without success, then Dendy tried his luck at the other end only to find Caunce who made a smart save. Back came Latics and Cowper fired over when he perhaps should have done better as the keeper was out of position.

Snaith then skipped through the Winsford defensive line and slammed the ball home but the referee again ruled out the effort as he adjudged Felton, who had not been involved in the build up play, to have been offside.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Winsford United

Latics could have been justified in feeling frustrated after having two efforts ruled out but it only took two minutes after the change of ends for their efforts to finally be rewarded. Jones fed a fine pass through and FELTON sprinted forward before drawing the keeper and sliding the ball home.

Wigan now piled on the pressure as they looked to secure the points by adding to their goal tally. Robinson saved well to deny Felton and Jones but on the hour mark a long ball by Talbot was headed on by Jones and SCOTT raced onto the loose ball and fired home. Robinson did get a hand to the shot but he was unable to affect the save.

Wigan continued to dominate and a corner by Cowper caused a mad scramble in the Winsford box with a number of shots being blocked as defenders threw themselves in the way.

Then on 75 minutes Felton slipped another fine ball through for SCOTT to run onto and the wing man unleashed a left footed drive that arrowed into the net.

The light was now fading but the game was now settled as a contest and Wigan confidently saw out the remaining passages of play to bag the spoils and increase the pressure on the other title chasing sides.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 3-0 Winsford United.

Scorers; Felton (47), Scott (60), (75);

Attendance; 3,000

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

WINSFORD UNITED--- Robinson; L. C. Wilkinson, Barnes; Spencer, Edwards, H. Wilkinson; McGirr, Cansfield, Littler, Dendy, Drain;

Referee; Mr. H. Hartles (Runcorn).

Wigan now go into the busy Christmas period with a number of tough games scheduled.

Manchester North End (a) ----- Dec 25^th

Manchester North End (h) ----- Dec 26^th

Moseley                           (a) -----Dec 30^th

Runcorn                           (a) -----Jan 1^st