Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC   vs   SP. ERKENSCHWICK (FDR)

3^rd August 1978 

A PRE-SEASON WIN.

A crowd of 1,898 turned out on a damp, depressing, drizzly night to watch Latics continue their pre-season programme of games with a match against a strong side from West Germany (FDR). The visitors competed in the third tier of the German League.

A goal by Ian Seddon, and an Ian Purdie penalty completed the scoring on the night, to give Latics a morale boosting win. Wigan dominated the game for long periods and were good value for the two goals.

Latics earned thirteen corners in a first period that saw John Brown, in the Wigan goal, acting as a virtual spectator.

In the 11^th minute 27-year-old midfielder Ian SEDDON, who spent last season at Rochdale, fired home from 25 yards.

Ian Seddon had played for Bolton, Chester and Cambridge and had been part of promotion winning sides on three separate occasions, however he had suffered an injury plagued year and left the field at half-time with a thigh strain, being replaced by Ian Gillibrand. Ian Purdie, the new signing from Motherwell, was delighting the fans and the ex-Aberdeen man certainly looks a good acquisition.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 S.P. Erkenschwick.

The second half was a more even affair as the visitors became more robust in the challenge, Neil Davids had to have three stitches in a head wound and Jeff Wright came on to replace him. Another of the new acquisitions, Kevin Smart, played well in an unaccustomed left back role as he acted as cover for Hinnigan who was suffering from a minor injury and was rested.

On 78 minutes Wigan took full control with a second goal. A dangerous cross into the box was handled by Kerkeneier and PURDIE collected the ball to take the penalty, the Wigan man delayed his shot as he waited for the keeper to make a move and he coolly slotted home.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-0 SP. Erkenschwick.

Attendance; 1,898

Scorers; Seddon (11), Purdie (78, pen);

Team; WIGAN—Brown; Gore, Smart, Ward, Davids; Corrigan, Seddon, Crompton, Purdie; Wilkie, Houghton; SUBS; Gillibrand, Worswick, Wright.

Referee; Mr N. H. Glover.  (Adlington).

Latics manager Ian McNeill seemed well satisfied and commented ‘Everything seems to be going according to plan.’  He heaped praise on his charges and highlighted ex-Borussia Munchengladbach forward Jurgen Wittkamp as a particularly class act, while also bemoaning the rather more physical defenders who certainly pulled few punches as they produced some robust pieces of defensive work.