Report by SJG

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs BRADFORD CITY

16^TH September 1978

CLINICAL CITY TAKE THE POINTS.

Bradford arrived at Springfield Park on the back of a 6-0 humbling at Aldershot and hopes were high that a second win was inevitable.

All that optimism proved to be without foundation as after just 12 minutes a Wood corner found the head of COOKE, who bulleted a header past Brown.

The confidence visibly drained from the Wigan players, and despite their best efforts they struggled to breach the Bradford defensive line. Wigan were far from being outplayed but Bradford City were quick to pounce on every passing error and their attack always looked the more likely to add to the scoreline.

 On 37 minutes Smart was caught in possession by MCNIVEN . The ex-Leeds player signed by the Bantams for £25,000 took full advantage, he raced into the space left by Smart who was out of position and he blasted home past Brown.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-2 Bradford City.

The second half started in similar fashion as Latics struggled to get to grips with the direct running of Martinez and the midfield guile of Bates.

Things changed in the 67^th minute when a freak goal offered Wigan a way back into the match. PURDIE curled a long ball into the box that with the assisting wind swirled over the backpedalling keeper.  Smith did well and at full stretch he caught the ball, but he also lost his footing and fell over the line carrying with him the ball. The goal signalled a series of frantic raids on the Bradford goal as Wigan suddenly saw a chance to get back on terms.

The well organised Bradford defence held firm and on 87 minutes they put the game beyond Wigan. Smart again lost his man and Martinez was able to unleash a well struck shot that Brown did well to parry. Gillibrand tried to clear the danger, but he miscued and the ball fell back to MARTINEZ who slotted home from eight yards.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-3 Bradford City.

Attendance; 7,090

Scorers; Wright (12), McNiven (37), Martinez (87); Purdie (67);

Team; WIGAN—Brown; Smart, Gillibrand, Ward, Hinnigan; Corrigan, Wright, Gore, Purdie; Crompton, Moore; Sub; Brownbill (for Crompton);

BRADFORD CITY—Smith; Reaney, Wood, Baines, Middleton; Bates, Johnson, Dolan, Martinez; Cooke, McNiven; Sub; Szabo (for Cooke);

Referee; Mr. J.K. Butcher (Kendal).