Report by SJG

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

BARNSLEY vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

21^ST October 1978

RESILIANT LATICS PLAY FULL PART IN AN ENTERTAINING STALEMATE.

Wigan began the game in enterprising fashion and after Purdie was upended by Pugh in the opening minute Corrigan whipped in a dangerous free-kick that Springett did well to punch clear. A cross by Gore was nodded deftly by Corrigan into the path of Moore and Springett had to be quick off his line to close down the striker and snuff out any danger. Jeff Wright then had a snap shot from the edge of the area but it flew narrowly over the bar.

Barnsley began to gain a degree of control and a spell of pressure saw Joicey go close, his initial shot struck Fretwell and then when it rebounded back his low drive was well turned aside by Brown in the Latics goal.

Brown came to Wigan’s rescue again a few minutes later when he saved from Joicey, and then he produced a spectacular acrobatic diving stop to turn a superb David Speedie thunderbolt over the crossbar. Latics were playing mainly on the counter-attack and Purdie glanced a header from a Mickey Moore cross just past the far post then Gore made a fine surging run that took him past several players before his chip over the advancing Springett passed inches wide of the target.  As the pressure mounted Smart saw his name taken for a rash challenge on the Barnsley player-manager Allan Clarke and from the resulting free-kick Speedie fired in an effort that Brown saved with his legs.

Half Time; Barnsley 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Gore and Moore caused more problems for the shaky Barnsley defence after the interval and after Joicey went close for the hosts Ward went close from a half chance following a set piece. On 56 minutes Barnsley had their best chance and Wigan had a big slice of luck, Millar curled a delicious free kick over the defensive wall and Brown was a mere spectator as the ball struck the crossbar before bouncing out to Joicey who, with the goal gaping, somehow screwed his shot wide.

Wigan did get the ball into the net when Moore broke forward and fired a low effort past Springett, but the linesman had raised his flag and the goal was ruled out for offside.

Peter Houghton, who was returning after the injury he picked up at Luton earlier in the season came on for the last five minutes to replace Brownbill and while he failed to score on this occasion his return to fitness is sure to add potency to the Wigan forward line. 

Full Time; Barnsley 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Attendance; 9,841

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

BARNSLEY—Springett; Collins, Martin-Chambers, Saunders, McCarthy; Pugh, Riley, Millar, Joicey; Clarke, Speedie; Sub; Prendergast (for Riley);

Referee; Mr. B. Martin (Keyworth)

Popular striker Micky Worswick has been unable to command a regular spot in the Latics line-up this season and the club have received several enquiries about the 31-year-old.

His appearances have been limited to two cameos as a late substitute and other options now need to be explored.

Micky had a testimonial game last season against an Everton XI to reward his excellent service for the club and the event was well attended by over 4,000 fans.