Report by SJG

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs NORTHAMPTON TOWN

28^th October 1978

ITS PURDIE AT THE DOUBLE.

Whoever it was who recommended Ian Purdie to the Latics manager deserves a big pat-on-the-back as the Scots flyer illuminated a dull October afternoon with a fine display of wing craft and finishing.

In an entertaining game the visitors began brightly and with Christie showing skill and electric pace on the wing and with the big Northampton strikers looking a handful it was they who fashioned the early chances. Christie and Reilly both brought excellent saves from Brown in the Wigan goal, and at the other end Houghton, who was making his first start since injury, went close after outpacing the Northampton defenders. Brown made another brave block when he dove at Reillys feet to smother a shot, and Froggatt was wasteful when he shot wide when well placed. At the other end Moore had a good opportunity but failed to beat the keeper and good work by Corrigan came to nothing when Houghton fired wide.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Northampton Town.

If the first half would be remembered for scrambles and near misses the second would be remembered for its flowing passing, excellent football and two fine saves from Brown.

One minute after the restart Gore was scythed down by Mead and PURDIE fired the penalty low and hard and Jayes just failed to save as it passed just under his diving body.

Northampton nearly grabbed an instant leveller but Brown saved well from Bryant. Wigan grew in confidence and they took full control of the game. Purdie was tormenting the defenders and only two desperate goal-line clearances stopped the Cobblers conceding a second.

On 87 minutes Latics netted the goal that their constant pressure deserved; Gore took a quick throw in to PURDIE who jinked his way past two defenders before squeezing home a shot from an acute angle past Jayes in the visitor’s goal.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-0 Northampton Town.

Scorers; Purdie (46, pen), (87);

Attendance; 6,264

Team; WIGAN—Brown; Smart, Fretwell, Ward, Hinnigan; Corrigan, Wright, Gore, Purdie; Houghton, Moore; Sub not used; Brownbill;

NORTHAMPTON—Jayes; Geidmintis, Mead, Saunders, Robertson; Bryant, Farrington, Williams, Christie; Froggatt, Reilly; Sub; Walker (for Saunders);

Referee; Mr. T. Mills (Barnsley)