Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs DUNDEE

6^th November 1978

QUALITY GOALS LIFT FRIENDLY.

Wigan decided amid the busy League and Cup programme that it was a good idea to shoe-horn in a friendly against a Dundee side that were sitting proudly at the top of the Scottish First Division (second tier), the side from Dens Park would go on to win the title and achieve promotion to the Premiership later in the season.

Wigan caught the visitors cold in the second minute when a Purdie corner was flicked on by Ward and when the keeper failed to hold the ball it was HOUGHTON who lifted a shot into the roof of the net. Seven minutes later and MOORE illuminated what was in danger of becoming a rather pedestrian friendly when he dribbled past a number of defenders before firing an arrow like shot from 20-yards that found the bottom corner.

Some in the crowd may have been thinking that a goal glut was on the cards, especially with the visitors having some regulars out through injury, but the Scottish side had different ideas and produced a goal of the utmost quality that set the game up for an entertaining second period, even if it did miss some of the competitive edge. The Dundee goal arrived in the 36th minute, centre-forward McGHEE collected the ball wide on the left, he quickly cut inside and made his way past three defenders before curling a delightful shot that left Brown grasping at air as it flew into the top corner.

 Half Time; Wigan Athletic 2-1 Dundee

The second half was an end-to-end affair with chances, scrambles, and near misses at either end, both sides utilised their substitutes as the heavy pitch took its toll, and Noel Ward took over in goal for Latics as Brown picked up a slight knock. The big Irishman did quite well in his new role but had little chance in the 72^nd minute when BARR lashed home a penalty after Hinnigan was adjudged to have handled the ball.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-2 Dundee

Scorers; Houghton (2), Moore (9); McGhee (36), Barr (72, pen);

Attendance; 1,214

Team; WIGAN (4-4-2)—Brown; Fretwell, Ward, Davids, Hinnigan; Corrigan, Wright, Gore, Purdie; Houghton, Moore; Subs; Gillibrand, Hart, Brownbill, Crompton, Wilkie;

Referee; Mr D. Shaw (Sandbach).