Report by SJG

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

GRIMSBY TOWN vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

24^th March 1979

MARINERS CATCH LATICS COLD TO GRAB THE SPOILS.

This clash was billed as something of a crunch encounter, both sides came into the game on good runs and unbeaten in their previous eight league games. The home side had spoiled the party at Springfield Park when a big crowd had turned out to celebrate Wigan Athletics first home league game, and the talk amongst the Wigan fans was of ‘revenge’ and ‘setting records straight’.

A strong wind was blowing in from the North Sea and it was to play a big role in the early proceedings as Wigan struggled to adapt to the conditions.

After two minutes a long throw was misjudged by the Latics defence and after Brolly struck a post it was midfield man Joe WATERS that fired Grimsby ahead. Worse followed for the Latics on 11 minutes when a weak clearing header by Ward fell to BROLLY and he curled a delightful effort beyond Brown and into the top corner.

With the wind at their backs the home side continued to dominate and Waters fired a snap shot that flew inches wide, before Tony Ford was denied by Brown who rushed from his goal and smothered the wingers attempted shot. Gary Liddell had chances to further extend the Mariners lead but he failed to trouble Brown in the Wigan goal.

Just before half time Joe Hinnigan went down with an injury and Peter Houghton, who himself was only just returning after a protracted injury absence, came on as a replacement.

Half Time; Grimsby Town 2-0 Wigan Athletic.

Wigan now had the wind at their backs and the fans were still hopeful of a fight-back from their heroes. Grimsby, however, were relentless in their determination and would not allow the Wigan midfield to get any sort of control.  Grimsby used the wind to great effect as they continually played long balls in behind the Wigan back four, and Kevin Smart had to be at his best as he covered behind the centre halves.

Wigans attack briefly threatened and Purdie struck a sweet free kick that beat Nigel Batch (pictured) but thudded against the crossbar.

On 87 minutes Grimsby netted a controversial third to settle the game. A soft free kick was awarded to the home side following a challenge by Houghton and Wigan were busy contesting the decision when Town took the kick quickly and Tony FORD danced past his marker before slotting home.

Wigan did manage to gain a late consolation when WIGGINGTON was hassled into a mistake by Houghton and diverted the ball into his own net.

Full Time; Grimsby Town 3-1 Wigan Athletic

Scorers; Waters (2), Brolly (11), Ford (87); Wiggington (89, OG);

Attendance; 8,505

Team; WIGAN (4-4-2)—Brown; Smart, Fretwell, Ward, Hinnigan; Corrigan, Wright, Gore, Purdie; Brownbill, Moore; Sub; Houghton (for Hinnigan).

GRIMSBY TOWN (4-4-2) — Batch; D. Moore, K. Moore, Wiggington, Crombie; Waters, Brolly, Lester, Ford; Liddell, Mitchell; Sub not used; Drinkell;

Referee; Mr. K. A. Redfearn (Northumberland