Report by SJG

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs HEREFORD UNITED

28^th March 1979

PROMOTION BAND-WAGON GETS STUCK IN THE MUD.

The week leading up to this game was full of transfer rumours, Noel Ward was being linked with Chelsea and West Ham United, Joe Hinnigan was being linked to Manchester City and Tommy Gore was rumoured to be on Cardiff City’s radar. None of the rumours turned into a move and thus the focus turned back to the promotion push.

Wigan signed Blackburn Rovers full-back John Curtis on loan, to act as cover for the injured Hinnigan, and he came straight into the starting XI.

The conditions for the game were far from ideal with a strong wind and a very heavy, muddy pitch. 

Latics began well enough and Tommy Gore nearly scored after four minutes when his rasping drive flew inches over the crossbar.

An Ian Purdie corner saw Noel Ward go close with a powerful header and Houghton was causing problems for the United defenders who resorted to some rough tackling to keep the striker in check.

Hereford centre half Leyton overstepped the mark when he sent Houghton flying following a typically determined forward surge and was booked.

Hereford had chances of their own with Winston White twice slicing his final shot when through on goal.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Hereford United.

The longer the game went on the more the visitors began to threaten and Gore had to be alert to block a Chris Price shot then Jeff Wright slid in to make a last-ditch tackle to deny Winston White a goalscoring opportunity.

Gould then produced a lovely lay off to find Powell in space but his shot was weak and got stuck in the mud and Latics were able to clear the danger.

On 75 minutes a long wind-assisted goal kick was misjudged by Brown and Latics were thankful that Fretwell was on hand to clear the ball off the line. 

With time running out Purdie and Corrigan both spurned half chances and even the late introduction of Brownbill for the largely ineffective Purdie failed to unlock the visitors’ defence.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Hereford United.

Attendance; 4,876

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

HEREFORD UNITED (4-4-2) — Hughes; Burrows, Price, Strong, Leyton; Emery, Stephens, Hendry, White; Gould, Powell; Sub not used; Feeley;

Referee; Mr. Colin N. Seel (Carlisle).