Report by SJG

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

 WIGAN ATHLETIC vs HARTLEPOOL UNITED

16^th April 1979

ANOTHER POINT DROPPED AS DREAM BEGINS TO FADE.

A third game in quick succession saw Latics take on a Hartlepool side in-front of over 8,000 expectant fans. Fretwell had failed to recover from a knock and was replaced by John Curtis, but Houghton with stitches and heavy strapping made the starting XI for a game that Latics needed to win.

The home side began well and only good goalkeeping by Watson denied both Purdie and Moore but in the 14^th minute the visitors were awarded a penalty when Hinnigan was adjudged to have handled. GOLDTHORPE fired home from the spot to give the visitors the lead.

Wigan continued to press but it was the visitors who came close to adding to their lead when a fierce shot by Hogan flew past a stranded Brown before thudding against the underside of the crossbar and bouncing to safety.

Latics continued to press and created a number of half chances but with Houghton clearly not fully fit there was no-one to add that final touch.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Hartlepool United.

Purdie went close from a free-kick but a fine fingertip denied the Wigan man, then on 50 minutes the visitors; well marshalled defence was breached when a long cross from the right was volleyed home from ten yards by WRIGHT.

Then six minutes later, as Wigan seemed to gain in energy, PURDIE got onto the end of a Houghton cross and produced a sumptuous finish to leave Watson in the Pool goal grasping at fresh air.

Latics began to sit back as tired legs began to struggle and this proved costly when on 76 minutes the ball fell kindly for LINACRE in the Wigan box and he slotted home.

The last 15 minutes saw both sides pushing hard to try and win the tie with Pool going close when Evans was through on goal but Brown saved bravely at the feet of the onrushing forward. Then Brownbill, who was on from the bench, was felled in the box but the referee turned down the penalty appeals and awarded an indirect free-kick for obstruction. With time running out Houghton fired in an effort that struck the upright but at the final whistle a point was all a tired Latics side could muster.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 2-2 Hartlepool United.

Scorers; Wright (50), Purdie (56); Goldthorpe (14, pen), Linacre (76);

Attendance; 8,217

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

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-4-2) — Watson; Smith, Gorry, Norton, Goldthorpe, Ayre, Linacre, Houchen, Lawrence, Harding, Hogan; Sub; Evans for Lawrence.

Referee; Mr. Derek W. Civil (Birmingham).

Other results saw Aldershot drop vital points and a win against the Shots in the next game may yet see Latics grab a promotion slot.