Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs CLIFTONVILLE

28^th July 1978 

A WINNING START AS LATICS RETURN TO ACTION

Cliftonville had enjoyed a successful season in 1978-79 when they triumphed in the Irish Cup Final with a fine 3-2 victory against Portadown.

Wigan named a full squad of 16 players and used the opportunity to give all the players a run out in a well contested game.

The result was never in doubt once, in the eleventh minute, GORE latched onto an inch perfect pass from Corrigan and slotted home the opening goal.  However, the goal rush that the home fans were hoping for did not materialise, despite the best efforts of Wigans centre forward Brownbill who gave a typical all-action display.

Half time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Cliftonville

Most of the excitement came after the break when Wigan began to find a better rhythm in their passing. The introduction of new signing George Urquhart and young striker Tony Quinn certainly added energy and the new additions will certainly add to the depth of the squad in the coming campaign.  19-year-old Quinn had impressed with his eye for goal in the reserves where he netted 35 goals in 38 games, and he showed enough in this game to suggest that he will be pushing his more senior colleagues for a starting berth come the start of the season. Urquhart replaced Jeff Wright at half time and his precise passing helped Latics dominate their visitors. Quinn was busy in attack and struck the crossbar with a glancing header, then on 61 minutes the youngster who had first come to prominence in the Liverpool and Everton youth sides got on the scoresheet. Gore played a neat ball down the line for Corrigan who picked out QUINN with a floated cross and with the defence all-at-sea the striker headed home.

Cliftonville did have a golden chance to get back in the game when Ward, who was on debut, spilled a high ball and Platt had time and space but the Irish centre-forward drove his effort against the woodwork.

Latics had the chances to add to their tally but Derek Brownbill missed the target following a well taken Gore free kick and then Gore blasted a first-time volley goalwards from just eight yards out but was denied by a magnificent reflex save by Johnston in the visitor’s goal.

Manager McNeill was pleased with the performance and was certainly given food for thought by the new faces in his developing squad.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 2-0 Cliftonville.

Scorers; Gore (11), A. Quinn (61);

Attendance; 2,778

Team; WIGAN—B. Ward; Smart, Hinnigan, N. Ward, Fretwell; Corrigan, Wright, Gore, Purdie; Brownbill, Moore; SUBS; Quinn, Urquhart, Wilkie, Davids, Hart;

CLIFTONVILLE— Johnston; McGuiken, Largey, Flanagan, Quinn; McCurry, McCusker, Bell, Mills; Platt, Adair; SUBS; Kingon, Hewitt, O’Connor, Trialist, Trialist;

Referee; Mr. Neil Midgeley.  (Salford).

Latics had an early start on Sunday morning when they all boarded the team coach and headed north of the border for a pre-season tour which would include three games in four days. Some of the squad took along their golf clubs and grabbed the opportunity to play the famous course at St Andrews, however given their rather early tee time the manager may not have been best impressed.