Report by SJG

FRIENDLY

ARBROATH vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

30^th July 1978 

WIGAN STRUCK BY SECOND HALF BLITZ

Wigans Scottish tour began on a Monday night at Gayfield Park.  The stadium at Arbroath is the closest ground to the sea in the whole of Europe.

Wigans hopes of getting the tour off on a winning foot were blown away on the North- sea breeze in a 15-minute spell at the start of the second half when the Scottish first division side recorded goals by Carson, Kydd and Mylles to give the ‘Red Lichtees’ a convincing victory.

The unusual nickname for the local side stems from the red light that used to guide the fishing boats back from the North Sea and into the safety of the harbour.

Latics were missing the steadying influence of Ward in defence as he had picked up a bad knock in the Cliftonville game.

The first half was a tight affair and gave little indication of the onslaught that was to arrive after the break.

Half time; Arbroath 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

The opening goal came on 57 minutes when CARSON got onto a set piece and his header was too strong for Bob Ward in the Wigan goal.

Further strikes followed with KYDD (63 minutes) and MYLLES (72 minutes) both netting to give the home side a decisive lead.

Wigan made a number of changes as McNeill looked to get his squad up to match fitness but the game was beyond the Tics and even a welcome return for Peter Houghton could not turn the tide on the Scottish east coast.

Full time; Arbroath 3-0 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Carson (57), Kydd (63), Mylles (72);

Attendance; 678

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

ARBROATH— Lister; McKenzie, Rylance, Carson. Newman; Edwards, Wilson, Gavine, Yule; Kidd, Mylles; SUBS; Kydd, Stark, Forsyth, Barbour;

Referee; Mr J. R. Wales (Cumbernauld)