Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs PORTSMOUTH

 1^st September 1979

POMPEY CHIMES RING LOUD IN BRUISING ENCOUNTER.

Wigan boss Ian McNeill was furious and could barely contain his anger after the game. The Scot felt that Aizlewood should of seen red after a crude thigh high challenge on Houghton as he broke free in search of a late equaliser.

The game had already been marred by a horror injury to Irish centre half Noel Ward that had seen him stretchered from the field with a suspected broken leg.

Portsmouth, roared on by a fine, raucous following from the South coast played with great assurance and style to match their grit, but it was Latics who struck first when a freekick was headed back across the face of goal by Ward and MOORE timed his arrival perfectly to side foot home from close-range.

A minute after the goal and Ward went in for a challenge with Showers that left him writhing in agony. The trainer was called and Ward left the field on a stretcher to applause from all sides of the ground. Houghton nearly doubled Wigans lead but the upright came to the aid of the Pompey defence and as the game settled it became clear that Wigans lack of height in defence was going to be an issue.

Half time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 Portsmouth.

The Wigan defence was breached twice in quick succession as the visitors turned the game around early in the second half.

On 52 minutes BRISLEY was unmarked as he headed home past a flat-footed Shyne, then four minutes later top scorer GARSWOOD found himself in space and slammed home from inside the penalty area.

Wigan threw men forward but Portsmouth defended deep and wasted time at every opportunity.

Hinnigan did force a save from Mellor but the League leaders never really looked like relinquishing their advantage, and the Pompey chimes rang out on the terraces as the final whistle blew.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 1-2 Portsmouth.

Scorers; Moore (12); Brisley (52), Garwood (56);

Attendance; 8,198

Team; WIGAN—Shyne; Smart, Hinnigan, N. Ward, Fretwell; Gore, Wright, Corrigan, Purdie; Houghton, Moore; SUB; Urquhart (for Ward);

PORTSMOUTH--- Mellor; McLoughlin, Styles, Brisley, Aizlewood; Davey, Garwood, Laidlaw; Showers, Bryant, Rogers; SUB not used; --Ellis;

Referee; Mr. Frank Phipps (Wrexham).