Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

BOURNEMOUTH vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

 8^th September 1979

LATICS ENJOY THEIR DAY BY THE SEASIDE.

With Noel Ward in plaster, and with Neil Davids still struggling to recover from the knock that had seen him miss the Portsmouth game, there was little option but to give a debut to young Nigel Hart who had been impressing in the reserves. The youngster certainly had a good pedigree as both his father (Johnny) and uncle (Paul) having played at the top level of the game.

The youngster acquitted himself well and after forty-five fairly un-eventful minutes the game seemed to be heading for a somewhat dreary draw.

Half time; Bournemouth 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Then on seventy minutes McNeill decided to throw on Derek Brownbill for an out of sorts Ian Purdie.  

The impact of Latics’ super-sub was almost instant as BROWNBILL latched onto a through ball, moved forward a few paces and then lashed a rising drive that flew into the home net.

Five minutes later and the lead was extended, this time BROWNBILL produced a neat turn in the box to evade Allen before side-footing the ball into the corner of the net.

Bournemouth could not really complain as their attack had not produced anything of note and the Latics defence was seldom forced into any urgent action.

The Cherries did grab a goal but it owed a lot to good fortune as a well struck shot by Jon Moore looked to be heading straight into the arms of Shyne, but HINNIGAN, in his attempt to block the effort only managed to divert the ball into the opposite corner of the goal, leaving Shyne with no time to react and make the save.

Latics looked to punish the home side on the break with Brownbill nearly grabbing a third and Tommy Gore bringing a flying save from Allen who produced a spectacular catch at full stretch to deny the midfielder.

The home side threw on an extra attacker as they tried to force a late goal, but the expected late onslaught never materialised as Latics continued to control the game with neat passing and assured ball retention.

Full time; Bournemouth 1-2 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Hinnigan (82, OG); Brownbill (76), (81);

Attendance; 4,390

Team; WIGAN—Shyne; Smart, Hinnigan, Hart, Fretwell; Gore, Wright, Corrigan, Purdie; Houghton, Moore; SUB; Brownbill (for Purdie);

BOURNEMOUTH--- Allen; Cunningham, Moore, Bryant, Townsend; Chambers, Holder, Hefferman, Evanson; Impey, MacDougall; SUB; -- Massey (for Bryant);

Referee; Mr. D. A. Hedges (Headington).

The week saw a lot of transfer rumours circulating with a Scottish full back Ron MacIvor spending time at the club with a view to moving South from East Fife. The Scot was in dispute with the Fifers and had not played this season, he turned out for a Latics reserve side and performed well in a 2-0 win against an Everton XI.

The other big news surrounded Wigans talented striker Peter Houghton. Portsmouth, who currently lead the division were keen to add to their promotion chasing squad and had tabled a substantial offer (rumoured to be around £60,000).

The striker had discussions with the South Coast club but after taking time to consider the move he opted to stay in the North West, to the delight of the Latics faithful.