Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs YORK CITY

 15^th September 1979

STANIFORTH TREBLE PROVES DECISIVE AS LATICS FALTER.

Latics failed to build on their fine win at Bournemouth as they were well beaten by an average York City side.

Davids was recalled for young Hart and Houghton was not included in the squad as he mulled over his potential Pompey move.

Wigan began well enough and Gore thudded a drive against an upright with only a minute played, then a Brownbill effort was hooked off the line by Kay.

Wigan looked to be the dominant force and the York defence looked to be anything but impregnable, it was a surprise that the opening goal was so long in coming, but when it did it was worth the wait.

CORRIGAN collected a loose ball in midfield and let fly with a 35-yard screamer that flew in via the underside of the bar.

Wigan continued to press with Wright and Brownbill bringing the very best out of Brown in the visitor’s goal.  York had now settled into the game and they also had their moments in an exciting first half with Shyne pulling off a brilliant close range save to deny Wellings who had dribbled his way through the heart of the Wigan back-line.

Half time; Wigan Athletic 1-0 York City.

The second half was a very different story as Lorimer (ex-Leeds United) began to show his class as he dictated the midfield area with his fine passing. On 55 minutes a flashing drive by McDonald struck the Wigan crossbar and LOGGIE seized on the rebound to level the game. Five minutes later STANIFORTH shot home from the edge of the area, then as the Wigan defence backed off LORIMER unleashed a trademark pile-driver to extend the Minster-men’s advantage.

URQUHART was introduced for Smart as Wigan chased the game and a speculative cross-cum-shot deceived Brown in the York goal and found its way into the York net. Suddenly there was hope of a revival but York soon dispelled any remaining hope with two more strikes, on 85 minutes a Lorimer cross found the head of Faulkner and his deft header found the stooping STANIFORTH who headed home. Then in the final minute Wellings saw his shot hit the woodwork but it fell kindly for STANIFORTH who easily completed his hat-trick.

The defeat could have been worse as Latics looked very ragged in defence, a third home defeat on the bounce certainly did not sit well with the Latics fans and by the time the final whistle blew a large number of the 5,990 who attended were on their way home.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 2-5 York City.

Scorers; Corrigan (13), Urquhart (82); Loggie (55), Staniforth (60), (85), (90), Lorimer (74);

Attendance; 5,990

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

YORK CITY--- Brown; Kay, Walsh, Faulkner, Loggie; Pugh, Ford, Lorimer, Wellings; McDonald, Staniforth; SUB not used; -- Clements;

Referee; Mr. Malcolm. J. Heath (Stoke).