Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs HARTLEPOOL UNITED

 19^th September 1979

SUPER PETER HOUGHTON ON THE DOUBLE.

The ex-South Liverpool forward has always been a popular figure with the Latics faithful and his decision to turn down a potentially lucrative move to Portsmouth in favour of playing at Springfield Park would only have enhanced his reputation as a home favourite. He missed the horror show against York but returned to the starting XI to try and end the losing streak and his brace of goals ensured that Latics won this rather dour game.

It was certainly not the most entertaining game seen at Springfield and for long periods in the first half the visitors were in the ascendancy and Latics, who were defending with every man behind the ball, look jittery and uncertain. On three minutes big, bustling Bob Newton beat Shyne with a well struck shot that cannoned off the crossbar.

Shyne was all at sea when he fumbled a deep cross to present Newton with a clear sight of goal which he wasted. The keeper did however redeem himself with a stunning flying finger tip save to deny Houchen in the 36^th minute.

Half time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Hartlepool United.

Wigan only really got going in an attacking sense after the break when the manager switched Houghton into a more central role, but it was Pool who nearly took the lead when Shyne raced from his goal to close down Newton as he broke forward and the striker would surely have lobbed the stranded keeper if it was not for good work from Kevin Smart who got back to deflect the effort away. On 61 minutes Wigan took the lead with a mix of opportunism and good fortune, HOUGHTON lofted a high ball into the box from the left flank and Watson completely misjudged the flight and could only watch as it looped into the goal. Then just two minutes later Corrigan whipped in a free-kick and it was HOUGHTON who took full advantage of the keeper’s hesitation as he nipped in to glance home a header.

The second goal seemed to inject confidence into Wigan’s play but the two Hartlepool front men continued to be a handful and on 73 minutes they got back into the game when HOUCHEN outpaced Smart and tucked his shot past Shyne.

Latics retreated back into defence and the remaining minutes were a ‘hard watch’ for the Latics fans as they clung on effectively to claim the win.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 2-1 Hartlepool United.

Scorers; Houghton (61), (63); Houchen (73);

Attendance; 4,877

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

HARTLEPOOL UNITED--- Watson; Normanton, Lawrence, Smith, Brooks; Ayre, Linacre, Harding, Loadwick;, Houchen, Newton; SUB; -- Larkin (for Harding);

Referee; Mr. Kevin McNally (South Wirral).