Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

HEREFORD UNITED vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

 22^nd September 1979

LATICS SLIP INTO OLD BAD HABITS.

Following Latics is never an easy option for their die-hard fans their propensity to delight and frustrate in equal measure makes sure of that and this trip to Edgar Street certainly fell in the frustration category.

This was a game that Latics could and probably should have won but they returned home empty handed. Gore took over from Smart at right back with Purdie coming into midfield, and the tactical change looked to work well in the first period as Hereford struggled to offer anything by way of an attacking threat. The only real concerns for the Latics goal came from set plays when the home sides physical presence was finally able to unsettle the back line. The best chance of the first period fell to Houghton but a magnificent close-range reflex save by Hughes blocked the effort and the ball was scrambled away. Houghton’s direct running was too much for Hereford’s defenders and on a number of occasions he was only stopped by cynical fouls. The referee booked Hendry and the midfield man was lucky not to see red when he repeated the offence a few minutes later. Brownbill was also getting some joy and a fine drive just before the break grazed the top of the United crossbar.

Half time; Hereford United 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

One minute after the break Houghton played a one-two with Purdie and then whipped a ball into the danger zone where WRIGHT arrived perfectly to volley past Hughes and give Latics the lead that they fully deserved. The game was now there for Latics to win but a number of goalkeeping lapses were to be the teams downfall.

Chris Shyne, who has been excellent since coming into the side to cover for brown and ward who both had bad injuries, suddenly seemed to be unable to keep hold of crosses (although he was often under pressure) and he chose to punch crosses rather than catch. On 53 minutes he fumbled a low shot from McGrellis and the rebound fell kindly to HUNT who prodded home.

Then on 79 minutes Cunningham rolled a corner short to Hendry and he delivered an excellent cross which Shyne was slow to attack and youngster PHILLIPS rose highest at the near post to glance home what was to be the decisive goal.

Latics could have little complaint and Hereford United nearly grabbed a third when Fretwell made a hash of a clearance and Hendry pounced to fire at goal, but Shyne was able to block the effort with his knees.

McNeill threw on Urquhart to replace Purdie, but it was all to no avail and Latics headed back home pointless.

Full time; Hereford United 2-1 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Hunt (53), Phillips (79); Wright (46);

Attendance; 3,891

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

HEREFORD UNITED--- Hughes; Price, Burrows, Cornes, Layton; Hendry, Cunningham, Feeley, Hunt; McGrellis, Phillips; SUB; -- White (for Price);

Referee; Mr. Alan Seville (Birmingham).