Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs ROCHDALE

 24^th October 1979

LOWLY DALE FRUSTRATE LATICS

Rochdale arrived at Springfield Park marooned in 23^rd spot in the table and with only one point from their travels to date, so Latics fans were optimistic that another win could be recorded and that their team could begin to climb up the table.

From the very first minute it was clear that the visitors had come to spoil and frustrate as they took an age over every set piece and time wasted at every opportunity.

The game was not helped when Rochdale grabbed the lead on 38 minutes. The goal was against the run of play and arrived when a deep corner by Wann somehow went right across the face of goal and JONES had the simple task of prodding the ball home.

Rochdale immediately doubled down on their time-wasting tactics and when Wigan did manage to break free from the shackles and look dangerous the attacks were crudely and cynically halted which saw Cliff and Waldron booked for fouls on the ever-willing Houghton.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Rochdale.

On the hour mark Wigan managed to level the scores and it was youngster QUINN who provided the slick finish as he turned quickly and fired low past the Dale keeper after good work by Urquhart had caused confusion in the visitor’s defensive ranks.

After drawing level Latics looked likely to go on and record a win and Wright saw a thunderous shot saved and Gore had the misfortune to fire shots against the post and the crossbar.

Houghton and Hinnigan both had acceptable chances to score but in the last minute the visitors came close to grabbing a win when Esser crossed in a corner that beat everyone and looked goal-bound but Methven was on hand to smuggle the ball to safety.

Methven had been a tower of strength in defence throughout the ninety minutes and is looking to be a very shrewd acquisition.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Rochdale.

Scorers; A. Quinn (60); Jones (38);

Attendance; 5,036

Team; WIGAN—Brown; Fretwell, Hinnigan, Methven, Davids; Gore, Wright, Corrigan, Houghton; A. Quinn, Urquhart; SUB; --- Buckley.

ROCHDALE---Watson; Cliff, Milligan, Weir, Waldron; Taylor, Esser, Wann, McDermott; Hilditch, Jones; SUB; --- O’Loughlin.

Referee; Mr V. G. Callow (Solihull)