Football League Division Four - Saturday 12th January 1980
PORTSMOUTH
1
- Terry Brisley 14
1
WIGAN ATHLETIC
1
- Peter Houghton 89
Report by SJG
LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR
PORTSMOUTH vs WIGAN ATHLETIC
12th January 1980
MOMENTUM MAINTAINED BY LATE HOUGHTON STRIKE.
For the second game in a row Wigan had reason to be thankful for the late heroics of their substitute.
The home side had threatened to swamp Latics in the opening exchanges as a series of free-kicks and corners caused problems for the over-worked Wigan back line.
Full-back Joe Hinnigan had to be on-hand to head an Aizlewood header off the goal-line, then Brown had to be at his best to deny Brisley and striker Hemmerman.
On 14 minutes the pressure finally told as a deep cross found the blonde- haired head of Terry BRISLEY and completely unmarked, he powered home his header from close-range.
After the early onslaught Latics had now settled to their task and the game was a much more even affair.
Pompey still looked dangerous at set pieces and could have doubled their lead if captain Laidlaw had not seen his effort superbly saved by Brown.
Half Time; Portsmouth 1-0 Wigan Athletic.
The second half degenerated into a rather niggly affair with a plethora of soft free kicks littering the play as the officials became rather too fussy and failed to let the game flow.
Latics competed well but without really threatening Mellor in the home goal and it was only when Houghton replaced a tiring Quinn that the game turned in Wigans favour.
Houghton, who had been a transfer target for Portsmouth earlier in the campaign, set about showing their management and fans what they had missed out on.
With time running out and with the home fans noisily doing a rendition of the Pompey chimes Wright pinged a precise 30-yard pass that HOUGHTON collected and in one movement he lofted an effort at goal that left Mellor stranded as it flew over his head and into the home net.
It was an exquisite finish and was due reward for a battling display as it extended the unbeaten run to 14 games in all competitions whilst at the same time underlining that Latics may well have what it takes to gain promotion in May.
Full Time; Portsmouth 1-1 Wigan Athletic.
Scorers; Houghton (89); Brisley (14);
Attendance; 15,625
Team; WIGAN—Brown; Fretwell, Hinnigan, Methven, Davids; Gore, Wright, Corrigan, Urquhart; A. Quinn, Brownbill; SUB; --- Houghton (for Quinn).
PORTSMOUTH--- Mellor; McLaughlin, Viney, Brisley, Aizlewood; Ellis, Gregory, Laidlaw, Rogers; Hemmerman, Bryant; SUB; --- Garwood (for Rogers).
Referee; Mr. B. Daniels (Brentwood).
After the game the side made its way to a hotel in the West End of London where they stayed for two nights ahead of their upcoming F. A. Cup clash with Chelsea. The home side had been in great form and won 4-0 against Newcastle on the Saturday and a big crowd was expected for the clash.
Latics certainly would be prepared as they studied video’s of their opponents and the team was clearly relishing the upcoming challenge.
Venue: Fratton Park
Attendance: 15,265
Kick Off: 15:00
Referee: Mr. B Daniels, Brentwood