Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

BRADFORD CITY vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

16^th February 1980

CHANCES GO BEGGING AND METHVEN SEES RED AS RUN COMES TO JUDDERING END.

Wigans impressive 12-match unbeaten League run came to an end at Valley Parade in a game full of drama, excitement, controversy and fine football.

The action began early when a Gore corner deceived everyone but QUINN who was in the right spot to lash the ball home.

Latics quickly took control and they dominated the first half without adding to the scoreline. Brownbill had an effort well saved by Smith, Urquhart and Wright flashed efforts across the face of the goal when they should have done better and Houghton had a fierce drive pushed to safety by the diving keeper before Gore fired the rebound high, wide and not very handsome.

Half Time; Bradford City 0-1 Wigan Athletic.

Bradford looked a different side after the break and three minutes into the half BLACK was sharp in the Latics box and his first time turn and shot beat Brown.

Bradford were now pushing hard for a decisive goal and on 63 minutes they thought they had a second goal when following a goalmouth scramble Campbell forced the ball into the Latics net.

The linesman, Chris White from Rotherham came to Wigans rescue as he flagged for handball and after some discussion the score was ruled off.

The decisive moments in the game just after the 70-minute mark, first Methven was shown a red card for a somewhat agricultural challenge on Hutchins.

The Latics captain had already been booked for a push on the muscular Bobby Campbell and the second offence saw him ushered off the pitch.

Bradford were quick to take advantage and Campbell got his head to a deep cross and found BLACK who swept home his and City’s second goal.

Moore replaced Houghton in the Latics attack but to no avail and the home side were able to see out the remaining minutes without too many alarms.

Full Time; Bradford City 2-1 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; A. Quinn (4); Black (48), (72);

Attendance; 6,126

Team; WIGAN—Brown; Fretwell, McIvor, Methven, Davids; Gore, Wright, Quinn, Urquhart; Houghton, Brownbill; SUB; --- Moore (for Houghton).

BRADFORD CITY--- Smith; Podd, Watson, Robertson, Baines; Thompson, Black, Dolan, Hutchins; Campbell, McNiven; SUB; --- Bates (for Watson).

Referee; Mr. Brian Martin (Nottingham).