Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

LINCOLN CITY vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

29^th February 1980

PROMOTION CHARGE FALTERS AS LINCOLN ROMP HOME

The starting XI had a very unusual look with Hinnigan having now joined Sunderland and Methven and Corrigan serving suspensions, in came Smart, McIvor and Moore with Brownbill being selected for the substitute role.

Latics had hoped to confirm the signing of Maurice Whittle but they were unable to get all the paperwork completed in time for the left back to participate on the Friday night.

Lincoln took full advantage of the patched up Latics defence and ran out comfortable victors.

Lincoln winger Hobson gave Smart a torrid time as his pace and trickery proved difficult to handle.

The home side were a constant threat and it was no surprise on 21 minutes when young striker Mick HARFORD latched onto a cross and lobbed his header over Brown from four yards.

Eight minutes later and Bell crossed to HARFORD who swept his shot past the advancing Brown to double the lead.

Latics offered little in attack and they only had a deflected Houghton header and a Gore drive from distance that flew well over the bar to show for their efforts. Quinn struggled to get to grips with his midfield role and was withdrawn at the break.

Lincoln nearly added a third just before the break but Brown saved well from Neale as he palmed his bullet effort over the bar.

Half Time; Lincoln City 2-0 Wigan Athletic.

Latics pushed hard and had a spell at the start of the second period when they finally looked like getting back into the game but Houghton wasted a one-on-one chance when McManus made a good save and Brownbill and Moore both fired in efforts just off target.

Bell was now tormenting McIvor and on 72 minutes the impressive HARFORD out-muscled two defenders to fire home his and Lincoln’s third and the game was done as a contest.

There was still time for the hosts to add a fourth and this time Harford turned provider as he bustled his way into the box before laying the perfect pass to BELL who had lots of time and space to fire home the final goal for the evening.

The final whistle came as a relief for the travelling fans who had to concede that their heroes had been second best on the night.

Full Time; Lincoln City 4-0 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Harford (21), (29), (72), Bell (87);

Attendance; 3,820

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

LINCOLN CITY--- McManus; Thompson, Neale, Shipley, Peake; Hobson, Carr, Keeley, Bell; Harford, Turner; SUB; --- Cunningham.

Referee; Mr. A. J. Hamil (Wolverhampton).

The result was a heavy blow to Wigans promotion hopes and the team now had to pick themselves up and prepare for a crucial match with fellow promotion hopefuls Aldershot, who can boast the leagues top scorer Colin Garwood in their forward line.