Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs NEWPORT COUNTY

8^th March 1980

SMASH AND GRAB COUNTY STUN LATICS

Latics missed their chance to add two points towards their tally and enhance their promotion charge as the men from South Wales carried out the perfect smash and grab operation.

County came into the game sitting just outside the promotion places but with a game in hand on those above.

Wigans only team change was on the substitutes bench with Derek Brownbill getting the nod ahead of youngster David McMullen.

Latics dominated the first period but created only two chances of note, the first saw Houghton bursting clear before being denied by a fine double save by Plumley in the visitor’s goal. The second saw Quinn completely mis-time his header and fail to hit the target.

Whittle and Wright both went close with shots from distance but the Newport defence was well marshalled and stood firm despite a deluge of corner kicks for the home side.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Newport County.

The second half continued in similar style until the Welsh side introduced experienced midfield man Tommy Tynan, he got a vital touch to a Vaughan corner in the 73^rd minute and the ball fell to centre-half OAKES who fired home.

The Latics strike force had run out of steam in the second period and their best chance again fell to the tireless Houghton who headed narrowly over on the hour mark.

Latics also had a big penalty shout when Bruton appeared to handle a Methven effort.

Once ahead the visitors never really looked like conceding a leveller and the lack of fire-power in Wigans attack was sorely exposed.

The team have now only recorded 13 goals in their last 12 games and even the late introduction of Brownbill for Gore failed to make the necessary difference in-front of goal.

Infact, the best late opportunity fell to Tynan who was only denied a late strike by a fine save from Brown who did well to narrow the angle and turn the shot around the post.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-1 Newport County.

Scorers; Oakes (73);

Attendance; 6.128

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

NEWPORT COUNTY--- Plumley; Davies, Relish, Bruton, Oakes; Ward, Vaughan, Lowndes, Moore; Gwyther, Aldridge; SUB; --- Tynan (for Ward).

Referee; Mr. Peter Richardson (Lincoln).