Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

TRANMERE ROVERS vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

10^th March 1980

LATICS’ LATE-LATE SHOW WINS THE DAY.

Two late strikes breathed new life into Wigans promotion hopes as they returned from Prenton Park with a valuable two points.

The first 45 minutes were devoid of incident with both slides struggling to cope with the muddy conditions and defences firmly in control.

Wigan had started with the same XI that succumbed against Newport County with Moore replacing Brownbill on the bench.

Half Time; Tranmere Rovers 0-0 Wigan Athletic.

Latics made a tactical change at the break with Houghton being moved into a more central role and the change quickly saw them establish a degree of control.

In the 58^th minute ex-Tranmere man Tommy GORE made a surging run that took him past three defenders before he fired low past the advancing Tommy Johnson.

Corrigan, Gore and Wright were now at their fluid best but Rovers levelled when a Paplow corner was fumbled by the usually dependable Brown and Clive EVANS had the simple task of slotting home.

In the 70^th minute Evans should have doubled his tally when he was presented with a great opportunity but his shot was weak and got bogged down in the heavy pitch which allowed Latics to clear.

Houghton looked to be hauled down by the Rovers defender Edwards when in on goal, but the referee, who was well placed waved play on, to the consternation of the Wigan players.

Moore replaced Quinn on 73 minutes and he nearly scored with his first touch as he stretched to try and touch home a devilish cross by Houghton.

With only four minutes to go Corrigan found Houghton with an incisive pass, the Wigan man let fly and a looping deflection left Johnson stranded. The ball fell to Moore but from a tight angle he fired against a post and Gore, who was first to react to the loose ball, saw his effort charged down. Still the ball was only partially cleared and URQUHART collected the ball on the edge of the box and fired hard and low to restore the Latics lead.

Two minutes later and Gore whipped in a cross that found HOUGHTON, he held off two defenders and picked his spot past the keeper to secure the win.

Full Time; Tranmere Rovers 1-3 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Gore (58), Urquhart (86), Houghton (88); Evans (62);

Attendance; 3,069

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

TRANMERE ROVERS--- Johnson; Parry, Flood, Bramhall, Edwards; Evans, O’Neill, Matthias, Peplow; Beamish, Kelly; SUB; --- Kerr (for Peplow).

Referee; Mr. R. Baker (Wolverhampton).