Wigan is one of those trips that from the North East feels a lot longer than it should be to me, once I hit the M6 I think I must be nearly there when the reality is it’s probably (distance wise not time wise) roughly halfway….. anyway that’s just me and I think you’ll have already picked up through previous reports that I’m probably not the sharpest candle (see what I did there?)
The day had started well enough despite the late arrival of one of the Shields mob which meant a collective late start at Durham services (nee names mentioned) but the journey was fairly traffic free and after a brief stop at Lancaster services (yer knaa, the one that looks like air traffic control) we arrived at the Round Robin to once again sample the delights of Guinness through a plastic glass, they really should learn that it’s only those horrible lager type drinkers that are trouble makers. Wigan’s ground, for those that haven’t been fortunate enough to go is on a retail park and whatever horrible images that conjures up in your mind you’re probably not far away, it’s soulless and crap. It also quite amazingly doesn’t have a single burger van or a cashpoint according to one of our lot, just for reference.
The team was interesting with Gordon in goal, Chimbonda at right back (sorry but I prefer Bardsley he’s just more solid) Nuggs and Anton (whey-hey) and George (Ringo or sausages or whatever his nickname is I bloody love him, welcome back son!) Midfield consisted of Diouf on the left, Whitehead and Tainio in the middle (that didn’t work) Malbranque right side and then Rico just off Cisse. We started brightly and looked well capable of getting a result, especially when Bramble did what Bramble does best and decided to flash a header into his own net under absolutely no pressure, class…… we actually continued to look quite bright up until half time with both Rico and Cisse having shots turned round the post by the hugely impressive Kirkland and generally containing the “physical” Wigan side. On that point, why do the media talk as if Wigan are some kind of one dimensional side like Bolton? Credit where it’s due, the fat-faced Geordie has brought in some canny players and they are an attractive team to watch in my opinion, mind you having said that it’s the same media that has brought Keegannation street for the last gawd knows how long so that tells its own story.
Right, unfortunately the game didn’t end there and I wish it bloody had because we for some inexplicable reason, as a team, decided to retreat by about 30 yards and basically stayed there for the duration with one or two exceptions. Cisse had a good chance but Kirkland again saved and other than that we created NOTHING. During the first half I didn’t feel like Wigan were going to score whereas during the second I didn’t feel like Wigan were not going to score – it was that bad. So the inevitable happened and they scored and that was that bar Lee Cattermole’s red card. In the end I have to be thankful for small mercies and be happy with a point because we didn’t really deserve one. … Smoggies are up next – we’ll have to be better, much better.
Man of the Match – As much as I want to give it to Mcartney it had to be Anton for me, just looked like a “next level” player… pure quality
Moan of the Match – One for Wigan (and probably the Health and Safety executive) If you build a stand for 5,000 supporters you must provide adequate facilities for 5,000 supporters cos at half time that was frankly dangerous.
Cheers
Paul
TAFKARLC