Noble finish wins it for Black Cats against the odds
WIGAN ATHLETIC RES. 0
SUNDERLAND RES. 1
Noble 68
Barclays Premier Reserve League North, Robin Park Arena, Tuesday 25 August 2009, Kick off 7.00pm
Wigan Athletic's reserve side got off to a unlucky start to their league campaign, losing 1-0 to Keith Bertschin's Sunderland, after being on top for the majority of the game.
Latics had, for the most part, looked very well disciplined and kept their shape well, particularly at the back.
But shortly after the hour-mark a momentary glitch in concentration at the back left Liam Noble with just the 'keeper to beat, and he did so comfortably.
Graham Barrow's men did create a number of chances for themselves, Tomasz Cywka looking particularly dangerous firing narrowly wide in the first-half and latching onto a Jon Routledge through ball in the second but shooting straight at the 'keeper.
Elsewhere, Joe Holt gave a confident performance in the centre of midfield, tracking back and moving forward with intent when in possession.
Together with Routledge they formed a midfield with a bit if bite about them, with some full-blooded challenges and looking classy on the ball.
Latics almost got their rewards late on when Callum McManaman, who had worked hard all night, controlled wonderfully on the edge of the area and hit a crisp shot goal-wards, only for the 'keeper to gather relatively comfortably.
Another man who gave a good account of himself was goalkeeper Lee Nicholls. The stopper was dominating in the air, claiming everything that came his way and never stopped barking orders at his team, keeping them well organised and being available to take the pressure off them in every situation.
Barrow will take the positives from the game, confident his team have the right attitude and discipline to do well this season.
Latics: Nicholls; Chiocchi, Buxton (Meace, 45), Langley, Mustoe; Redmond (Mayer, 45), Routledge, Holt, Kupisz; McManaman, Cywka
Subs: Williams, Breeze, Lambert
Sunderland: Carson (Misiewicz, 75); Bagnall, Reed, Kay, Brown; Slegg, Cornforth, Hourihane, O'Mahoney; Hubbock, Noble
Subs: Egan, McEleney, Wood, Adams
