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MATCH REPORT: LATICS 4 NK RUDAR 1

Posted on: Mon 26 Jul 2010

WIGAN ATHLETIC 4
Gomez 6
McCarthy 10
Scotland 27 (pen)
Boselli 71 (pen)

NK RUDAR 1

Report by Paul Chialton

Latics' first game of their Austria tour ended in a resounding 4-1 win over Slovenian first division side NK Rudar in Bad Bleiberg.

Chomping at the bit to get going Latics sprung into action with Jordi Gomez arrowing a header into the top-corner from 12-yards after just six minutes.

An inch-perfect cross from Momo Diame made it all possible, the midfielder was on stunning form, dominating the midfield and spraying balls left and right all evening.

Star man! Mohamed Diame

Moments later it was James McCarthy's turn to get on the score-sheet from a similar position, volleying home a Victor Moses cross from the left to double the lead. Great technique from the Republic of Ireland man, looking sharp in the middle and playing with real intelligence.

By now Latics were dominating and after another surging run forward by Diame was halted unfairly inside the area, the referee had no choice but to award the spot-kick. Jason Scotland did the honours, stroking home into the bottom right corner.

Rudar fought back however, applying pressure on the defence and carving out one or two opportunities towards the end of the half. Their persistence was rewarded five minutes before the break, grabbing a goal back rather cheaply from close range.

But credit to Roberto Martinez's men who, after the break came back out with a few fresh faces - including debutant James McArthur to grab hold of the game again.

McArthur Park....James in Latics colours for the first time

McArthur slotted in perfectly as the holding midfielder, hungry to get a hold of the ball and bring others into the game. The Scottish midfielder gave an excellent account of himself, barely putting a foot wrong.

There was time then for new striker Mauro Boselli to continue his rich scoring form, rounding the 'keeper only to have his shot handled on the line. The Argentine placed the ball on the spot and fired into the top-left corner to round off a satisfying evening for Latics.