Saturday sees City continue their FA cup run (Yes, cup run constitutes one win in any given competition these days for City?) against another of our provincial rivals who totally outperform us on the pitch despite having a fraction of the support, resources and history of ourselves.
Wigan are having a cracker of a season thus far. To be where they are in the league and to reach a cup final must be fairytale stuff for the Wigan supporters. Well done to their manager, Chairman and players. They have done a great job, worked hard and taken the rewards accordingly.
However, call me bitter (which I am), but I was routing for Arsenal last Tuesday. Firstly, Stretford were always gonna beat Blackburn at home so you may as well give them the trophy now. You can bet your life Stretford won?t be as lethargic as Arsenal in the final. Secondly, it highlights the depressing statistic that yet another North West club has managed to get to a cup final. Something I, and a whole generation of City support, have never witnessed in our time following the club. Pathetic.
There have not been too many meetings between the two clubs over the years but in recent times we have locked horns on a number of occasions. We first became acquainted in the old third division. City were hell bent on visiting all 92 league clubs in four years whilst the Wigan revolution was in its formative years. Two tight league games saw City win both 1-0. Shaun Goater (more from him in a bit) firing the winner at Springfield Park and Terry Coke (Cooke) benefiting from a Roy Carol howler.
The play-offs were equally as tight. The first leg and final game at Springfield Park finished one each. Dickov grabbing an equaliser after Weaver and Wiekens went walkabout in the first minute. The second leg at Maine Road was settled by a stunning strike from Shaun Goater. After controlling the ball with his left foot Goater, in the same movement, unleashed a vicious volley with his right from fully 3
Vital Quotes:
City Team News:
Ben thatcher joins long term absentees Dany Mills and Bo Selecta head Reyna on the sidelines. So Jordan should remain in the side despite his performance at Bolton.
Player to watch: Andrew Cole
Not scored for a while so I’m hoping for a goalscoring afternoon from Andrew
Wigan Team News:
NT
Player to watch: Jason Roberts
Roberts. On fire at the moment and has always given us nightmares…even when he played for WBA.