City
1 Wigan Athletic 0 FA Cup R4
January 28th 2006 att 30,811
The
closure of the third tier gave me a different viewpoint for this game so there
was a nearer view of one penalty area and a distant one of the other. The first
half of this 4th Round Cuptie between Man City and Wigan was a terrible affair.
I've seen more effort at an attack versus defence practice at Carrington than
this display by both sides. It was more like a pre season friendly than a cuptie
. Nobody seemed to want to play in this game. A weakened Wigan were content to
defend and hardly troubled James while City's efforts came to a halt in the last
third. It was only in the last 20 minutes or so of the game that it came alive
and the crowd ( largest Cup attendance of the day ) had something to shout about
- and something to remember - an indirect freekick near the penalty spot for a
back pass -a very rare occurrence.
City
were unchanged but it was nice to see Nicky Weaver back on the bench
Sinclair
led some early raids down the right wing
Early
half chance for City after five minutes or so but the ball is cleared by the Wigan
defence eventually
Several
runs by newcomer Riera down the left wing in the opening 15 minutes put pressure
on the Wigan goal but alas no goals resulted
Vassell
practices his rugby hold off technique on Matt Jackson
The
Wigan keeper clears under pressure from Andy Cole
Vassell
forces a corner after 29 minutes
Albert
Riera tussles with Scharner and just look at that mark on the pitch.The groundsman
will be hopping mad!
David
James actually had something to do just before half time clearing a corner. He
could have spent the first half chatting to the few supporters behind the goal
City
attacked early in the second half and Filan managed to save from Cole
Seven
minutes into the half a Wigan defender -looks like Scharner passed back to Filan
who picked the ball up. Joey Barton - on the right - is appealing for a free kick
Oh
dear - referee Webb is scratching his head - that's another fine mess you've got
me into Filan !
The
players of both sides have a committee meeting
John
Filan organizes the rest of the team into the goal while Howard Webb listens to
a Spanish interpretation of the rule
Referee
Web now sorts out the defensive wall while Matt Jackson tries to find what he
has to protect-well it was pretty cold!
Sinclair
pushes the ball back........
Richard
Dunne shoots but the wall does its job and the ball is cleared. I can't remember
the last time I saw a situation like that. It happens so infrequently that it
is difficult to practice for but it might have been better to pass the ball sideways
to confuse the opposition and to have players running across the line of sight
of the defenders.
Bradley
Wright-Phillips came on for Vassell after 58 minutes and was soon in action.
Riera,
Jordan and Ireland deal with Johansson
29
minutes into the second half and City had a lucky break. The ever dangerous Roberts
who had replaced Milner a little earlier had a shot well saved by James following
a free kick and the rebound from the legs of James went to Francis who hit the
bar from close range.
Three
minutes later the ball was in the City net but Johannson had been flagged offside
much to the delight of the supporters who were quick to let the visiting supporters
know.
Jason
Roberts who had caused such chaos in the city defence in the league game at Wigan
was ever dangerous but he was getting closer marking since he came on.
Distin
stretches to get the ball
With
a goalless draw looming City put more pressure on the Wigan goal
With
just 7 minutes to go City took the lead . BWP broke through the centre and slipped
a good pass to Andy Cole who made no mistake from close range.
It
was a great relief for the City supporters and City go through to the 5th Round.
It was not the best of games with a poor first half. The result will suit City
against a weakened Wigan side though manager Pearce will expect a lot more from
his players if we are to progress in the Cup and qualify for Europe in the Premiership.
Whether we shall see many new faces other than Samaras in the next few weeks if
doubtful with only a day or so to go so it was interesting to see Musampa play
in midfield for 20 odd minutes. He had some nice touches and may give the manager
another option.
Team
James
7: Sun 7, Dunne 7, Distin 7, Jordan 6.5: Sinclair 7, Barton 7, Ireland 6.5 (Sibierski
6), Riera 6.5 (Musampa 7); Vassell 6, (Bradley Wright-Phllips 7) Cole 7
