Wigan 3 Chesterfield 1

Last updated : 01 March 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Wigan took a giant step towards the Second Division championship with a comprehensive victory over relegation-haunted Chesterfield at the JJB Stadium.

And with nearest rivals Crewe and Cardiff both dropping vital points in the race for promotion, Wigan can surely now see the finishing line.

A tremendous first-half performance saw the home side surge into a two-goal lead, and while Chesterfield caused them a few anxious moments after the break when they pulled a goal back midway through the half, there was never any real danger of an upset.

Gary Teale: Stunning Opener
Wigan took the lead in sensational style after 25 minutes when a surging run from winger Gary Teale took him past three visiting defenders before he unleashed a thunderous drive from the edge of the area that gave keeper Ben Williams no chance.

Five minutes later Latics added a second when Tony Dinning bundled the ball home after Williams had made a miraculous save from Andy Liddell's piledriver.

The Spireites keeper performed heroics to keep his side in the hunt and after the break the visitors came more into the picture.

John Filan in the Wigan goal produced a superb save to deny David Reeves but five minutes later the Chesterfield man had his revenge when he stroked home a penalty after substitute Jon Howard had been felled.

But referee Mr Webster evened matters up in the penalty stakes when he awarded the home side a disputed spot kick with 18 minutes remaining.

Andy Liddell: 100th Career Goal
Mark Allott was adjudged to have brought down Neil Roberts and Andy Liddell scored from the spot for the 100th goal of his career.

Wigan are now 15 points clear at the top of the table and it will take a disaster of titanic proportions to rob them of a place in the first division next season.

Player Ratings

John Filan 7
Nicky Eaden 6
Steve McMillan 7
Jason De Vos 8
Matt Jackson 8
Tony Dinning 7
Jimmy Bullard 8
Gary Teale 7
Andy Liddell 7
Nathan Ellington 6
Neil Roberts 8

Subs

Lee McCulloch 6
Paul Mitchell 5

Man-of-the-Match

Jimmy Bullard

It is also true that Crewe went down 1-0 to Peterborough and Cardiff City drew 1 a piece with Stockport County. Leaving the Latics with a 15 point advantage at the top of the table!! No that isn't a mistake.