The Robins Pay A Padiham Penalty

Wigan Robin Park 0 - 2 Padiham
Tuesday 28th April
Vodkat North West Counties League First Division
Robin Park Arena, Attendance: 60

The Robins ended their home campaign as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against high-flying Padiham. The talking point of the match however, was the usual - erratic refereeing!

The Robins were never in it, to be fair but Padiham didn’t really play like a side who are on course for promotion to the North West Counties Premier, as they constantly hoofed the ball forwards in the first half.

A decent crowd of 60 (including about 15 from Padiham) didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal, as the league’s top scorer, Paul Flides, volleyed in his 33rd goal of the season, after just 10 minutes.

The Robins rallied, without really making the Padiham keeper work, although he was left stranded as a shot from the home side hit the crossbar and bounced over. Padiham also had chances too with Wigan keeper, Jay Foulds, making a good save after a Padiham frontman was put clean through.

The second half was more of a tense affair, with the referee booking players for nothing and generally losing control of the game. He and his linesmen had already angered the home support with a couple of bad offside decisions.

Thing were to get worse for the Robins, as Padiham started to pass the ball about, a forward was clipped inside the box, he went down and the referee pointed to the spot. Robbie Smith stepped up to squeeze the penalty past Foulds.

It was a disappointing result for the Robins, whose promotion push has been scuppered by injuries and players being unavailable. But still – a fifth placed finish for their first season at this level is a great achievement! Hopefully next season can see us push on and try to get into the Premier.

Next up for the Robins is an away trip to Padiham, for the last game of the season. For me though – I’m off to watch Southport’s Conference North play-off first leg against Gateshead at Haig Avenue tonight. Should be fun!