Latics, Toffees share spoils
A Leon Osman-inspired Toffees side could only draw with Wigan
Also In The News
|
Colin Montgomerie has booked his place in the semi-finals of the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth with a valiant one-hole victory over defending champion Michael Campbell. |  |
Saturday, 16, Sep 2006 07:30
Wigan Athletic stymied Everton's bid to move to the top of the Premiership as the points were shared in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
The Latics came from behind twice as four second half goals, two from Wigan utility man Paul Scharner and one each from in-form Andrew Johnson and James Beattie, made for a spirited game.
Former Liverpool player and Reds fan Paul Jewell led his men into the Toffees' home stadium expecting a tough game and that is precisely what he got.
A downbeat first period was sparked into life four minutes after the restart by a smart close-range finish from Andrew Johnson, who has scored five goals in five games for Everton since his move to Merseyside.
Just as David Moyes' men looked to press home their advantage however, Wigan were level - Scharner rising above the defence to head home.
Parity was short lived for Wigan though. A needless penalty conceded by Gary Teale, who brought down Leon Osman when there was little danger, gave Beattie the chance to put the men in blue back in front and he duly delivered in front of the jubilant home fans.
Just when the Goodison party was beginning though, Wigan hit back immediately through a sweet Scharner finish and a fire-and-brimstone game swung back in Wigan's favour.
Despite a late rally from the away side, which gave the home crowd genuine cause for concern, the game ended all-square in what was, in the end, a fair result for a battling display from both sides.