Memorable Game
If your memory of this game is a little dull, that might be because it was the last game played under the floodlights before the received a ‘boost’ for the next match against Port Vale.
Wigan had been promoted to Division Four in the summer of 1978, with City a Third Division club. Relegation followed for us, meaning this was the first clash between the two at Sincil Bank. Earlier in the season, 5454 had seen them beat us 2-1 in the first clash between the two sides, but Colin murphy’s fledgeling side had found its feet and went into the game unbeaten at home in the league since the opening day. The Imps lined up – Colin McManus, Trevor Thompson, Phil Neale, George Shipley. Trevor Peake, David Carr, Gordon Hobson, Nolan Keeley, Mick Harford, Phil Turner and Derek Bell.
The game was a one-sided affair in which the Imps brushed aside the Latics. the attendance might be disappointing now, 3820, but it was higher than expected, with just 2969 turning up for the next game against Port Vale.
The hero of the game was a young Mick Harford, who had already scored 11 that season. He smashed a hat trick, with Derek BVell rounding off the scoring.
The Imps finished the season in eighth place, one behind the Latics and seven behind Portsmouth in the last promotion place. However, the following season, Murphy’s exciting side finished second to Southend and began to form a legacy remembered today.