The Latics were a goal down to the First Division winners after ten minutes when Ferguson fired past David Miskelly giving him no chance. Athletic had plenty of possession and lots of shots which unfortunately were well wide of the target. Their best first half effort was a 25 yard shot by John Eyre which was tipped over the bar by Matthews.
Athletic started the second half brightly and David Eyres almost equalised but his shot was well saved. Matthews also denied David Reeves when he bravely dived at his feet from the rebound. Eyres was on hand though to level the scores in the tenth minute with a blistering 25 yard free kick which flew into the top corner. Will Haining, complaining of a sore groin, had to leave the field mid way through the second half and Fitz Hall took his spot. It looked like both sides were happy to settle for the draw but five minutes from the end substitute goalkeeper David Henry appeared to claw Carlo Corazzin's effort back from over the line but Reeves (pictured) was on hand to convert and give Athletic the victory.
This was Iain Dowie's first victory with the Latics although Distillery will feel they were worth the draw. Dowie commented, “This was a very useful exercise for us. There was an improvement from Monday night, but we prepared better for this game, only training once before hand and were less leggy.”