Post by Taxigirl on May 9, 2005 7:39:00 GMT
skysports.planetfootball.com
by Graeme Bailey
Wigan won promotion to The Premiership for the first time in their history after a 3-1 win over Reading at The JJB Stadium.
Just 26 years after entering the Football League, Wigan have now departed as they join the top echelon of English football.
The Latics' nerves were settled early on as Lee McCulloch (pictured) fired home from close range after just 18 minutes.
Jason Roberts doubled their lead just moments later to put the game beyond any doubt.
Nathan Ellington headed home superbly with just five minutes remaining, before Steve Sidwell added a late consolation.
Wigan had dominated from the first whistle and Ellington almost scored after just four minutes but Marcus Hahnemann parried.
McCulloch then scored from just a yard out after some wonderful work down the right flank from Roberts.
The Grenadian star then combined with Ellington before bursting into the box and firing home to make it 2-0.
Nicky Forster missed two great chances for Reading, but it was not to be as their play-off hopes faded away.
Jason Jarrett and McCulloch again could have scored before the game was wrapped up late on.
It was Ellington who scored their last goal in the Football League - as he powered a great header into the net after a superb run by Jarrett.
Sidwell then headed home from close range but it was barely noticed by the home fans who were already celebrating their Premiership status before the final whistle arrived.
by Graeme Bailey
Wigan won promotion to The Premiership for the first time in their history after a 3-1 win over Reading at The JJB Stadium.
Just 26 years after entering the Football League, Wigan have now departed as they join the top echelon of English football.
The Latics' nerves were settled early on as Lee McCulloch (pictured) fired home from close range after just 18 minutes.
Jason Roberts doubled their lead just moments later to put the game beyond any doubt.
Nathan Ellington headed home superbly with just five minutes remaining, before Steve Sidwell added a late consolation.
Wigan had dominated from the first whistle and Ellington almost scored after just four minutes but Marcus Hahnemann parried.
McCulloch then scored from just a yard out after some wonderful work down the right flank from Roberts.
The Grenadian star then combined with Ellington before bursting into the box and firing home to make it 2-0.
Nicky Forster missed two great chances for Reading, but it was not to be as their play-off hopes faded away.
Jason Jarrett and McCulloch again could have scored before the game was wrapped up late on.
It was Ellington who scored their last goal in the Football League - as he powered a great header into the net after a superb run by Jarrett.
Sidwell then headed home from close range but it was barely noticed by the home fans who were already celebrating their Premiership status before the final whistle arrived.