Football: Horsfield is the hero for Wigan

GEOFF HORSFIELD inspired Wigan to a four- goal romp on his debut at Selhurst Park to send Wimbledon crashing to their sixth straight defeat. Horsfield, who joined Wigan for pounds 1million from Birmingham earlier in the week, showed his Premiership class to leave Wimbledon's kids shellshocked. The former Fulham striker combined well with partner Nathan Ellington, who also got on the scoresheet for the fourth consecutive game.

Wigan never looked back once Jimmy Bullard put the visitors in front from just outside the area on 21 minutes. The Dons were in complete disarray at the back and fell further behind just eight minutes later. Horsfield had all the time in the world to spot Andy Liddell completely unmarked on the left hand side of the area and the midfielder's shot crept into the corner. Wimbledon's shambolic defence then allowed Horsfield a gifted goal on his debut when Bullard's corner caused panic in the home defence.

They failed to clear the ball properly and Horsfield had the simple task of turning the ball home from six yards. Wigan seemed on course to cruise to victory and extend their unbeaten run to six games, but Wimbledon fought back. Patrick Agyemang was a constant menace and gave his side a chance when he cooly rounded John Filan after running on to Alex Tapp's pass.

Three minutes after the break it was Agyemang who found McAnuff in the clear and the Jamaican international found the bottom corner. But just as the meagre home crowd began to find their voices, Ellington headed hom Bullard's fine cross to restore the two- goal advantage. Agyemang threatened to launch another comeback when his diving header was well saved by Filan and Rob Gier hit the post with the rebound.

MAN OF THE MATCH GEOFF HORSFIELD

Poacher's goal, impressive debut.

WIMBLEDON: Banks 5, Gier 5, Chorley 4 (Kamara 6), Leigertwood 5, Holloway 5, McAnuff 7, Reo-Coker 6, Tapp 6 (Jarrett 6), Morgan 6, Agyemang 7 (Holdsworth 73), Nowland 6.

WIGAN:Filan 6, Eaden 6, Jackson 6, Breckin 6, Kennedy 6, Liddell 6, Jarrett 6 (Mitchell 5), Bullard 7, McCulloch 6, HORSFIELD8, Ellington 7 (Burchill 80).

MANAGER RATINGS:Murdoch 6; Jewell 7. REFEREE:M Cooper 5.

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