From Hereford to Chelsea

Wigan played Chelsea this afternoon in their first game in the Premiership. Although they lost to a cruel injury time goal, Wigan can be proud of reaching the highest level in English football.

It all started back in 1978 when Wigan Athletic was elected to the Football League.

Wigan's first game was against Hereford United on August 19th at Hereford's Edgar Street ground in front of 5,674 with approx 3,000 'Latic' fans making the journey to witness a 0-0 draw and Wigan's first ever point in the Football League hierarchy.

How times change. To bring 3,000 fans to Edgar Street for a League match in these days would never happen. Even when the Bulls play Kidderminster at home next March it is unlikely that anything like 3,000 will be in the away end.

However on a happier note, more Hereford fans were at yesterday's game than in 1978. Some 3105 watched the game with just over 100 from Scarborough. Only 2674 watched that game with Wigan.

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