Wigan Athletic 1 Brentford 3 - Football League, Division TwoWigan is a town in Greater Manchester. It stands on the River Douglas, 15 miles south of Preston, 16.5 miles west-northwest of Manchester, and 17.4 miles east-northeast of Liverpool. Wigan Pier, a wharf on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, was made famous by the writer George Orwell. In his book, The Road to Wigan Pier, Orwell highlighted the poor working and living conditions of the local inhabitants during the 1930s. Following the decline of industrial activities in the region, Wigan Pier's collection of warehouses and wharfs became a local heritage centre and cultural quarter. Wigan is home to the annual World Pie Eating Championship, usually held at Harry's Bar on Wallgate, Wigan. The competition has been held since 1992 and in 2007 a vegetarian option was added. Wiganers are sometimes referred to as "pie-eaters". William Santus & Co. Ltd, confectioner and producer of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls, is based in Wigan.
Staying in Manchester for the following day’s FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford, this Pieman was pleased to be able to visit a new ground. Heavy rain had caused the postponement of most of the region’s non-league fixtures. The stadium is only a short stroll from the railway stations. We sat along the side in the West Stand, enjoying a fine view of Brentford’s victory.
