A nice German breakfast set us up for the day. A very friendly receptionist gave us directions to the Paul Janes stadium where the match was being played. We got to the ground at around1pm and spent an hour walking around the ground, taking pictures and mixing with both the locals and other Wigan fans who numbered about sixty by kick off time.

The Latics fans were housed in the open standing area behind huge fences with plenty of food and drink available with dark beer and Brockwurst the drink and food of choice.

Latics started the game brightly, playing a typical Uwe passing game with the focus on possession. Chow was particularly outstanding and is definitely one to watch for the future.

The opening goal fell to the Latics, as dangerman McManaman was upended in the penalty area and Riera opened his account for the Latics from the spot. Wigan at this time were in complete control and completely against the run of play the home side equalised with a headed goal from their centre forward “Jimmy ” was greeted with wild enthusiasm by the stadium announcer..

The teams left the pitch at half time with the scores level. 

The second half started as if Wigan had never left the dressing room, the Latics never got out of first gear, constantly giving away cheap possession and allowing Dusseldorf to bombard the Wigan goal and it was no surprise when Jimmy scored again, this time slotting the ball home from close range as the Wigan defence stood around and watched.

Two one quickly became three as a shot took a wicked deflection, wrong footing Ali and going into the bottom corner of the net.

Latics took off several players at this juncture and then Dusseldorf took advantage of the changes to score the fourth goal as the ball ricocheted around the box  several times before it was prodded home from close range. 

A dismal second half performance was only enlivened by the beautiful hot weather.

After the game we had a leisurely one hour stroll back to the hotel and once there  quiet bar nearby was the order of the day which rounded off a lovely day despite the result.

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