Another home defeat

Last updated : 06 April 2013 By The Chairman

The Latics suffered another home defeat to Carlisle United but remain out of the relegation places, albeit by goal difference, thanks to Scunthorpe United losing at Preston. After a poor first half the manager made three changes which brought about a mini revival. Carlisle took a 2-0 first half lead but the deficit was halved by Jose Baxter from the penalty spot.

It was Lee Johnson's first defeat as manager and he said, "I don’t think it could have got any worse after the first half. It was very poor and I apologise to the fans. It is as though we need a punch on the nose to get going, but we need to retaliate first and make sure we are on the front foot. In the second we came out and gave it a go and the changes influenced the game and gave us momentum and energy allowing us to play on the front foot. At least we have got a bit of pride restored in the second half by at least having a go."

The players were leggy, yet yesterday they were razor sharp in training. That is down to mental toughness and mental desire. Winners can get six, seven eight out of 10 even when they are a bit leggy, but I will take the blame for that as obviously I have overcooked it in training. We have all been leggy, but it is the desire to go and win. And going forward we have to be a lot tougher mentally. It is a bad day at the office and it is hurting me. All we can do is to take stock and learn quickly and get ready for two big away games."