The Latics bounced back from their FA Cup disappointment to see off promotion hopefuls Carlisle United and to record their first league win at Boundary Park in just over four months. Gary McDonald (pictured) did the damage with two well taken first half goals. With a bit more luck the Latics could had hit double figures in this convincing walk-over.Latics bounce back
The Latics bounced back from their FA Cup disappointment to see off promotion hopefuls Carlisle United and to record their first league win at Boundary Park in just over four months. Gary McDonald (pictured) did the damage with two well taken first half goals. With a bit more luck the Latics could had hit double figures in this convincing walk-over.Manager John Sheridan told Latics World, "I'm pleased for the players overall. One or two people might have been doubting them, but I know how good they are. I also know how we can improve and I think we will improve. I believe what I'm doing is right, but I'm not stupid, I know this game's about results. We played very well, and what especially pleases me is how well the players responded. Everyone was a bit down and I tried to pick the lads up, I'm chuffed for them. They showed me they could play against a tough Carlisle team and we created lots of chances, which was excellent."
"Hughesy has been struggling but he told me he was fit and wanted to play but his groin was affecting him early in the game, and that's just one of those things. I don't know how serious the injury is, but maybe it gives someone else an opportunity and the kids grabbed that chance with both hands. Lewis Alessandra's hold-up play and the way he brought people into the game was very good, but I don't like picking people out. I've told Lewis I want to see him work harder in training and show me he wants to play. Luckily for him he got an opportunity to do that tonight and he's not let himself down at all. I thought Deane Smalley was a lot better, too, and I would have loved him to have scored."
"We kept the ball in their half for longer periods, and if you do that you'll get the opposition chasing you and that creates spaces. We did that well tonight. Gary's in the right place at the right time for the first goal and got a bit of luck, but he struck the ball on target. Then the second is a great ball in and a great finish."