The Latics lost again on their trip to Millwall, again by the only goal of the game, and again they put up a spirited performance. The small band of travelling fans were treated to a stirring performance with the visitors having the lions share (pun intended) of the play. Once again, the Latics downfall was their lack of firepower which now leaves the team with only one goal in four matches, a highly unenviable record. This is becoming repetitive, but the display was great up until the final third of the field and then they let themselves down. Chances were there to be taken but they were all squandered. We still need a quality striker and then perhaps the confidence will return to the midfield and they may well chip in with a few goals themselves.
Manager John Sheridan said after the game, "I wasn't too disappointed with the performance, but we need to develop a ruthless streak. I deliberately didn't change my system, as I thought we could come here and get three points after last week's win. However, it wasn't to be. If we had raised our game, we may well have come away with three points so I'm disappointed with the result, but I don't think we've played too badly so far this season. I am disappointed with the goal. I thought it was very sloppy. The introduction of Hubertz was a big point in the game. He's big and strong and caused us problems, especially at set-pieces."
The defeat was demoralising as many of the supporters who saw the game would have been disappointed with just one point, never mind none. The Latics deserved something from the game. Let's hope that the trend can be finished at Millmoor on Tuesday when the Latics visit Rotherham in the League Cup, a relief from the league. Good performances don't gain points in the league and some of the many chances need to be converted into goals. Confidence breeds success and if the team can start scoring, John Sheridan's team can go on to a very successful campaign.