Sheridan dedicates the win to the fans

Last updated : 07 November 2007 By Dave Moore
Finally, and after what seems an age, John Sheridan's men came away from a game with a win. Craig Davies scored a last second goal to turn what would have been a useful point into a priceless 1-0 away win. It was one of the performances of the season and couldn't have come at a better time as many of the Latics faithful are still carrying resentment for ex-manager Ronnie Moore and his now renamed Tranmoore Rovers. It was a great result and one which will give Athletic renewed enthusiasm.

Granted, the team are still struggling for goals and one wonders if they would have scored if the game had not been extended by six minutes of injury time. Mark Hughes came on and gave a polished performance and also had a hand in the winning goal. Things should start to perk up when he finally regains his full match fitness as he showed that he still has some class. The Latics have now taken four points and conceded just one goal in their last three games, all away from home and against high flying teams.

Manager John Sheridan dedicated the win to the fans and told Latics World, "We produced a very good performance again, against a team who are very awkward to play against and who went into the game full of confidence. I've been pleased with our last three performances against sides who are up there. Now hopefully this win will give us some extra confidence and take us forward, but it's only one game and we need to get some consistency. We've played well against three teams on the crest of a wave and in the top six. We've matched them all and I think we deserved to win tonight."

"The good thing about us is we're getting more confident. We're passing and taking care of the ball better. I honestly believe we're as good as anyone in this division on our day, but we're at the wrong end of the table and we need to get out of the situation. I'm very pleased with the way we played but I thought it was going to be one of those games again. We created a lot of chances and to be honest I'd have been disappointed with a draw."

"Tranmere are a decent side and they will beat a lot of teams here. They're difficult to play against, because they get the ball forward very quickly and have some good players. They had one or two opportunities, but overall I think we had the better chances and luckily for one of those we've got Craig in the positions we've been trying to get him into. I've told the lads to enjoy this win. To score in the last minute was very pleasing and I do honestly believe we deserved to win the game."