Shez - "we were deserved winners"

Last updated : 13 January 2009 By Dave Moore
Latics manager John Sheridan was well pleased with the 2-1 win against Hartlepool. The damage was done by Lee Hughes and Deane Smalley (pictured) who scored a goal each but an own goal by Kelvin Lomax could have changed matters but the Latics held on for an important three points.

Sheridan told Latics World, "We played very well at times and thoroughly deserved to win the game. We made hard work of it towards the end, but the most important thing was the three points and that's what we got. Hughesy got us off to a good start; he was in the right place at the right time and that's what he's all about. We were comfortably on top and went on to get the second goal, but when they got back into it we were a bit edgy and gave the ball away cheaply."

"But we played very well at times and passed the ball around. We were better than the last game, and credit to the players. Our keeper hasn't had a save to make and we could have had more goals - we hit the woodwork three times. When they had a chance at the end I thought 'here we go again', but we got the bit of luck we needed. We definitely did not deserve to lose or draw this game - we were deserved winners."

"I'm pleased Deane got his goal. I hope it will give him more belief because that's his downfall - he doesn't believe in himself enough. I need to instil that belief into Deane because it will make him a better player."