Tigers go back with their tails between their legs

Last updated : 28 March 2005 By Dave Moore

The Latics continued their remarkable turn around by beating table topping Hull City in a packed Boundary Park. The first half was nervy stuff with chances at both ends and with both keepers having to be alert. Hull almost took the lead in the 66th. minute when a header by Cort beat Mildenhall and hit the inside corner of the post. To the dismay of the travelling army and to the joy of the home fans the ball rolled the full length of the goal line and no-one got to it.

The “Killer” goal came with 20 minutes of the game left. A free kick from Kilkenny resulted in leading scorer Chris “Killer” Killen (pictured) heading in the vital winner. Try as they may, Hull just couldn’t make any of their opportunities count and the Latics held on for a memorable win and one which might just be enough to keep them safe. A hat trick of wins on Saturday at Franchise FC should confirm their place in League One for next season.

Ronnie Moore told a packed press room, “I felt that today's performance was all about bravery and hard work. The players on the field did everything they could and put in a good performance and to be honest, I felt as though we deserved it. OK, we may have got some of the breaks today but this was an excellent solid display. At times Hull were playing five men against our back four, but the lads dug in and demonstrated what they are capable of. They showed a 'No Fear Factor'. Since my arrival the fans have been excellent and I thought the atmosphere at Boundary Park was great today. Hull of course brought a big following but our fans seemed to respond and when Killen scored that goal it was absolutely brilliant.”

“Over the Easter weekend we have come away with two excellent victories. And whilst we look good going forward and have got some strong moves in open play, the past two games we have won them from set pieces. We have worked hard in the past few weeks at not only improving our defensive capabilities but also how to break down teams from the dead ball. Our hard work seems to be paying off. I thought Kevin Betsey showed today what he can do. Defensively he was excellent and worked very hard. He also exhibited some of the skills he is capable of going forward and caused Hull some serious problems. I was gutted about Will Haining's injury as during the period of play he was on the pitch he was very influential, winning a lot of headers. Sadly it looks as though Will has a hamstring to his other leg than the hamstring he pulled a few weeks ago. However in Mark Hughes we had a more than adequate replacement today. He came on and does what he does best. Works hard, battles away and wins us the ball. I also felt that Neil Kilkenny was excellent and provided a lot of passes that opened play for us. Neil on his day can be something special.”

“Fifty points is still the target. And to be honest we are just desperate to get there as soon as possible. Picking up six points over this break has been excellent and puts us in a good position. Make no mistake however we still have a considerable amount of work to do with some very tough games to come. The players made it happen today and they truly deserved it.”