The Latics put in a five star performance to see off big spending, high flying Huddersfield Town at Boundary Park in front of 7,723 spectators, the highest home gate of the season. After the disappointment of getting dumped out of the FA Cup a week ago at Accrington, Paul Dickov's team put in what he described as possibly the best performance of the season.
A lone goal from Oumare Tounkara in the 24th. minute was enough to seal the win but in effect the 1-0 scoreline flattered the Terriers. Town manager Lee Clark admitted his side was second best and did not deserve anything from the match.
A delighted Paul Dickov said, "We had a blip last week and, every time we have had one, we have bounced back. I wanted a positive reaction and I am absolutely delighted with the players who showed great character. We believe when we play on the front foot, as we did today, we are a match for anybody. When I look at the tempo of our game, the way we pressed and closed down and when we had the ball passed it and created chances, it was probably the best we have played this season.”
"Their keeper made three or four fantastic saves and we had another cleared off the line. On another day we could possibly have scored two or three, but I am delighted with the result and also with the clean sheet. Huddersfield are a good time and we knew that if we sat off them they would punish us. We believe we are one of the fittest team and can press for 90 minutes and I don't think Dean Brill has had a shot to save."
In reality the Latics could have scored several more goals but bad luck and poor finishing kept the game to a 1-0. On the down side Dean Furman picked up a yellow card, his fifth of the season, for obstructing a throw in. The card will rule him out of next Saturday's league match at Dagenham & Redbridge. The Latics were given a standing ovation at the conclusion of each half and you could just feel the pride that the players felt at beating their rich neighbours from over the Pennines.