Athletic responed to their critics with a useful display which wiped aside Leyton Orient resulting in a resounding 2-0 victory. It must be said that Orient didn't offer much resistance but you can't take anything away from the professional display that Athletic showed. It was a performance that the Latics faithful had been waiting for and one which promised that the season is not over yet. The win moved the Latics out of the relegation zone as they leap-frogged Tranmere Rovers who came unstuck in their home game with Leeds United.
Deane Smalley (pictured) got proceedings under way when he finished off a neat one-two with Pawel Abbott in the 20th. minute. Dale Stephens completed the scoring on the night when he popped in a goal in the 55th. minute, one which killed off any chance that the visitors had of coming back into the game. On-loan striker Daniel Nardiello showed that he had lots of skill and promise and it was a big blow when he had to be taken off with a nasty hamstring injury. Sean Gregan was again outstanding in defence and Chris Taylor looked more hungry than of late as he put in a good shift. We need more to come now and a similar performance against struggling Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday would be a great follow up.