Athletic scored a vital win when Pawel Abbott scored a long awaited goal at Prenton Park. The three points gained lifted the Latics away from the dreaded relegation zone. Abbott has recently been sidelined through injury and although his goal was a lifesaver, so was the contribution of Dean Brill in goal. Brill has been the scapegoat of the club in recent weeks but his performance at Tranmere shut up many of the doubters, especially his last minute double saves from Sordell. The Latics had won just one of their previous 11 league matches and this win will be a big boost to their confidence.
Lady Luck is the element needed for a successful team, along with skill and enterprise, and it was for once on the side of the Latics. With fog looming over the field, it could have been an option for the referee to abandon the game. Abbott scored the decisive goal in the 41st. minute but early in the second half Danny Whitaker was dreadfully unlucky to see his header knocked over the crossbar by the Tranmere keeper. The Latics continued to hold on to score a vital victory in their attempt to pull away from the relegation area.
Manager Dave Penney said after the game, "It was important psychologically to get three points which keeps Tranmere below us in the table and lifts us out of trouble. I think you will find that once we all start to get to the same number of games, you will find us mid-table. We have seen how Leyton Orient have had a quick succession of games and quick wins which has enabled them to move up the league."