Hard work and belief rewarded

Latics ‘keeper Paul Rachubka’s exclusive weekly column for Chron Sport

THE TWEAKS we put in place last week had the desired effect - and two wins inside four days are testament to everyone’s hard work.

The signs were there at Preston and we worked to build on that performance.

Against Bradford in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie, I didn't have a single shot to save, though just one that hit a post in the second half.

Our defending has been excellent and it is very satisfying to pick up two clean sheets in succession.

George Elokobi has had a big impact. The man is a winner in everything he does; as competitive a person as you will ever meet and that can’t help but rub off on his fellow players.

It was positive to see Jordan Bove score his first professional goal against Bradford. Jordan has scored regularly for the youth team and now it’s up to him to do the same with the first team. He is a hard worker behind the scenes and one to keep an eye out for the future.

The manager has chosen to name the same back four for the past three games. Some might have imagined there would be a shake-up for Bradford, but we looked at the game as an opportunity to get a run going.

There were only two changes to the starting XI from that at Doncaster - and one of those was down to Jonson Clarke-Harris leaving us for Rotherham.

It was a shame to see him go, but it’s a chance for him to prove himself at the next level. He did well for us and we wish him the best of luck.

Two players came in on deadline day and one of them, Dominic Poleon, I know from my time at Leeds.

I believe he will do very well for us. He has got plenty of pace and a good finish.

I have only met Michael Tidser briefly, but he comes with positive reports as well and I look forward to working with him.

Overall, looking at the squad now it seems that we have got a good set of all-round skills.

Looking forward to tomorrow, Fleetwood are flying high at the moment - but that was the case with both Doncaster and Bradford.