Let’s shine in front of new young fans

Latics’ assistant manager writes every week for Chron Sport
WHAT hurt the most about our 1-0 defeat at Tranmere was the fact our hosts worked harder than we did.

We played some half-decent football but not enough, and we certainly did not try hard enough to win back the ball.

Our decision making when in possession was poor, which ultimately led to the only goal of the game, and our final ball was missing all afternoon after getting into some promising positions.

After such a good victory over MK Dons a few days earlier, to put in the kind of performance we produced at Prenton Park was very disappointing.

Tomorrow’s visit of Wycombe provides us with a chance to bounce back in front of our own supporters.

It’s Family Football Festival day at Boundary Park which, with any luck, will convince a few more people to come through the gate. The more backing we receive the better, and it is always appreciated.

Maybe some will be children attending a football match for the first time. When you are a kid you can get hooked on a team for life just by watching a solitary game, so fingers crossed we inspire some youngsters by playing well and picking up a positive result.

It will be a tough test. Despite the fact Wycombe are down near the relegation places, they come into this fixture on the back of an excellent win against Hartlepool so their tails will be up.

They have several experiences players who are all in good form, so our opponents are a real threat. They work hard and remind me a bit of Tranmere in that respect.

Tuesday sees us travel to Preston North End, who are one of the teams fancied for promotion this term.

Phil Brown’s outfit have lads who are used to playing Championship or even Premier League football and I am sure they will be looking for at least a play-off spot at the end of the season.

It is sure to be tough for us because their quality extends throughout the side, but it is a challenge we look forward to.

It is a boost to have Dean Furman and Paul Black in the fold following their injury lay-offs.

Our captain Dean came on as a substitute against Tranmere and was one of the few sparks, he got the ball down and used it well. It is just a shame that Bradley Diallo, Josh Parker and Reuben Reid are all sidelined because we are down to the bare bones.