Atmosphere certain to be electric once again

Latics’ assistant manager writes every week for Chron Sport
OUR 2-0 victory over Bradford City in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-finals saw us clear the first of three big hurdles.

The second is upon us tomorrow, when Sheffield Wednesday visit Boundary Park in npower League One, and the third is Tuesday’s home clash with Southend.

The winners of that FA Cup second-round replay are rewarded with a trip to Liverpool.

Starting with the Bradford game, I would like to pay big compliments to the Bantams and their supporters for making it a fantastic occasion.

The Yorkshire outfit brought a lot of fans and that aided the atmosphere no end, especially as it was such a physical contest.

Players have gone on record in the past as saying a lot of noise from the stands spurs them on and this was no exception.

It is what you get into professional football for — no-one wants to play in an empty park when they have the ability to showcase their talent in front of thousands of fans.

We kept our unbeaten run going and moved into a two-legged Northern Area final against Chesterfield, which is wonderful for everyone connected with the club.

Sheffield Wednesday also have brilliant fans and I believe they have sold out their allocation for tomorrow, which is great news.

Gary Megson has done a fine job. They are an efficient side with a lot of talented players in the ranks.

We expect another physical challenge to the Bradford experience, but obviously the Owls have that extra bit of quality.

I will always be grateful to Gary for giving me my first coaching role when he was at Leicester City and I look forward to catching up with him after the match.

As for Southend on Tuesday, it is the third of three massive games for this football club.

I was a Liverpool fan growing up and I haven’t been back to Anfield since my playing days so I would love it, as would everyone here.

I watched the third-round draw at home and hearts probably sank throughout the lower-league community when the two Manchester sides were paired together.

But the next best thing was Liverpool away and that is exactly what ourselves and Southend have to play for.