We salute you

Latics players celebrate Genseric Kusunga’s stunning goal.

ATHLETIC’S fans had a major role to play in driving the team on in the Wolves draw, according to winger James Dayton.

The architect of Genseric Kusunga’s opening goal said that the players were lifted in the second half by a highly vocal Boundary Park crowd, which helped the cause in Athletic earning a place in the second-round draw.

The winner of the replay at Molineux on Tuesday, November 19 (7.45pm kick-off) will be at home to League Two side Mansfield on the weekend of December 7 and 8.

Before that, Athletic’s attentions turn to the home Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern area quarter-final tie against Notts County tomorrow night.

And Dayton wants Athletic’s supporters to be fully aware of the impact they can have.

“To keep going and keep pressing a good side like Wolves is difficult,” said Dayton, who almost bagged a goal for the second successive game following on from an equaliser at Bristol City.

“They have got players who can hurt you, but the crowd got behind us.

“I just hope they realise how much it does help and how much of a boost it does give the boys, who do really appreciate fans getting behind us.”

Fixture congestion is not a factor that worries Dayton, particularly given Athletic’s recent positive form.

And he has a personal score to settle in the Wolves replay, which takes place at the Molineux setting of a 2-0 defeat last month.

“When I came down to England I expected Saturday, Tuesday games and it is only a good thing, especially after recent performances,” said the former Kilmarnock man, who is now facing up to a fixture list containing six matches inside 19 days.

“One of the goals at Molineux was my fault — so hopefully I can rectify that by scoring or setting one up.”

Dayton’s drive through Ashton to the ground on Saturday was a tricky one, with hailstones settling on the roads.

The weather was poor during the game, too, but he felt that it served to assist his own performance.

“Conditions were difficult but we dealt with them well. Sometimes a bit of rain and a slick pitch helps us to get the ball moving around more quickly,” he added.

“For me as a wide man, I want the ball early — rather than late, with a full-back up my back.

“I want it early so I can run at the full-back. I had that, so it was good.”

Joseph Mills didn’t feature against Wolves, after a deal was not struck for the on-loan Burnley defender to appear.