Let’s win this one for my kids

The Latics star writes every week for Chron Sport


ANOTHER opportunity to get some much-needed points on the board went begging at MK Dons.

Being in control of the game and creating plenty of chances - but not taking them - seems to be the story of our season and that always leaves you open to a sucker punch.

I was again a substitute for the Milton Keynes contest, but was able to see pictures and patterns in the match you sometimes miss if you are playing.

Adam Lockwood put us ahead with his first goal for the club, but we failed to extend the lead despite having two or three fantastic chances before the break. That proved to be our downfall.

At half-time, the gaffer revealed a statistic which was pretty shocking to hear – we have only held a lead for an average of 16 minutes this season, so you could see why that second goal was so important.

Conceding after just four minutes of the second half meant we had only been in the lead for 12 minutes at Stadium MK, but what followed shortly after proved to be the turning point in an evenly-balanced contest.

Genseric Kusunga’s rash challenge for his second yellow card made it a backs-to-the-wall final 30 minutes for us.

Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration in time added on saw us beaten again and still in that horrible league position of uncertainty. One week we pull away from the drop zone and the next we find ourselves looking over our shoulders after shooting ourselves in the foot.

On a personal, note I have been able to have my children come up to Manchester this week as it is half term.

With them living in London, I only get to see them once a week so to have this time with them is very precious.

It can also be very expensive, too! Not seeing them regularly makes me feel the need to spoil them when I do, so its been a week of different activities to keep them busy and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s fixture against Gillingham, I expect a tougher encounter than when we last played them at the Priestfield Stadium.

I am hoping to win back my place in the starting line-up. My kids are coming to the game and it will be the first time they will see me play at Boundary Park. Hopefully, they will be cheering cheer a goal from their dad and three points for the team!