Latics’ perfect riposte

Photo: Alan Howarth

YOU’RE THE MAN: Dean Holden (right) embraces goal hero Conor Wilkinson after victory over Crewe.

DEAN Holden has revealed that a collective belief and determination to silence doubters helped spur his Athletic side to a crucial victory at Crewe.

Substitute Conor Wilkinson pounced late at Gresty Road to hand Athletic a precious win that eased them into 13th place in the league, one shy of the 50 points many believe will banish lingering thoughts of relegation.

Some outsiders were expressing concern as a run of six defeats in seven games preceded the trip. But a solid defensive performance proved the platform for a win that takes Athletic to within seven points of the play-off positions.

Asked about reaching the 50-point mark tomorrow night against Rochdale, Holden said: “The quicker you get to that point, you tick that box then say right, what can we do now?

“There will be a battle for places, but we’ll see what happens. We we enjoyed Crewe and were happy with the result. I told the lads how great a feeling it can be when you prove people inside and outside the club wrong.

“We’ve never doubted our own belief, but you’ve got to go out and prove it. You are judged on results, and rightly so. But we feel we’ve been making the right decisions for the team and they paid off at Crewe.”

Anthony Gerrard made an instant impact on his Athletic debut after arriving on loan from Huddersfield Town.

Holden said: “He looked like he had been with us for a long time. He must have gone up for 10 or 15 headers in the first half and won every one of them. He was vocal and strong, just everything I expected. He was absolutely outstanding.”