Latics fight back

Last updated : 08 November 2008 By Dave Moore
Tommy Wright was very complimentary about his players after they fought back from a two goal deficit to earn a draw and keep themselves in the FA Cup. Cheltenham raced into an early lead and looked on course for the second round draw when they went two up just before the half time whistle after Sean Gregan had conceded a penalty. The Latics staged a fine fight back and Chris Taylor pulled back a goal with a penalty conversion, albeit at the second attempt. The tie was levelled in the last quarter of an hour when Danny Whitaker's shot was deflected in.

Wright told the press, "This was a real cup tie against a big Cheltenham side who like to get the ball forward. We've shot ourselves in the foot again with the goals, but credit to the lads because they were excellent for half an hour in the second half. We were a bit too deep in the last ten minutes and they had a couple of chances, but Mark Crossley has pulled out a save which kept us in the competition. It's been a trying week for everyone involved with the club."

The keeper's saved it but the ball has come back to Chris who's put it in - he was brave to take the penalty in the first place. Then Danny's got a bit of luck with a deflection. We always tell the players to hit the target. Lewis Alessandra did it against Scunthorpe; if you get the shot on target there's always a chance. We all know what cup ties are like. Cheltenham are a direct side who get themselves in the box and in your face. Credit to Martin Allen; he's come here, got them going and made this a hard place to come. This result has given everyone a lift and we'll certainly be looking forward to the replay."

The replay will be on Tuesday week.