The Latics bounced back from their disappointing home reverse against Bristol Rovers to win 3-2 at promotion hopefuls Millwall. Athletic were two goals up within the first ten minutes with goals from Deane Smalley and Lee Hughes and that's how it stayed until the end of the first half. The home side were booed off at the half but came out chomping at the bit for the second half. Neal Eardley didn't have much option other than to give a way a penalty after his fellow defenders went on walk-about early in the second half and the successful conversion put the Lions back in the frame. A wonder goal from Grimes made it all level but a decisive header from Chris Taylor (pictured), which went in off the post, in injury time settled the game and gave the Latics a much needed three points. John Sheridan told Latics World, "We were in complete control of the game in the first half, but then we took our foot off the pedal a little and their confidence grew. There were a few mistakes at the back and that got the crowd into the game, then the penalty got them back into the game. We knew we would have to defend as we were up against a good side in Millwall, but obviously it was disappointing to let a two-goal slip."
"We got some quality crosses into the box throughout and it was a great ball from Kev Maher for the winner. We got quality delivery for all three goals. Chris doesn't score many with his head but he got into the right place at the right time and tucked it away. Millwall is a very hard place to come to and we played some excellent stuff at times. We know we have to win games and this was an excellent effort by the players."
Chris Taylor refused to take credit for the win and insisted that it was a team effort that sealed the points. He said, "Even though I scored the goal there were 11 excellent performances out there today. The late goal shows the spirit the lads have and everyone is buzzing. Being honest, I couldn't believe I'd scored because I thought we had thrown two points away. We needed the three points today and the lads dug deep to get the result, so credit should go to all the lads. The win was deserved. I saw Kev pick up the ball and I knew he was going to put it into the box, so I just went for it. Their right back didn't see me sneak in behind him and I managed to cut across and head it in."