Athletic maintained their promotion push with a useful 2-1 win over Northampton Town. Latics boss John Sheridan had asked for the same commitment that they showed in their last game at Leicester. They wasted no time and continued as they left of by striking the first goal as early as the eighth minute of the game. It came after Kevin Maher (pictured) sent over a perfect free kick which Reuben Hazell headed home his second Athletic goal to give the home side the lead.Another set play, again from the boot of Maher, also set up the second which Dean Windass rose to meet ho head the Latics second and his personal 200th league goal of his career. Unfortunately he got booked as he took off his shirt to celebrate as he showed the Chaddy End his tee shirt which proudly displayed the number 200. The manager was specially delighted as the goals both came from set plays. In addition the hosts also hit the woodwork and had three goal worthy efforts cleared off the line.
Shez told Latics World, "We fully deserved to win the game and we looked very comfortable for long spells. We could have scored more goals against a Northampton team who are very difficult to play against and provide a big threat from set pieces. The early goal helped as it forced them to come out against us and I think we are a better team when the opposition have to do that. But the most pleasing thing was that the goals both came from set pieces - we have to score more goals from them and our delivery and movement were excellent."
"The goals were two good headers and we could have had more after hitting the post and having three cleared off the line. But the three points are the most important thing and the fact that results elsewhere went for us makes today even more pleasing. I thought the fans were very good today as well - they got right behind the lads today and you could hear that in the stands."