Sheridan - "We were worthy winners"

Last updated : 24 December 2006 By The Chairman
The Latics whupped a managerless Northampton Town 3-0 in front of over 10,000 fans. The damage was done by a header from Gary McDonald, Chris Porter's 14th. goal of the season and a fine strike by Andy Liddell in a match which the home side dominated.

A delighted John Sheridan told the official website, "We were worthy winners and our first-half performance won us the game. We dominated the game apart from one save by Les Pogliacomi. We're a fit side with lots of energy and we know it's important to take the game to the opposition from the start, especially at home. We're making it very difficult for teams, and we need to carry on doing that. Poggsy's save at 1-0 was important. It came totally against the run of play, but that was he's there for. He didn't have a lot to do and then came up with a great save. Other than that we were never in any real danger but if that'd have gone in it may have changed the game. The clean sheet is good for Les and the defence. The back four looked after him too. He's doing very well this season."

I try not to look at what others are doing and concentrate more on our result. This is an important period for us and we'll go into the next game with one or two results having gone our way. Long may it continue. However, I'll just keep concentrating on what we're doing, try to keep winning and see what happens. Obviously Wellens (pictured) and Porter make a massive difference when they're in the side. As our playmaker, Richie is very important to us, while you can't say anything more about Ports as he keeps putting the ball in the back of the net. If someone is doing that for you, you've got a chance of winning any game. Other players look up to them both and it's good for us to have them back in the team."

"The Boxing Day clash at Rotherham is going to be a very hard game and they got a good result today. In my eyes, Rotherham are one of the best teams in the division, and we know it's going to be difficult. However, I'm going to be positive. I think we can win any game we play in this division and we'll be going there trying to get three points. I've said to the lads that

they should have a couple of beers tonight, don't get too drunk, but enjoy yourselves. It's important that they enjoy victories as they are going to lose games, and they're sensible lads. I've got a good dressing room and they shouldn't put pressure on themselves."