Sheridan couldn't have been more pleased

Last updated : 23 December 2007 By The Chairman

John Sheridan couldn't have been more pleased with the way his team battled for three points against a good looking Southend team. Not very pretty but it was effective as the Latics won their fifth consecutive away game. Striker Lee Hughes did the damage again, putting the visitors in front in the fourth minute. They held on to that lead to stretch their unbeaten record to ten games in all competitions. Goalkeeper Mark Crossley also played his part in helping maintain a shut out and he made some miraculous saves to keep the Latics in the hunt.

John Sheridan told Latics World, "Southend are a strong side, so I'm delighted to come here and get all three points. It was an excellent finish from Lee Hughes (pictured). He made it himself and that's what he's there for. I hope he can carry on doing it. It could have been 4-3 to be fair. We had good opportunities, but Mark Crossley was outstanding and probably had his best game of the season. We deserved to get something, and I'm delighted it's three points. The lads did the ugly things and battled well. They look as though they're sticking together and helping each other a lot more. Hopefully we can carry this forward and continue to get some good results. We coped well with Leon Clarke and it was pleasing to get the clean sheet, but the most important thing is the three points."

"Mark Crossley was my man of the match today, even though I don't like saying the goalkeeper was our best player. He got a few crosses and made some excellent saves. Now we've got some good games coming up, and people will know we're in good form, getting some results and that they'll be in for a tough game."