Sheridan couldn't take too much to cherish

Last updated : 27 February 2008 By Dave Moore

John Sheridan couldn't take too much to cherish from the home draw with Swindon Town. The first half was disappointing but David Livermore and Mark Allott put the Latics 2-1 up Lee Peacock popped up again within three minutes to give his team a share of the spoils.

Sheridan told Latics World, "Our performance in the first half was poor, and we didn't deserve anything from the game at that point because Swindon were much better than us. We weren't at the races and I had a go at the players at half time. But in truth we knew we had to pick it up. I didn't really need to say anything to be honest. The good thing is I got a response and we had a go in the second half to get ourselves in a good position, only to give away another goal at a set play we should have dealt with better."

"We got a bit of luck for the first goal in particular. We keep telling the players to shoot through people in the box. For the first the ball's hit David Livermore and gone in, and then Mark's hit one and it's gone in when the keeper's spilled it. It wasn't the best strike in the world, but he got it on target and that's what we highlight to the lads. Our tempo and use of the ball was much better after the break, but I shouldn't have to wait 45 minutes for one of my teams to start being creative. We looked as if we were playing in front of 60,000 people in the first half and we must start games a lot better. I can't blame the fans for booing at half time, I really can't. The performance wasn't good enough in the first half but we responded in the second and I think they appreciated that."

Kelvin Lomax (pictured) put in another good performance after replacing Stefan Stam at half time and he has probably done enough to make himself a starting spot in the first team for the next game. Shez went on, "I think it's about time Kelvin got a run in the team and I'm going to give him that. He came off the bench again against Swindon and he impressed me. In fact, I think he probably looked the calmest player out there. I love Kelvin as a player and he deserves a chance to show more of what he can do. In fact, if we're not going to make the play-offs I might be able to experiment in certain positions and see what some players have to offer."

Come on Shez - that's no way to be talking!