The Latics came away from Brighton with an almost unexpected win after leading-scorer Pawel Abbott and Reuben Hazell (pictured) poked home the goals on the south coast. An obviously delighted but somewhat critical Dave Penney commented, "We limited their chances and took our chances. But it's good to score from a set play, as we've not done that so far this season and we've talked about scoring from free kick or corner as that's an important part of the game. Sean Gregan has been immense since coming back to the club; as a leader, person and player. 99 out of 100 balls into the box you see Sean winning them. It's important you stay in the game, especially away from home - where you can get the home fans edgy.""We gave Southampton three goals which you really can't afford to do and we've not done that today. We made a point of being resolute. That's now five clean sheets from seven games and one of the two games was only from a fluke own goal - we have to be happy with that. The clean sheet is especially important for Dean Brill as he's held his hand up and admitted his mistakes and he deserved that today. It's Joe Colbeck's best game for us, for sure, they had no natural left back or even left wing and we made a point of having Joe attack them. Then we might get a bit of luck with the goal, there's a clear deflection that has sent the keeper the wrong way, but Pav will claim it, as it was on target. It's a cliché but we've bought a ticket and you can't win the raffle without one."
"It's a great ball in [to Reuben] and we've finished it well. We spoke about how we need to take our chances from set plays, corners and free kicks, and it's great to see that pay off. We have to be more ruthless in making teams work late in the game, put the ball in the corners for throw-ins and not just down the 'keepers throat."