Danny Whitaker felt Latics' lightning start was key to the 3-1 derby win over Stockport County at Boundary Park.

The hosts found themselves two goals up with 18 minutes gone thanks to an effort from Whitaker himself and Lee Hughes' 15th strike of the season.

Sub Oli Johnson pulled one back for the visitors but Athletic added the insurance goal 10 minutes into the second half thanks to Chris Taylor's ninth marker of the campaign.

"We needed to bounce back after last week's result and we did that by playing some great football and scoring some great goals," Whitaker told Latics World.

"We got a little bit sloppy at 2-0 to let them back in the game when we were cruising, but we got back on it in the second half and got another goal through Chris who I'm delighted for."

Whitaker took his season's tally to six as he controlled a loose ball on the edge of the box and dispatched a trademark placed shot beyond Owain fon Williams.

He explained: "I haven't scored for a while so it was brilliant to get back on the scoresheet, but the win and the three points were most important.

"That's especially true given Stockport's position just a few points behind us.

"The ball dropped nicely for me but I couldn't hit it first time, so I switched to my left foot and was able to pass it into the goal, which is what I like to do."

Danny Whitaker was talking to Latics World - the club's official online subscriber service. Click here to sign up today.