Dale Stephens' fortunes are very much on an upward curve at Boundary Park.

Having patiently waited 18 months for his Latics debut, the 22-year-old has suddenly become the key figure in midfield since making his first appearance in December.

Stephens, whose time with Latics has been plagued by injury, has been an ever present since his debut as a substitute against Leeds and it was his 14th consecutive start last night against Leyton Orient when he achieved another landmark as he scored his first senior goal.

It was an important strike as it sealed a 2-0 win which lifted Latics four points clear of the relegation places.

Stephens, signed in the summer of 2008 from Bury for a tribunal-fixed fee, said: "I was delighted to get my first goal, but I would always take the points first.

"I have not expressed my abilities going forward much since breaking into the team, but hopefully I will get more freedom and this is the first of many goals for the club.

"It was a great pass from Chris Taylor which released me and all I did was to try and push it past the keeper and luckily it went in."

Stephens added he is feeling at home in the first team after becoming a regular in the last three months.

He explained: "I have got into the mode of playing week in, week out which is something I have never done at any club I have been at.

"I have been in the team for over three months and I am loving it."

Stephens does not believe there is much wrong with performances other than a failing in front of goal.

"If you look at our performances over the last couple of months we have played well, but if you don't put the ball in the back of the net you don't win games. We have been creating chances and hopefully after last night our luck is starting to change," he explained.

Stephens admitted it is a massive week with a visit of Wycombe following Leyton Orient and it is important they follow up last night's success with another victory. He added it is pointless having games in hand, as Latics have, if they don't win them.