Latics' mission to win first home game
Paul Dickov is looking for Latics to build on the midweek npower League One victory at Crewe Alexandra as they tomorrow play hosts to Preston North End.
"It is an important game as too many times we have had good results immediately followed by bad results," explained Latics' manager.
Dickov was always confident things would come right for his team after a disappointing start to the campaign.
He said: "The victory at Crewe was a fantastic boost for everybody and was badly needed. It also showed the players what they can do and what they can achieve.
"The victory didn't come as a surprise as we have been playing well in patches in previous games.
"Though we hadn't win in four league games after Portsmouth, we showed we weren't from being a good team, but everything clicked at Crewe."
Dickov believes the Lancashire derby has the makings of a terrific contest after both teams won away in midweek - Preston triumphed at Doncaster to consolidate their top-half place.
Latics' manager also says it will be a far different game to the one at Crewe as his team bids to record a first home won of the campaign.
He continued: "It will be a tough game. Preston are a good team as they showed with their win at Doncaster.
"They will be tough to break down, but we won't be far away if we put on a similar performance and every chance we will get three points."
Preston manager Graham Westley has completely overhauled his team since becoming Lilywhites' manager in January.
And Dickov believes it is a fallacy they have a direct style.
He said: "I don't buy into the fact they are a long-ball team and feel Graham doesn't get the credit he deserves.
"It is an important game as too many times we have had good results immediately followed by bad results," explained Latics' manager.
Dickov was always confident things would come right for his team after a disappointing start to the campaign.
He said: "The victory at Crewe was a fantastic boost for everybody and was badly needed. It also showed the players what they can do and what they can achieve.
"The victory didn't come as a surprise as we have been playing well in patches in previous games.
"Though we hadn't win in four league games after Portsmouth, we showed we weren't from being a good team, but everything clicked at Crewe."
Dickov believes the Lancashire derby has the makings of a terrific contest after both teams won away in midweek - Preston triumphed at Doncaster to consolidate their top-half place.
Latics' manager also says it will be a far different game to the one at Crewe as his team bids to record a first home won of the campaign.
He continued: "It will be a tough game. Preston are a good team as they showed with their win at Doncaster.
"They will be tough to break down, but we won't be far away if we put on a similar performance and every chance we will get three points."
Preston manager Graham Westley has completely overhauled his team since becoming Lilywhites' manager in January.
And Dickov believes it is a fallacy they have a direct style.
He said: "I don't buy into the fact they are a long-ball team and feel Graham doesn't get the credit he deserves.
"He has had a big turn round in players, but has got them performing well quickly.
"Preston have a strong squad and a lot of good players and they play good football."
Preston have doubts over Paul Huntingdon and David Buchanan who picked up knocks in midweek at Doncaster while Latics' concern surrounds Jean-Yves M'voto who hurt his ankle at Crewe.
Last season's two matches ended in stalemate - 3-3 at Deepdale followed by 1-1 at Boundary Park - and tomorrow could well prove an equally tight contest.
Latics are expecting their biggest home attendance of the season so far as Preston took over 2,700 fans to Bury last month.
They have been allocated the large section of the Rochdale Road Stand while there is also provision for an overflow into the small section.
"Preston have a strong squad and a lot of good players and they play good football."
Preston have doubts over Paul Huntingdon and David Buchanan who picked up knocks in midweek at Doncaster while Latics' concern surrounds Jean-Yves M'voto who hurt his ankle at Crewe.
Last season's two matches ended in stalemate - 3-3 at Deepdale followed by 1-1 at Boundary Park - and tomorrow could well prove an equally tight contest.
Latics are expecting their biggest home attendance of the season so far as Preston took over 2,700 fans to Bury last month.
They have been allocated the large section of the Rochdale Road Stand while there is also provision for an overflow into the small section.