This goal was especially satisfying - Matt
Matt Smith admitted his match-winning goal for Latics in their npower League One basement battle at Bury could prove as important as any of his strikes in the club's memorable FA Cup run.The striker (pictured) came off the bench to score in the 79th minute, the only goal of a fiercely-fought derby at Gigg Lane.
Smith, who has now found the net nine times in the current campaign, said: "As a striker, you are happy to score any goal, but for this one to be so important in the league is especially satisfying.
"I was happy to make my mark on the game and it proved to be the winning goal earning us the all important three points which takes us that bit closer to safety.
"It was a terrific team performance we showed a lot of spirit.
"It was true derby and a gritty display are there was a lot heart in our performance.
"And the 2,000 fans were great and gave us an extra lift and a lot of credit must go them. They were our 12th man and did an extremely good job."
Smith says Latics cannot rest on their laurels after this victory adding Scunthorpe United are hot on their heels.
"Scunthorpe got a very good point against Walsall and it is important we don't rest on this performance and keep going right to the end of the season," he said.
Smith added Latics' next two games at home to Yeovil and Crawley are massively important.
"If we show the same heart and desire in those games as we did against Bury, we should be fine," he said.
Smith praised youngster Kirk Millar whose provided the assist for his goal with a delightful cross.
He continued: "Kirk and I have played a lot together in the reserves. He is a clever player and he can read my flick ons, he's fast, very enthusiastic and always getting on the end of things.
"He has terrific ability on his right foot and he put in a great cross in which he dinked it over the defender for me to get my head on to."