Joy turns to misery for new boy
Lee Barnard admitted his debut for Latics was a bitter-sweet experience.The on-loan striker (pictured) gave Latics the lead with a goal on his first appearance for the club in yesterday's npower League One match at Walsall.
Barnard's joy turned to misery as the Saddlers hit back to triumph 3-1.
He said: "It was great for me to score and get a great start at my new club.
"It is so disappointing to lose after the start we made.
"I thought for the first 30/35 minutes we were brilliant. We were all over Walsall who couldn't cope with us and we should have had more than one goal.
"I don't know why we lost our way, whether it was due to tiredness or being heavy legged, but our second-half performance was not good enough."
Barnard was convinced Latics ought to have been awarded two first-half penalties saying they were clear instances of shirt pulling.
He was delighted with the way he linked up with Chris Iwelumo, another loan signing, saying they had trained together only once before the game at the Banks's Stadium.
"Hopefully the partnership will get better. And with Jose (Baxter) just behind us and such a talented player, hopefully there is a lot more to come," Barnard said.
Barnard added he has seen enough quality in the side to turn things round in the wake of their disappointing run of form in npower League One.
"We know we weren't good enough in the second half and we are determined to put it right on Tuesday," he concluded.