Winning goal made on the training ground
James Tarkowski was delighted to score Latics' match winning goal in their 2-1 npower League One victory at Stevenage.The 20-year-old centre back scored with a diving header from a Jonathan Grounds corner saying it was a case of work on the training ground paying off.
Tarkowski (pictured) said: "It is something we practice. We had four big men on the pitch and it was a case of one-versus-one in the box and I managed to get away from my man.
"I was happy to score because I was disappointed with their goal which came from my poor clearance so I made up for it by getting the winner."
Tarkowski added that the players and everybody at the club viewed last night's game as more important than the Everton tie in the FA Cup with Budweiser.
He said: "Staying in this league is vital for the club and until recently we have not been putting in the performances.
"We have picked up six points from the last two games and are happy with that.
"We are out of the relegation zone and we must make sure we stay out of it."
Tarkowski admitted Latics' first-half performance was very poor, but they sorted it out at half time and were much better in the second half.
He continued: "Getting the early goal helped us and put Stevenage on the back foot.
"I thought we dominated the second half and can't think of a clear-cut chance for Stevenage.
"We are on a bit of a roll as we are unbeaten in three games. We mustn't think about Everton but simply to get three points against Portsmouth on Saturday."