Philliskirk on Latics' JPT adventure
Danny Philliskirk has reiterated Latics' determination to win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.The striker (pictured) scored his third goal in this season's competition, a strike after only 13 seconds in last night's 2-0 win at Preston North End.
That followed his brace at Shrewsbury Town in the opening round.
And while a number of clubs have clearly not taken the competition seriously by fielding much-weakened sides, that is not the case for Latics.
"We're in it, to win it. There is no point taking part if you don't want to win it and we will be giving it our all," explained Philliskirk who would love to go all the way to Wembley.
Philliskirk was surprised to score so early in the game adding: "I didn't know the time, only the fact the game had only just kicked off.
"I just saw the cross come over and I managed to put it. I couldn't have asked for a better start.
"Weso (James Wesolowski) also scored not long after and to be 2-0 up early doors was great and it gives you something to hang on to when you come under the cosh which is what happened later in the game."
Philliskirk praised the spirit as injury-ravaged Latics produced a terrific display at Deepdale.
He continued: "It was nice for me to score, but the main thing was that the team won.
"We put a great effort in considering our problems and we were under the cosh in the second half, but our togetherness and team spirit shone through.
"In the first half, I thought we played some brilliant football.
"You want to score early in games as it then makes the opposition come out and that gives you more space to play in.
"We were dangerous all night going forward."
Philliskirk added he is happy with the start to his career at Boundary Park having scored three goals which makes him the club's joint top marksman alongside Adam Rooney and Charlie MacDonald.
He said: "I couldn't have asked for anything better considering where I was a few months ago to where I am now.
"I wouldn't say I was in a dark place, but things were getting to me.
"Here the manager has given me a chance, trusted me and that is all I really needed. I would like to think I have done him justice so far, but I cannot settle and need to push on and take it into further games."