First team boss Dean Holden was understandably disappointed with his side's 2-0 away defeat at Crawley Town yesterday.
Two first half goals from Izale McLeod and Richard Wood sealed victory for the Red Devils and Holden admitted his side lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.He said: "I think we have controlled the game but without affecting their goalkeeper many times. He made a good save from Jones in the first half at the free kick and a good save from Rhys [Turner] in the second half.
"We had a lot of joy around the penalty box without really creating anything. It came to a flat pancake as we had all the play but we just didn't have enough dynamic movement around the box to work their goalkeeper.
"We needed to move the ball quicker but they put a block up in front of their goal. They parked the bus and if you bang it up to Conor [Wilkinson] and Rhys [Turner] you aren't going to get anything that way so we kept trying to move it but we didn't move it quick enough to disturb their back four."
Latics welcomed back several players from injury yesterday and one that returned was captain, Liam Kelly. "It was great for him to be back out there," admitted Holden.
"Mills and James Wilson were back in but unfortunately we lost a few at the other end and we are still missing seven which is disappointing.
"Looking at the system and the players available, we thought Mills would give us the best option in there [midfield]. He's very attack-minded and creative."
Sheffield United are the visitors to SportsDirect.com Park next week and the 35-year-old is now looking for a response from his players.
"We need to bounce back. It's a challenge we keep setting the players when we have these little bad results and we have to respond.
"We have done it up to now but then we seem to have a set back and we can't go on a run. That's what we'll be working to this week; to lift the players and pick a team that will compete with Sheffield United on Saturday."
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.